“Call of the Woe” borrows elements from two major films, producing differing results in an episode that feels like a meddling pause from the momentum of the previous entry. A new clue sends Wednesday and all of Nevremore to the wilderness for an overnight camp excursion. However, Wednesday’s sleuthing is complicated by the presence of her parents, who volunteer to chaperone.

First, the weaker subplots. Camp Jericho becomes Camp Outcasts for the weekend. But their festivities are interrupted by a troop of Normie Boy Scouts led by Anthony Michael Hall. In true Troop Beverly Hills fashion, the two factions compete for ownership of the campsite in a game reminiscent of capture the flag. While the Normies lose this battle, they refuse to squander the war and plot a night attack. Unfortunately, their plan is foiled when Pugsley’s zombie, Slurp, breaks free from their tent and eats the Scoutmaster. Authorities are called, and Slurp is apprehended.

The stronger A-plot centers on Wednesday and her investigation into Donovan Galpin’s cabin. She discovers that he and Clay Bradbury were investigating a string of outcast murders, with each victim being a former patient at Willow Hill. With all signs pointing back to the asylum, she will need more than just her wits. To obtain her book of spells, she challenges her mother to a sacred duel. This scene borrows from Catherine Zeta-Jones’ iconic appearance in The Mask of Zorro, as she and Wednesday engage in a sword fight while blindfolded. Morticia is the victor, which devastates Wednesday. But nobody wins when the family feuds.

The episode closes on a promising note, highlighting a new patient recently transferred to Willow Hill: Ricci’s homicidal Marylin Thornhill.

Within this four-episode half, episode three feels the weakest, with emphasis on forgettable teen drama and Pugsley’s boring arc, which hopefully becomes more exciting with Slurp’s exit. Hall is fine in this cameo, which felt like just something to do in this new setting. We could have received more with Bianca and her mother. However, everything with the family was great, particularly Luis Guzman’s dad jokes aura.

Rating: 7/10