Mae Martin’s Wayward Netflix Series Review: Featuring Toni Collette

I’ve always been a huge fan of Mae Martin, from their stand-up comedy to their work on Taskmaster and The Flight Attendant. So naturally, I was excited to check out their new series on Netflix called Wayward. But I have to be honest—it didn’t quite hit the mark for me.

In Wayward, Mae Martin plays Alex Dempsey, a trans police officer who moves to a small town called Tall Pines, Vermont, with their wife, Laura (played by Sarah Gadon). The town is home to a school for troubled teens, founded by hippies in the ’60s and ’70s. As Alex and Laura navigate their new surroundings, they uncover dark secrets about the school and its leader, Evelyn Wade (played by Toni Collette).

While the premise of the show is intriguing, the execution falls flat. The plot moves at a snail’s pace, with little excitement or intrigue to keep viewers engaged. The only saving grace is Toni Collette, who delivers a standout performance despite the lackluster writing.

Unfortunately, Wayward relies too heavily on Mae Martin’s involvement and goodwill, failing to deliver a compelling storyline or engaging characters. While the show attempts to draw parallels to real-world political dynamics, it ultimately misses the mark with its slow pacing and uninspired plot twists.

In the end, Wayward is a missed opportunity that fizzles out before it can truly captivate its audience. If you’re a fan of Mae Martin or Toni Collette, you may find moments to enjoy in the series. But overall, it falls short of expectations and fails to deliver on its promising premise.