WandaVision
The Marvel Cinematic Universe’s first attempt at an episodic series pays off wonderfully with WandaVision. Ever since the first two episodes were released on Disney+ in January, the fan community has been awash with all manner theories speculating where the show and the future of the MCU could go. And now that the final episode (fittingly titled The Series Finale) has aired, viewers have certainly been left with a lot to talk about.
The show centres around Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) and Vision (Paul Bettany), who have switched their superhero day jobs for the idyllic suburban lifestyle. Their life is like something from a sitcom and that’s exactly how the programme presents itself. Each episode (excluding some spoiler-heavy exceptions) is modelled on classic sitcoms throughout the decades from the 50s all the way to the 2010s – they’re even complete with their own period-appropriate and infectiously catchy title sequences. WandaVision takes a very meta approach to its execution and it’s both hilarious and ingenious in how it uses the sitcom tropes to enhance the larger narrative at hand.
The first two episodes have a darkly mysterious air to them reminiscent of Twin Peaks and Twilight Zone. However, the plot thickens after a bombshell mid-season reveal and the tone shifts to a more conventional Marvel affair. Though it would’ve been fascinating to see what the showrunners could’ve achieved if they stuck to the original vibe for a little longer, there are still plenty of oddities and surprise reveals to keep fans tuned in to Wanda’s show. To elaborate on any of the later plot beats would be unfair to those who haven’t had a chance to see it yet, so this review won’t. Though it would also be a disservice not to highlight scene-stealing performances from Kathryn Hahn as nosey neighbour Agnes and a returning character last seen in Thor: The Dark World.
WandaVision scratches the big-budget superhero itch we’ve had for a while. Its sharp and character rich writing and exhilarating action exemplifies everything the MCU does right, but it also suffers from similar weaknesses as other entries. Namely, a lacklustre villain and not going deep enough into its themes of grief to make the most of its tender moments, which it’s not short on either. Though, an open-ended conclusion opens the door wide to a bright future for the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Andrew Murray
WandaVision is now available to stream in its entirety on Disney+
Watch the trailer for WandaVision here:
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