[Author’s note: The first four episodes of Agatha All Along were available for review.]
Ever since Kathryn Hahn appeared on the television screen as Agatha Harkness for the first time, it was easy to pay attention only to her instead of the superhero business happening in WandaVision. However, while the first Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) show on Disney+ focused on the shallow aspects of the character, Agatha All Along dives deep into why this extremely charismatic witch is more than just a villain. The latest installment of the MCU on Disney+ opens with the titular character still trapped inside her mind after her confrontation with Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen).
The latest illusion conjured up for Agatha turns out to be a criminal drama based on Mare of Easttown. But more than a tribute to an engaging story, this homage reminds audiences just how much this corner of the MCU loves television. Jac Schaeffer was the creator of Agatha All Along, after her work on WandaVision. Just like the story featuring Wanda, this new series isn’t ashamed to laugh at itself while praising television as a medium. More often than not, these superhero shows tend to feel like six-hour-long movies chopped at random intervals. But that isn’t the case for the structure of Agatha’s journey.
It must be mentioned how much fun Hahn is allowed to have in the role this time around. Sure, Agatha was a charismatic antagonist in WandaVision, but Agatha All Along goes beyond the witch’s simple aspiration for power. This spin-off finally lets Agatha be vulnerable in a world that doesn’t want her to be. If the protagonist of this story was funny when she could fit into an stereotype, allowing her to crawl out of that box to become a more interesting character has been one of the best things the franchise has done in a while.
Agatha All Along feels like a very organic transition from WandaVision. The tone of this series and the energy coming from the main cast fit right in with the first MCU show. In retrospective, the dazzling Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is the odd standout when it comes to the energy coming from these stories. Agatha All Along is what happened after WandaVision. Oh yes, by the way, Wanda died in a Doctor Strange sequel that feels very disconnected from both shows. Nevertheless, this storytelling structure continues to be one the MCU’s biggest selling points.
The supporting cast of Agatha All Along is charismatic, energetic and what the MCU needed after plenty of stories where motivations weren’t clear and personalities were nowhere to be found. Joe Locke, Sasheer Zamata, Patti LuPon, Ali Ahn and Aubrey Plaza are wonderful as the new faces of the magical corner of the MCU. And Debra Jo Rupp seemed to be having a lot of fun when returning to the franchise. Agatha All Along triumphs because it would be entertaining to watch these characters try to solve puzzles for hours, regardless of the backstory or magic involved in the premise of this story.
Avengers: Doomsday will mark the return of Robert Downey Jr. in the MCU, bringing back the most recognizable face the franchise has ever had. However, after Avengers: Endgame (and the COVID pandemic) changed the game for this universe, it’s been hard for new performers to establish themselves in the MCU. That can’t be said about Hahn. Agatha All Along shows a protagonist who clearly wants to appear as calm and collected while struggling with the wounds of her past and not knowing what to do with her future. One of the most powerful witches in the world likes to dress up in fantastical outfits, drink wine and pretend everything is fine. This is why the character shines.
The relatability brought to the table by Hahn’s Agatha Harkness breathes new life into a franchise as indecisive as the Teen from this series. For once, the viewer doesn’t have to care about the multiverse or the corporate structure of Phase Six ahead of next year’s San Diego Comic-Con. No legacy actors coming back, either. Just a fun woman trying to find her place in the world after her defeat against Wanda made her lose everything. In today’s entertainment landscape, that is the best compliment one of these things can give to the audience.
With charismatic performances, a breathtaking incorporation of music into the narrative and interesting visual choices, Agatha All Along brings audiences back to Westview as if a day hadn’t gone by since WandaVision came to a close. Hahn reminds the world why Agatha is one of the most lovable characters to come out of the Multiverse Saga. This is a wonderful series to watch with a glass of wine after a warm bath on a Wednesday evening. If you don’t like the concept of such an evening (or WandaVision), you won’t be thrilled by this show. But if any of this sounds appealing to you, as a viewer, Agatha All Along is a story you’ll gladly find joy in.
Rating: 8/10