WandaVision Season1 Review

Season1 Episode 3

Wanda’s (Elizabeth Olsen) pregnancy accelerates inexplicably, shifting the episode to full color reminiscent of shows like The Brady Bunch. As the couple grapples with Wanda’s sudden pregnancy, Vision (Paul Bettany) tries to be a supportive partner, but they are both caught off guard. Wanda manages to keep things light, but the arrival of Geraldine (Teyonah Parris) disrupts their marital bliss, plunging them into chaos.

The episode further blurs the lines between illusion and reality, unraveling the mysteries of Westview. Wanda’s rapid pregnancy, along with the odd behavior of Agnes (Kathryn Hahn) and Herb (David Peyton), adds to the growing sense of unease. As Geraldine triggers memories of Wanda’s past, the ambiguity deepens, leaving viewers questioning what is real. The sudden arrival of twin boys only adds to the confusion, raising doubts about the nature of reality within Wanda’s imagination.

With the plot intensifying in the final minutes, the episode sets the stage for further developments. As a first act for the season, these episodes have successfully built intrigue, blending sitcom humor with serious drama. Despite the idyllic setting, the show maintains a sense of suspense, keeping viewers engaged in its unusual and captivating narrative.

Season1 Episode 4

The episode takes us back to the recent past with Geraldine, also known as Captain Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris), reappearing in the real world after ‘The Blip’. Unaware of the events during her absence, she is shocked to learn of her mother Maria’s death three years ago. Three weeks later, Monica meets with SWORD’s acting director Tyler Hayward (Josh Stamberg), who informs her that she is now restricted to terrestrial missions according to her late mother’s protocols. Monica is tasked with investigating a missing person’s case in WestView, a town harboring secrets from the outside world.

Meanwhile, Kat Dennings returns as Darcy Lewis, now working as an astrophysicist for SWORD, and collaborates with FBI Agent James ‘Jimmy’ Woo (Randall Park) to unravel the mysteries of WestView. They tap into the frequencies of Wanda’s sitcom world, but are baffled by what they discover.

As the episode shifts to SWORD’s perspective, it sheds light on the extent of Wanda’s anomaly in WestView. Some of the inexplicable events seen in the past episodes are clarified as SWORD attempts to breach the town, revealing how Wanda has kept them at bay. The meta tone adds depth to the narrative, but leaves larger questions unanswered. A notable moment features a ‘zombie’ Vision, replaced swiftly by Wanda with a ‘perfect’ version she has created. Elizabeth Olsen’s performance evokes both chills and heartbreak, leaving viewers to ponder the extent of Wanda’s control over reality.

If the first three episodes intrigued you, this one will captivate your attention, ensuring your investment in the rest of the season. With the training wheels off, director Matt Shakman and mastermind Kevin Feige immerse viewers into the bizarre world of the MCU.

Season1 Episode 5

Now that the truth is out, the episode shifts between Wanda’s reality and the real world. In WestView, now transformed into an 80s sitcom, Wanda and Vision find themselves dealing with their newborn twins, Billy and Tommy, who prove to be quite a handful. Wanda’s powers don’t seem to affect them, but Agnes conveniently arrives to offer assistance, triggering suspicion in Vision. Meanwhile, the twins rapidly age themselves from babies to 5-year-olds.

In the real world, Monica Rambeau, the sole person to escape WestView thus far, undergoes analysis by SWORD. During a debriefing with Darcy Lewis and Jimmy Woo, they ponder Wanda’s motivations with SWORD director Tyler Hayward, who reveals Wanda’s intrusion into the SWORD facility to steal Vision’s corpse. As the debate over Wanda’s intentions continues, the twins age themselves up to ten years in the Hex.

The illusion surrounding Wanda’s world begins to unravel as Monica, Darcy, and Jimmy grasp the workings of the Hex. Meanwhile, Vision grows wary of Wanda’s true intentions, questioning how she revived him without the Mind Stone. Despite Wanda’s efforts to maintain her utopia and protect it at all costs, her confrontation with Vision reveals her manipulation of real people within WestView. Their intense interaction leads to the shocking reappearance of Wanda’s brother Pietro, portrayed by Evan Peters, signaling a potential crossover between different Marvel franchises and universes. This development promises an intriguing shift in the show’s dynamics and hints at the possibility of other Marvel characters entering this alternate reality.

Season1 Episode 6

In this episode, themed after ‘Malcolm in the Middle’, the dynamics of Wanda’s family come to the forefront, with Tommy, Billy, and Pietro taking center stage alongside her. As they celebrate Halloween within the hex, they don their classic costumes, hinting at their eventual superhero identities. Meanwhile, tensions rise between Wanda and Vision as he prioritizes the neighborhood watch over spending time with their kids. Pietro steps in, adding a new layer of intrigue by embracing his Quicksilver persona.

Outside the hex, Hayward continues to assert his authority, prompting Monica, Darcy, and Jimmy to question his aggressive approach. They uncover Hayward’s hidden agenda, highlighted by a surreal reference to the film ‘Kick-ass’. Amidst these revelations, strange incidents, like an animated advert, raise questions about the nature of Wanda’s reality.

