Monday, January 18, 2021

Bewitched by WandaVision!


For our review following the finale of WandaVision, see here.

My first impression? "What the H - E - double hockey sticks am I watching?"

Okay, my second impression? I can't wait to find out more.

This is not your normal MCU fare. There is no intricate plot, no action sequences, no bad guys. (No, Kathryn Hahn does not count as a bad guy. She's not going to turn into her Spider-Verse incarnation of Doctor Octopus. Or is she?!) Even the displays of superpowers are punctuated by silly animated stars and magical symbols. 

So seriously, what the heck are we watching?

WandaVision is definitely a classic style sitcom, and a darn good one at that. The first two recall the 1950s and 1960s, with later decades represented in later episodes. It's so well done that it can hardly considered a parody of The Dick Van Dyke Show or Bewitched. This is authentically a good sitcom, down to the word choice, the era-appropriate humor, and the blocking. WandaVision was even filmed in front of a live audience using camera lenses from the time period, and tungsten lights to add to the authenticity of creating a sitcom. Incredible work on the details!

So how does WandaVision fit into the larger MCU? Wanda and Vision have no recollection of their past, and it's clear by the end of the first episode that they are being observed. It's great to have some genuine mystery in this show: Who is watching them? Is Vision alive? And how is Kathryn Hahn so incredible in everything she does?

It's also important to point out the two MCU elements that were introduced in WandaVision. The symbol of a sword in a circle was seen several times. Is this the symbol for S.W.O.R.D. (Sentient World Observation Response Department)? Of course it is, this is Marvel, afterall!

And finally, Monica Rambeau. Remember her from Captain Marvel? She's the daughter of Maria Rambeau, and she's the one who helped Captain Marvel pick out her suit's colors. Well, she shows up in this strange and intriguing world of WandaVision as an adult. Why? Not sure, but I'm on board to find out...

And honestly? I'm hooked! I can't wait for the next installment of this interesting world. Not just because I love the MCU and want to find out how it plays out. But I'm genuinely engaged by WandaVision

And by Kathryn Hahn.



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