I’ve been putting off watching “Wayward,” Mae Martin’s new mystery-thriller series with Toni Collette and Alyvia Alyn Lind, even though it’s been trending on Netflix since it premiered last month. The reason? I’m terrified of everything—especially mystery thrillers, and even more so when they’re set in the woods of New England.
But today, I finally faced my fears. Here’s every single thought that went through my head while watching Season 1, Episode 1.
The sound of toads croaking is oddly soothing.
It’s 2003? That feels like the scariest year ever.
Even though I know the glass breaking is just on the show, I’m still jumpy.
What’s this person running from?
A tornado siren? Really?
Is this some kind of hippie cult?
How are they breathing underwater?
I miss my lighthearted romantic comedies.
Okay, now we’re in the present day.
I like the fantasy that you can live in Vancouver without any money.
Do teenage girls today actually care about the Beatles?
Why do these popular girls dress like they’re in “Clueless”?
Seriously, what year is this supposed to be?
This show is making me nostalgic for being a teenage misfit with one friend who skipped class a lot (though unlike Leila and Abbie, I had no idea where to get weed in high school).
Finally, Toni Collette!
She’s running some kind of therapeutic school in the Vermont woods?
Leila, that sounds like trouble!
I didn’t realize how much I missed Toni Collette being eerie since “Hereditary” (and “United States of Tara,” too).
Mae Martin listening to Weezer in the car? That’s my kind of person.
Oh no, a cute queer pregnant couple—don’t move into a creepy, abandoned house in the middle of nowhere. Haven’t you seen a horror movie before?
I hope this show takes a dark turn and ends with Leila and Abbie taking down some creepy old guy they met online.
Is Mae a state trooper? Or a park ranger? Or something else?
What happened with Mae in Detroit?
If a cop says their “response was not ideal,” it probably means someone died, right?
Also, is Mae meant to be using he/him pronouns? Or is this other cop just clueless calling them a “good dude”?
I think it’s the latter.
Yikes, it’s the person running from the beginning of the episode!
Maybe an escapee from Tall Pines?
He’s just a teenager and possibly in danger, and of course the cops aren’t concerned.
Clearly, Toni’s character runs this town.
I’m already worried about what might happen to Mae’s sweet, innocent pregnant wife.
I can’t get enough of Toni biking through town with a backpack full of kale.
Wait, what is Toni handing Mae? She said she “made it from scratch,” but is it soap? Muffins?
Adults really are so awkward.
I’m 32, and watching teens argue with their parents on TV still gives me anxiety.
Yes, let’s talk about testosterone!
“You never imagine the father of your kid looking like Macaulay Culkin in Home Alone.” That made me laugh.
It’s comforting to see kids still getting into trouble with drugs and photocopying their faces. Some things never change.
Oh no, Abbie’s being sent to Tall Pines!
And her messed-up family is okay with it!
Everyone should contact their representatives about the horrors of the troubled teen industry.
Now the runaway kid is in Mae’s house??
That’s a pretty nasty knife wound.
Nothing is scarier than Toni Collette saying, “Welcome to Tall Pines.”
Great choice of Blue Oyster Cult for the outro music, show
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about the article Here are 46 thoughts that crossed my mind while watching the first episode of Wayward on Netflix
General Beginner Questions
Q What is this article about
A Its a personal running commentary of one viewers immediate thoughts and reactions while watching the first episode of the Netflix show Wayward
Q Is this a formal review of the show
A No its not a traditional review Its more like a casual unfiltered braindump of someones impressions questions and feelings as they watch
Q Do I need to have seen Wayward to understand the article
A Its highly recommended The thoughts are directly tied to specific moments characters and visuals in the episode so it will make much more sense if youve seen it
Q Is the article positive or negative about the show
A Its a mix The 46 thoughts likely include everything from praise and excitement to confusion criticism and humorous observations
Q How long is the article
A The title tells us it contains exactly 46 distinct thoughts so its a listiclestyle article of moderate length
Content Style Questions
Q What kind of thoughts are included
A You can expect a wide range such as questions about the plot reactions to acting comments on the setting predictions for the series and even random funny observations
Q Does the article contain spoilers for the first episode
A Yes absolutely Since it details specific moments from the episode it is full of spoilers
Q Is the author a professional critic
A The titles casual tone suggests its probably written by a casual viewer or a blogger not necessarily a formal critic
Q Whats the benefit of reading someones random thoughts like this
A It can make you feel like youre watching the show with a friend help you see details you might have missed or just be entertaining if you share similar reactions
Q Does the article give a summary of the plot
A Not directly The plot is revealed through the authors reactions and questions not in a structured summary
Practical Advanced Questions