Agatha All Along, with Kathryn Hahn, is the latest from Marvel Television and is a solid Halloween watch.
Ever since Avengers: Endgame, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been scrutinized. Fans have felt that the post-Infinity Saga films and television series have lacked focus. While engaging characters have entered the equation, it’s becoming harder for fans to stay invested like they once were. The abundance of film and television content overwhelmed fans with a universe that made things hard to track. Amongst the diamonds in the rough, the Disney+ series WandaVision managed to stand out. With set-ups that only somewhat paid off in the larger universe, it still delivered an emotional story.
For those who have yet to experience the series, WandaVision tells the story of Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) living an idyllic suburban life. This includes living with her reincarnated android husband Vision (Paul Bettany) and children, creating the perfect family facade. However, her seemingly perfect life is shattered by various factors, including the enigmatic Agatha Harkness (Kathryn Hahn). Agatha, a powerful sorceress, emerges as a compelling and intriguing character, eventually revealing herself as a villain. Her unique blend of quirkiness and wickedness makes her a standout in the series, leaving the audience eager to learn more about her.
Her popularity catapulted so much that Agatha deserved her chance in the spotlight. Disney+’s new series Agatha All Along has allowed the popular witch to take center stage. After the fallout of WandaVision (and still living under Wanda’s spell in Westview), Agatha is freed by the mysterious Teen (Joe Locke). When the Teen comes to Agatha for help, she must go down the trials on the Witches Road. Her goal is to obtain her lost powers and uncover the secrets that Teen is hiding. This includes building her coven of witches and their treacherous and often terrifying trail ahead. The series blends horror and comedy, creating a unique and thrilling viewing experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Among the cavalcade of Disney+ content, Agatha All Along made viewers scratch their heads. What about this villainous character (no matter the charm Hahn brought to the role) made her deserve her own series? After four episodes, I can safely say that such a concern should be put to rest. Hahn makes Agatha funny and engaging without ever losing sight of her villainy. She’s so exciting to watch on-screen because you never know what she will do or say next, constantly stimulating the audience. That is primarily via her interactions with the rest of the supporting cast.
Those who round out Agatha’s journey make for a very engaging and exciting experience. Patti LuPone, Debra Jo Rupp, Sasheer Zamata, and Ali Ahn make up Agatha’s coven. Each actor is given just enough characterization, with their levels of charm. As Agatha has to build this motley crew, each delivers a subtle, funny entrance. It’s a perfectly comical counterbalance to Hahn, who offers a scathing quick wit. This talented supporting ensemble remains quite comedic in these episodes (Jo Rupp being particularly hilarious), but two others stand out. Joe Locke (Heartstopper) and Aubrey Plaza are scene-stealers from start to finish.
Teen (Joe Locke) is presented as an enigma to Agatha and the audience in these episodes. While serving as an enigma, Locke applies a plucky optimism. Teen’s constant upbeat positivity is infectious regardless of the scary challenges ahead. It makes audiences want to know more about him and simultaneously care for him. Aubrey Plaza, on the other hand, simply owns the screen. Applying her dry wit and a possibly villainous persona commands the audience’s attention. It’s an exciting injection of strangeness missing in the larger MCU as of late. Her particular essence, in large part, can be equated to the overall tone of Agatha All Along.
Similarly to WandaVision, Agatha All Along juggles a variety of different genres. To avoid spoilers, I will simply say that they are juggled beautifully. It’s a frequently surprising combination that injects a surprisingly fun and quick-witted energy. The horror tone is a welcome shift of focus, showing the MCU has tricks up its sleeve. These dips into different genres help to create unpredictability with serious stakes underneath. As the stakes build over these episodes, the tension (along with some hilarious moments) helps pack a punch. Granted, that is not to say that Agatha All Along is not without its problems.
Many critics of the Marvel shows have pointed to a lack of forward momentum. While some are better than others, folks still want to see the numerous worlds intersect. Those looking for that in Agatha All Along (as of now) could be left perplexed. Fans looking for the expected Pre-Avengers: Endgame) MCU Entertainment could find this too strange. Even diehard MCU fans could still have problems with the series.
Like every Disney+ show, these MCU series suffer from many strong set-ups with underwhelming payoffs. It is hard to tell what Agatha All Along may reveal over its nine episodes. Will it affect the larger MCU? Will it leave viewers emotionally stirred like WandaVision? That’s simply difficult to say. What can be said is that with this cast, I am certainly compelled to see where it goes. The wild shifts in genre make for something unique and original for this ever-expanding cinematic world.
With only four episodes, time will tell on the success of Agatha All Along. What can be said is that the show has introduced a fresh perspective. The world of horror brings a new level of excitement and intrigue into the MCU. This includes using a cast of comedic actors who use comedy in different tonal deliveries. Their humor helps add real depth to the fantastical and more horror-focused elements. Not all of the series’ big swings work (including some unnecessary filler moments), but the cast keeps things fun and exciting. In the time of the spooky season (no matter its more significant MCU ramification), Agatha All Along delivers impressive primary entertainment. More than just a piece of MCU content, it stands alone as a solid piece of Halloween entertainment. I, for one, cannot wait to see where it goes next.
Agatha All Along is now streaming weekly on Disney+.
Learn more about the show, including how to watch, at the Disney website.
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