As Vision ventures beyond the hex, he encounters a chilling sight: individuals trapped in a state of limbo at its outskirts. Agnes’s cryptic remarks further deepen the mystery surrounding Vision’s existence. Meanwhile, Monica’s exposure to the hex begins to transform her, hinting at her evolution into a superhero.

The episode reaches a crucial juncture when Vision begins to disintegrate upon leaving the hex. Wanda’s swift action to expand its boundaries ensnares military agents, including Darcy, underscoring the dire consequences of Vision’s departure.

With the Halloween episode unraveling significant developments, ‘WandaVision’ delves deeper into Marvel lore, setting the stage for the emergence of the next generation of Avengers.

Season1 Episode 7

In the seventh episode of Wandavision, the hexed sitcom reality ventures into the 2000s era. The episode adopts a fourth-wall-breaking approach reminiscent of shows like Arrested Development, Parks & Rec, Modern Family, and The Office. Wanda, feeling guilty about the hex expansion, subjects herself to a ‘quarantine-style staycation,’ while reality around her becomes increasingly erratic, with objects glitching into different versions from the past. Vision encounters a circus troupe at the hex’s edge, including Darcy Lewis, and seeks answers about their situation. Meanwhile, Wanda struggles to provide explanations to her sons about their missing father, displaying growing confusion.

Agnes arrives to give Wanda some space, but Wanda’s facade of composure crumbles as her distress becomes apparent. Monica and Jimmy learn of Hayward’s plan to revive Vision and attempt to re-enter the Hex, facing resistance from its powers. Vision and Darcy try to return home but encounter obstacles along the way. Monica confronts Wanda, leading to a tense confrontation where Wanda’s powers are challenged. Agnes then lures Wanda to her basement, revealing herself as Agatha Harkness, the mastermind behind the Hex’s mysteries. Despite Pietro’s absence, the mid-credits scene hints at further developments.

This episode unravels the truth behind the Hex, with Elizabeth Olsen delivering a compelling performance as Wanda reaches her breaking point. Kathyrn Hahn shines in her role as Agatha Harkness, setting the stage for a dramatic reveal. Marvel’s strategic storytelling pays off, setting the stage for the final episodes of the season. Wandavision continues to captivate audiences, showcasing Marvel’s dominance in the entertainment landscape.

Season1 Episode 8

As anticipated, the episode delves into Agatha Harkness’s backstory (portrayed by Kathryn Hahn) in Salem, Massachusetts, circa 1963. Facing punishment for practicing dark magic and betraying her coven, Agatha absorbs their life essence, leaving them as withered husks, including her own mother. In the present, Wanda (played by Elizabeth Olsen) confronts Agatha in the basement but is overpowered as Agatha controls the environment with runes. Agatha seeks to uncover the source of Wanda’s power, leading to a journey through Wanda’s past, including her family, encounters with an infinity stone, and her relationship with Vision. The episode sheds light on Wanda’s origins and her true abilities, challenging existing theories and showcasing the remarkable performances of Hahn and Olsen. Hahn’s portrayal is sinister yet subtly humorous, while Olsen effectively portrays Wanda’s grief and resilience, highlighting the Scarlet Witch’s formidable presence. The episode skillfully navigates Marvel’s mythology, keeping viewers engaged and subverting expectations.

Season1 Episode 9

Continuing from the previous episode, Agatha Harkness holds Wanda’s twin boys hostage, leading to a confrontation where Wanda’s powers are absorbed by Agatha as planned. Despite being weakened, Wanda faces Agatha while White Vision attacks Agatha, with Vision intervening just in time to save her. The two Visions battle, while Wanda deals with Agatha. Meanwhile, Monica Rambeau is held captive by Fietro.

Agatha reveals the existence of the Book of the Damned, known as ‘The Darkhold,’ which contains a chapter on the Scarlet Witch, stating that Wanda’s chaos magic surpasses that of the Sorcerer Supreme. Wanda demonstrates her newfound powers by outsmarting Agatha with a rune-based trap. Despite losing her created reality, her twin boys, and her version of Vision, Wanda embraces her role as the most powerful magical being in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The emotionally satisfying series finale marks a significant journey from the perplexing pilot episode. The carefully paced narrative, orchestrated by Kevin Feige and showrunner Matt Shakman, gradually unveils the intricacies over the nine-episode arc. ‘WandaVision’ blends humor, mystery, and even horror, pushing the boundaries of typical Marvel storytelling. Elizabeth Olsen, Kathyrn Hahn, and Paul Bettany deliver multifaceted performances, providing deeper insight into their characters. ‘WandaVision’ not only sets the stage for the MCU’s future but also elevates Scarlet Witch and Vision as pivotal Avengers. Additionally, it introduces new heroes like Monica Rambeau, Tommy, and Billy, whose stories will intersect with future Marvel projects. Fans are likely to reconsider their opinions of Wanda Maximoff and Vision after witnessing their transformative journey in ‘WandaVision.’