Note: This review combines the first three episodes of Wandavision and features mild spoilers.
Photos courtesy of Marvel Studios.
The first television series of Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic kicks off with Disney+'s Wandavision from creator Jac Schaeffer. Schaeffer serves as head writer on the series, while Matt Shakman handles directing duties. After the events of Avengers: Endgame, Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) and Vision (Paul Bettany) live the ideal suburban life in the town of Westview, trying to conceal their powers. As they begin to enter new decades and encounter television tropes, the couple suspects that things are not as they seem.
After viewing the first three episodes of Wandavision that appears to be the show's general premise. When the show was first announced, I had a few theories of what the show may be about. Now I know you're asking yourself, after what we all saw in the previous two Avengers films, how are Wanda and Vision together? In particular, Vision, who meets an untimely demise at Thanos's hands in Avengers: Infinity War? The answer doesn't arrive just yet. Part of the fun of this show will be figuring out the mysteries behind what's going on.
One of the things I will point out that is that series creator Jac Schaeffer has a love of classic television. Episode 1 pays homage to I Love Lucy and is shown in glorious black & white, and even features a laugh track. I also liked seeing the extended cameos of the Heart played by comedians Fred Melamed & Debra Jo Rupp, respectively.
Episode 2 pays homage to Bewitched, and I Dream of Jeannie and features Wanda and Vision getting into crazy shenanigans. I enjoyed Episode 2 because it gave Olsen and Bettany a chance to show off their comedy skills and have some interactions with their castmates. The highlight of Episode 2 is the introduction of Teyonah Parris's Monica Rambeau. While press announcements revealed that Parris would be playing the character, it isn't exposed to our core cast just yet.
Finally, Episode 3 reminded me of The Mary Tyler Moore Show. The closing moments of this episode set the stage where the show may eventually go. I want the fans to know the first three episodes don't feature a ton of action. Still, the chemistry between Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany makes up for the lack of fight scenes. I do think that Jac Schaeffer is building up to the action, though. The show also features reliable support from the always enjoyable Kathryn Hahn as Agnes, a nosy neighbor to Wanda and Vision.
My initial thoughts of Wandavision were that the show may take place after Captain America: Civil War and lead up to Avengers: Infinity War. However, that doesn't appear to be the case. I looked to unwrapping the mystery that is Wandavision in the coming weeks. Featuring solid acting from its leads and a unique storyline, I recommended checking out Wandavision.
First three episodes final grade: B+
The first two episodes of Wandavision will begin airing on Disney+ tomorrow, January 15th.
Episode 3 will follow on the 22nd, with the series concluding its nine-episode run on March
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