Since its inception, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been filled with surprises. Nobody may have predicted the success of “Iron Man” again in 2008. Then, after the Avengers had been assembled, there was no strategy to inform that the Guardians of the Galaxy can be the following huge superhero staff. Now, they’re so well-known that there are two theme park sights based mostly on their adventures. And relating to “WandaVision,” the primary Marvel Studios present to debut on the then-brand new streaming service Disney+, who would have thought that Agatha Harkness can be among the many largest breakout characters from the solid? Although she is steeped in Marvel historical past because of connections to the Incredible 4 and Wanda Maximoff, the {powerful} witch was a comparatively obscure piece of the Marvel puzzle till Kathryn Hahn introduced her to life within the 2021 streaming sequence. True Believers merely fell in love with the villainous spell-caster because of the acclaimed actor’s charismatic efficiency and one hell of a theme music. A lot so in actual fact that the architects of the MCU deemed it becoming to offer her a by-product. And now, simply in time for the Halloween season, we lastly have the prospect to take a look at “Agatha All Alongside.”
Set three years after the Scarlet Witch’s Westview anomaly, AKA The Hex, the miniseries picks up with Hahn’s Harkness trapped within the spell solid by her rival. However quite than simply being sentenced to life as a nosy neighbor, the once-powerful magic consumer was dwelling out her personal TV present in a similar way to Wanda’s personal time within the city. That’s, till she is damaged out of the trance by some sudden elements. Together with her recollections restored, Harkness assembles her personal staff to assist her regain the ability she as soon as possessed.
To cite one other breakout MCU character from Disney+ that unexpectedly caught with followers (Madisynn King from “She-Hulk: Legal professional At Regulation”), the primary two episodes of “Agatha All Alongside” had been “enjoyable, then scary, then enjoyable once more, then spooky, however in a enjoyable method.” Whereas that virtually covers it fairly succinctly, a part of what makes this present so good is how intricately issues are woven collectively by sequence creator Jac Schaeffer and firm. The staff expertly bridges the hole between this present and “WandaVision” by using the same thematic factor the place Agatha can be dwelling in a world modeled after iconic TV reveals. However as a substitute of sitcoms, we’re coping with crime dramas, significantly “True Detective.” Though, this doesn’t proceed to the purpose the place we’re simply retreading the identical path. We get allusions to the unique present scattered all through some exposition, then we’re thrust proper into the brand new journey. With solely 9 episodes within the run, there’s no time to waste on too many cumbersome callbacks and recycled references.
However isn’t that what makes an awesome spinoff? Exhibits like “Star Trek: The Subsequent Era,” “Mork and Mindy,” and “Frasier” shortly set up their very own agenda so as to separate themselves from what got here earlier than. Whereas “Agatha All Alongside” might not be in the identical league as these seminal sequence simply but, we’re off to an awesome begin. The primary two episodes carry collectively an eclectic solid of each previous and new characters and thrust them into motion. After all, not every little thing is revealed up entrance, as a rising assortment of mysteries is sprinkled all through these chapters as nicely. What’s the take care of Joe Locke’s character, who’s at the moment solely often called Teen? Who’s Nicholas Scratch? Why is Agatha being pursued by the Salem Seven? What unknown risks await the coven on The Witches’ Highway? And can Mephisto lastly seem within the Marvel Cinematic Universe? Okay, perhaps that final one isn’t that essential, however it will likely be thrilling to see how the solutions to the opposite questions are uncovered because the story progresses.
Regardless of the varied tales depicting magic within the MCU up to now, “Agatha All Alongside” feels totally different than its predecessors. That might have quite a bit to do with the dimensions of this story as a TV present versus a film, the caliber of solid (together with standouts like the outstanding Aubrey Plaza as Rio Vidal and the legendary Patti LuPone as Lilia Calderu), Hahn’s magnetic presence, and even the unsettling pursuit of the Salem Seven that actually performs into the horror/supernatural parts of the story. Nevertheless it actually is the thriller that may preserve audiences tuning in. And we’re not simply speaking concerning the plot. “Agatha All Alongside” and the character of Agatha Harkness aren’t essentially slowed down by a long time of well-known mythology. This present seems like one of many MCU’s extra unique initiatives and one that may even be a simple jumping-on level for these trying to take a look at the waters with the Home of Concepts. Time will inform if that assertion holds true by the point the season (or sequence?) finale on October 30, however to this point it looks as if it will likely be an thrilling journey to get there whether or not you’re a long-time Marvel fan or not.
Rating: 4/5
New episodes of “Agatha All Alongside” debut on Disney+ each Wednesday at 6:00pm PST.
