WandaVisionbecame the very first Marvel Studios TV show to be released in theMarvel Cinematic Universe, and though it’s widely regarded as one of the best, the disconnect between expectations and execution left a bad taste in my mouth — one that carries over toAgatha All Along.WandaVisionwas an excellently constructed show, and though it fell apart a bit in the final episodes, it was a compelling exploration of Wanda Maximoff as she became the Scarlet Witch. However, much of the discussion around the show was about its impact on the MCU, and would it introduce Mephisto?
Cast
I recount all this because there is much the same discussion now surroundingAgatha All Along. Will the show resurrectScarlet Witch after her death inDoctor Strange in the Multiverse Of Madness’sclimactic moments? IsJoe Locke playing Billy Kaplan, one of Wanda Maximoff’s sons from Marvel Comics?
I’ll admit, I’ve gotten swept up in the fervor and excitement about whatAgatha All Alongcould mean for the MCU, especially because I’ve been critical of how quickly Marvel executed Scarlet Witch’s villain turn and demise, and I would like to see Elizabeth Olsen return for a true redemption story. Going intoAgatha All Along, I had high hopes — both for its quality as a TV show and for its impact on the MCU.
Agatha All Along’s First 4 Episodes Don’t Make A Case For It Being Necessary MCU Viewing
After watching the first four episodes ofAgatha All Along, I find myself frustrated with Marvel and their seeming reluctance to make their TV shows matter in a way the movies do. During Marvel’s Infinity Saga, there was a kind of unwritten agreement between Marvel and viewers. If we watched all the movies, Marvel would reward us by ensuring our time was not wasted. I’m not alone in feeling that agreement has been betrayed during the Multiverse Saga, particularly by Marvel’s series.
Once I looked past my expectations, I found thatAgatha All Alongis genuinely entertaining television.
Though I tried to keep my expectations tempered going intoAgatha All Along, so I could view it on its own merits (and I’ll get to that, I promise), I was reminded all over again of Marvel not holding up their end of the deal and wondering if I would be disappointed again. Unfortunately for you and me, I’ve only seen the first four episodes, so I can’t say for certain whether it’s necessary Marvel viewing yet. It’s difficult to say whether it’s an essential next chapter in the story or a tangent about Kathryn Hahn’s scene-stealing character.
For my part, I’m trying not to get my hopes up too high, and I would recommend the same to others. Once I looked past my expectations, I found thatAgatha All Alongis genuinely entertaining television. It may not fully escape the shadow of the MCU and the anticipation inherent in being a Marvel Studios release, but it delivers a fun show that’s perfect for spooky season.
Agatha All Along Is A Very Fun, Witchy Marvel Show
Led By Kathryn Hahn, The Marvel Series Has A Cast Stacked With An Abundance Of Talent
Agatha All Alongsees the return ofWandaVisioncreator Jac Schaeffer, now officially in the showrunner role (which Marvel has not had on many previous MCU shows), and sets off to tell the story of Agatha Harkness (Kathryn Hahn). The series begins much likeWandaVision, with Agatha trapped in a pastiche of HBO’sMare of Easttown, and tasked with solving the murder of an unidentified body. However, once freed from her delusion, Agatha discovers she’s alone and powerless, and she’s convinced by a mysterious Teen (Joe Locke) to take a trip onthe Witches' Roadto reclaim her power.
Agatha All Along’sbiggest strengths are Schaeffer’s writing and the cast bringing the scripts to life.
Joining Agatha on her journey are otherwitches in the Marvel Universe, including Lilia Calderu (Patti LuPone), Jennifer Kale (Sasheer Zamata), Alice Wu-Gulliver (Ali Ahn) and Rio Vidal (Aubrey Plaza).Agatha All Along’sbiggest strengths are Schaeffer’s writing and the cast bringing the scripts to life. The show peels back the layers of not only Agatha, but of all the cast’s characters, offering a great deal of compelling insight into the entire coven.
Certainly, it’s a special kind of delight to watch the legendary LuPone interact with Hahn, Locke, Plaza, and the rest of the cast. There isn’t a weak link among them, and the writing is so well-balanced, it delves into all the characters — even Debra Jo Rupp’s Sharon Davis — in unexpected ways.Agatha All Alongappears to be another excellent character exploration from Schaeffer, and I’m excited to see what unfolds in the remaining five episodes.
All told,Agatha All Alongis the perfect show to watch for any Marvel fan who’s also a lover of Halloween. There are some pretty deep cuts to the Marvel lore, and plenty of spookiness that pushes the series into the realm of horror in a way the MCU hasn’t done sinceMultiverse of MadnessorWerewolf By Night. While it remains to be seen whetherAgatha All Alongcan deliver on the expectations laid out by fans, including me, for the time being, I’m enjoying the journey on the Witches' Road.
Agatha All Alongepisodes 1 and 2 are now streaming on Disney+.
Agatha All Along
Agatha Harkness, after the events of “WandaVision,” seeks to regain her magical powers. Joining forces with unexpected allies, including the son of an old adversary, she battles new mystical threats while uncovering hidden secrets in the magical realm.
