By Rachel Huser
Marvel’s first installment of phase four of the cinematic universe began with a nod to 1950s American sitcoms and ended with a heart wrenching Marvel-style finale.
“WandaVision” aired its final episode of season one on Friday, March 5.
The show focuses on Wanda and Vision, two superheroes that have been part of the larger Avengers group since “Avengers: Age of Ultron”. “WandaVision” shows Vision alive and well, which contradicts his recent death in “Avengers: Infinity War.”
Fans watch the happy couple live a normal, suburban life in Westview, New Jersey. However, they quickly learn that not everyone living in the town is as happy as the main characters. Viewers soon find out that Wanda has somehow cast a protective hex around the town. No one can get in or out.
The first two episodes left me feeling discouraged and confused. Titled “Filmed Before a Live Studio Audience” and “Don’t Touch That Dial” respectively, both of these episodes are predominantly filmed in black and white and give the impression of a classic 1950s American sitcom. The theme songs also reflect the era and older fans are able to recognize the similarities to “The Dick Van Dyke Show” and “Bewitched.”
Having not grown up watching these shows, I was very confused about what was going on and was not able to appreciate the references to the older sitcoms. I had high hopes for “WandaVision” and expected an action-packed show similar to previous movies like “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Avengers: Endgame.” Despite the initial disappointment, I continued watching the show with hopes of seeing some of this action.
The third episode was a little more exciting. The setting was similar to that of “The Brady Bunch” and it is at the end of this episode when we hear a reference to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Geraldine, a friend of Wanda’s, mentions Ultron, the villain in “Avengers: Age of Ultron” and Wanda reacts to this very violently by pushing her back outside the hex.
The action I had been waiting for finally arrived in episode four “We Interrupt This Program.” This episode proved to be crucial as it started to explain what exactly had been going on in the first three episodes of the show. This is where it starts to get really good and delivers on the action-packed episodes that Marvel is known for.
The remaining six episodes follow Vision, Wanda and others as they try to figure out exactly how the hex was made. Eventually, Agnes is introduced, a witch from the Marvel comic books. After watching many YouTube videos explaining the easter eggs and theories that occur throughout every episode, it seems that some of the content in “WandaVision” is based in the comic books.
In short, after the first two episodes, “Wandavision” proved to be a successful television miniseries. Episodes three through nine were action-packed, full of Marvel Easter eggs and theories for fans like me to chew on. I rate it a 7.5/10 and definitely worth a watch if you are eager for more Marvel Cinematic Universe content.
There is no promise of a season two, but “The Falcon and Winter Soldier” was released Friday, March 19.
All episodes of “WandaVision” are available now on Disney+.
rhuser@my.dom.edu
image credit to WiredUK
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