Wellington Paranormal Review: The Not Ness Monster (Season 2 Episode 1)
Wellington Paranormal Season 2 Episode 1, “The Not Ness Monster,” is a solid entry into the show’s sophomore outing. That being said, its overall pacing is the series’ most inconsistent thus far.
“The Not Ness Monster” spends the first half slowly building to the episode’s climax in the second act.
Normally, inconsistent pacing can be enough to annoy even the casual viewer, but the ending makes it all worth it. You’d be hard-pressed to find a half-baked moment on this show.
It’s “Go big or go home” on Wellington Paranormal, especially if it involves two massive sea beasts copulating.
One notable difference between “The Not Ness Monster” and last season is the addition of Thomas Sainsbury as the bumbling Parker. Sainsbury seamlessly fits right in with our core cast. Much like O’Leary, Minogue, and Maaka, there’s an endearing, buffoonish quality to his character.
Parker: I don’t know exactly what I’m meant to do, but I know it’s really important. This is proof that I can work independently, and that I can be entrusted with work by myself.
Parker almost outshines the main trio, namely when he belts out his version of a “siren song.” Sainsbury’s clearly-honed comedic gifts perfectly suit the tone of Wellington Paranormal.
But he isn’t the only standout in this episode.
While the show has always boasted hilarious guest stars (Nick from the What We Do in the Shadows film springs to mind), “The Not Ness Monster” kicks it up a notch with memorable performances from Jason Hoyte as the enigmatic Captain Quinn and Byron Coll as the “Unhelpful Fisherman.”
Wellington Paranormal cleverly plays with running gags, both with the main cast and the supporting cast. Some of them are surprisingly graphic but never gratuitous.
The continuous joke regarding the Unhelpful Fisherman’s severed limbs is one of the strongest in the episode.
MAAKA: He was on a need-to-know basis, and um, maybe he did need to know a bit more.
In addition to the top-tier writing and brilliant comedic performances, “The Not Ness Monster” also shines a light on Māori mythology by diving into taniwha and their place in Wellington’s ledger.
It’s such a wonderful way to highlight the importance of Māori stories and their cultural significance.
“The Not Ness Monster” overcomes off-kilter pacing to showcase one of the series’ strangest and most delightful endings. Minogue, O’Leary, and Maaka’s well-intentioned efforts coupled with their hysterical ignorance continue to serve as the crux of the show.
Here’s to a (hopefully) weird and equally wonderful season.
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Wellington Paranormal airs Sundays at 9/8c on The CW.
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Melody McCune
Melody loves TV. Maybe too much. Besides being a Senior Writer for Tell-Tale TV, she's the Managing Editor for Geek Girl Authority, an Independent Contractor for Sideshow Collectibles, and a Senior Writer for Eulalie Magazine. Additionally, she has bylines in Culturess, Widget, and inkMend on Medium. To top it all off, she's a critic for Rotten Tomatoes and CherryPicks.