WandaVision

By Helena Lieu

October 2021

This article contains spoilers for the events and finale for 'WandaVision'.

Marvel's studios recaptures audiences in Wandavision, a 9-episode spinoff around characters Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) and Vision (Paul Bettany) in that classically-creative Marvel style storytelling. The first three episodes are set in sitcoms based around 50s, 60s and 70s style of television, establishing the antics and relationships between a Chaos Magic-wielding woman who's new to the neighborhood and her husband, the awkwardly lovable synthetic superhuman. You know, normal sitcom stuff.

The series takes a turn when it is revealed that Wanda herself, the Scarlet Witch, has created this sitcom reality, entrapping the citizens of Westview in a traumatizing mind-controlled state. Outside this reality, or "The Hex", as Darcy Lewis (Kat Dennings) names it, Monica Ranbeau (Teyonnah Parris), Darcy, and Jimmy Woo (Randall Park) investigate the truth of what the Hex really is and how to help Wanda Maximoff and her involuntarily casted actors. I appreciate the humanity and realism that each character displays, no matter how small of a role they played, showing time and effort crafted each person instead of haphazardly throwing stock characters together. This is especially seen in the beautifully-crafted backstory of Wanda Maximoff and the growing bond between her and Vision during the events of Endgame. However, considering the relatively small cast compared to other Marvel works, I am looking forward to Jimmy and Darcy's characters to be expanded on, rather than used for comic relief or ex-machina schemes.

Speaking of needing to be expanded on, one of the antagonists of the series (apart from Wanda herself), is Agatha Harkness (Kathryn Hahn), a witch playing along with Wanda's sitcom reality under the name Agnes, her upbeat, somewhat overbearing neighbor who pops up in situations with too-perfect timing. It is revealed in Episode 7, "Breaking the Fourth Wall", that while she was playing this role she was also pulling the strings "all along", and the audience discovers her past as an extremely power-hungry witch who escaped death at the Salem Witch Trials. Though her personality is mischievous and alluring, paired with a kickass aesthetic design, I thought it lacked depth, particularly for one of the villains of the show. How does the betrayal of her coven lead to the need to rely on Wanda? Judging from how her fate was sealed to play the role of Agnes for eternity, I doubt she will be able to reappear and answer, leaving me a little disappointed.

Such complaints are just small divots in my experience watching WandaVision, as the plot, method of storytelling and character development of the main characters are remarkably refreshing and well-needed in this time of overused storylines and predictable shows. And only in nine 25-minute episodes! Although just a "casual" Marvel enjoyer, I can say with confidence that WandaVision raises my expectations on future TV shows produced and the ever-improving ways Marvel transforms modern storytelling.