‘WandaVision’ Recap: A Tale of Two Rambeaus! (Episode 4)
What if Wanda and Vision got the week off? In their best episode yet the team behind WandaVision proved that they can bring the biggest Marvel moments to the small screen.
Today, we’re recapping episode four of WandaVision (expect new recaps every week).
*Please note: spoilers for episode 4 of WandaVision below
Episode 4: What Had Happened Was…
Holy BLIP! After weeks of building, WandaVision kicked our front teeth in. Starting with the terror of hundreds of people blipping back in a hospital, episode four expands the show giving its viewers an informative look at the past, and present. Tony’s legendary sacrifice played out in a single hospital building was terrifying. A stark (pun intended) contrast from the comedy vibes the series has established so far.
This episode is seriously packed with so much important info. The past formation of S.W.O.R.D. (Sentient Weapon Observation Response Division), Maria Rambeau’s connection to the organization, Geraldine’s true identity (Monica Rambeau), plus a ton of screen time for Jimmy Woo played by the marvelous Randall Park and the return of fan-favorite Darcy Lewis brought to life by the amazing Kat Dennings. Episode four is a full-on Marvel side character power play. What’s surprising is how central Monica is to the entire story. S.W.O.R.D.’s involvement only happens after Monica is sucked into Wanda’s world.
Attempts from the outside world fail as drones, a manned mission, and radio calls fall flat. Many of the strange events from episodes one through three were explained through episode four’s back story. The action picks up when the S.W.O.R.D. team starts hunting down the identities of the individual Westview residents. As the episode goes on we see how the rewind and signal cuts played out to viewers of the TV signal. The peak moment was the reveal of episode three’s cut content. Watching Wanda drop the act and verbally intimidate Monica was intense. The shifts in the aspect ratio amplified everything making it the stand out moment for the series thus far.
MCU Threads & Marvel Connections
Why is “the Westview anomaly” in the shape of a hexagon? That same shape can be seen framing Wanda and Vision’s faces in the intro and outro credits too. In the past, Wanda’s mutant powers have been described as “hex-powers” before she got the reality splitting upgrades. Wanda’s original powers can be best explained as a bad luck version of Domino, but over the years the skill set evolved into that of a world-breaking witch. She is now so powerful in the MCU that outside items adjust to the era of her TV times. The S.W.O.R.D. hazmat suit becomes a beekeeper outfit, drones become toy helicopters, and Vision appears to be walking around in his very dead Synthezoid body. Creepy.
On the lighter side of connections, Jimmy Woo did a neat little card trick to summon his FBI business card. If it seems familiar, it was last shown off in the MCU by one Scott Lang. Here’s hoping that Lang’s lasting legacy is introducing Jimmy to close-up magic. Another great nod was Maria Rambeau founding S.W.O.R.D. just like Peggy Carter founded S.H.I.E.L.D. The MCU is built on the strength of some badass women no doubt.
Going out on a far limb, we could see “The Westview Anomaly” give birth to Mutants and Inhumans alike. Future Disney+ series Ms. Marvel stars a young girl from…New Jersey and guess what folks? The events of WandaVision are happening in Westview, New Jersey. Looking at casting, it has been confirmed that Monica Rambeau and Ms. Marvel will both appear in Captain Marvel 2.
Now let’s get to the creation part, I’ve theorized that the TV world came to be with Wanda’s attempt to respect Vision and subsequently the Mind Stone. That level of power could have created this break. The entire show within the show could be all about reconstructing Vision somehow. Let’s say by the series end she tries to bring him back again, maybe this time with help, could that level of magical reality power lead to a “House of M” style event. Imagine the famous “No More Mutants” moment but in reverse. What if her desire to resurrect Vision leads to a boon in powered people. Wanda is about to make all the mutants.
The Futurist
Speculation time! I’d expect more attempts by S.W.O.R.D. and friends to enter Wanda’s world. We will likely see the first attempt to escape from the inside as well. Keep an eye on Vision, it’s a solid bet that he won’t be on “Team Maximoff” much longer. The biggest remaining mystery is who the heck Agnes will eventually be. It’s no coincidence that she is the only Westview neighbor to have no confirmed identity. Calling back to episode one Agnes appears with a solution to any and every problem Wanda has. In episode three, Agnes was the one keeping Herb in line, stopping him from warning and waking up Vision.
Before we go we have to ask, will this show have a villain? Does it need one? And is Wanda the “Big Bad” or is Agnes undercover as some other comics threat coming to life in the MCU? Either way, this show is very good and with only four episodes out it has become an essential piece of the MCU.
Listen to our podcast here:
Episode 4 of WandaVision is streaming now exclusively on Disney+!
P.S. Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation sounds like the scientific name for what your food gets when you microwave in the styrofoam container (which you shouldn’t).
