WandaVision is the first in a long-awaited line of Marvel Disney+ television series. In a refreshing change from the landscape of previous Marvel films, Wanda and Vision are adjusting to married life in their new sitcom-like neighborhood, but everything is not as it seems.
An Amazing Cast
Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany reprise their roles as Wanda Maximoff and Vision from previous Marvel films. Alongside them are a cast of new faces to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, including Kathryn Hahn as Wanda’s nosy neighbor Agnes, and Teyonah Parris as Monica Rambeau (who Marvel fans may remember from her appearance in the Captain Marvel film).
All-New, All-Different
WandaVision is unlike anything Marvel has done before. In the first two episodes, the world is as if Wanda and Vision wandered onto the set of a 1950s sitcom television show.
The production design, writing, and structure of the episodes are very well done and reminiscent of the period, where viewers will question if the show they are watching is truly Marvel-related at all. This may throw off some viewers who are expecting more action and a superhero-like show, but at the same time, the show is a fresh concept for the evergoing genre.
While WandaVision maintains the trademark humor found in previous Marvel films, modern-day humor is swapped out for jokes more in line with sitcoms of the episodes’ period. While a different kind of humor, the show is hilarious in its own way.
Through trying to blend in with their new neighbors by hiding their respective powers, Wanda and Vision get into a lot of hijinx. Vision’s humor in particular was a highlight of the first three episodes, mainly at the expense of being an android in an unfamiliar setting.
Paying Homage
In fun segments, WandaVision has fake commercial breaks, reminiscent of how advertisements looked back in the period of the episode. These silly tidbits also contain easter eggs that fans of the previous Marvel films are bound to recognize.
The Happy Couple
While they are an “unusual couple,” another highlight of WandaVision was being able to see Wanda and Vision happy. After the countless battles and tragedies they faced in the Marvel films, it is nice to see them catch a break. Wanda and Vision are in very high spirits.
The viewer can feel their love for one another ooze off the screen, accomplished thanks to the great chemistry between Olsen and Bettany. They shine in the spotlight they have deserved since their introduction into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The Mystery
WandaVision may seem like a happy ever after for Wanda and Vision, but everything is not what it seems. Beyond the light-hearted moments of the sitcom are eerie points that tease the overall mystery of the show.
After three episodes, the mystery is unclear and a bit confusing for viewers, but I am confident that the slow burn storytelling will pay off in future episodes and gives us something to keep watching for.
Final Thoughts
After (as of current) twenty-three Marvel Cinematic Universe films, Disney still finds a way to keep things fresh with WandaVision. Through the superb stylizing, performances, humor, and the confusing but intriguing mystery, Disney has given Disney+ subscribers another reason to renew their subscriptions.
If the rest of the upcoming Marvel Disney+ shows are made with the same high quality and care as WandaVision, then the future is very bright for comic book fans.
WandaVision premieres on January 15th on Disney+ with two debut episodes!
