‘Agatha’ Sets Marvel Universe In Right Direction

Debating the “necessity” of art never makes for productive conversation. If it exists, it exists, and that’s that. When corporate bottom lines and money-making schemes enter the discussion, it can muddy the waters, but my rule of thumb tends to be: If a movie, show, song, painting, or any other piece of art exists, it will exist regardless of your opinion. Passing judgment without experiencing it does it a disservice and could ward off potential fans. If you don’t think you’ll be interested, don’t watch, read, or listen to it. Let others enjoy it if they wish.

That was the subject of much internet chatter after “WandaVision” finished its run in 2021, and soon afterward, a sequel series focusing on Kathryn Hahn’s villainous Agatha Harkness was announced to be in the works. While I will admit I was a little dubious of the decision to chase WandaVision’s success with a series hinged on the viral song in which Agatha announced that it was indeed her “all along,” the series did leave Agatha’s story open-ended, more so than any other character. If a “WandaVision” sequel series had to happen, it should be about her.

That being said, it was a huge relief to see that although “Agatha All Along” began following directly in the footsteps of its predecessor, it very quickly pivoted to forging a tonal path for itself and distinguishing itself among a crowded slate of Marvel streaming series. It harnesses the eccentric witchiness of its protagonist and fully embraces an unconventional voice, the likes of which we have not seen in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

I’ve seen the first two episodes of “Agatha All Along,” and they’ve given me hope in the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe on the small screen — instead of being a conceptual film, stretched out needlessly over six episodes, it follows “WandaVision” and “She-Hulk” in establishing its structure as an actual television series. Our primary characters, their heroes journey, and their reasons for leaving their status quo are introduced in these first two episodes, as well as a shadowy (and genuinely creepy) antagonist and enough narrative stakes to feed a large family. After years of Marvel shows with little narrative propulsion and arbitrary starts-and-stops (with a few exceptions), it’s good to have my feet planted firmly in television land again.

Starring alongside Hahn (who is having the time of her life, by the way) is Joe Locke (“Heartstopper”), who plays the impulsive and mysterious “Teen,” a witch fanboy who yearns to become Agatha’s familiar; Sasheer Zamata (“SNL”), a potions sorceress who reluctantly joins Agatha on her quest; Ali Ahn (“Orange is the New Black”) as Alice Wu-Gulliver, a grumpy protector witch; Patti LuPone (“Life Goes On”) as Lilia Calderu, a snide Sicilian witch; and Aubrey Plaza (“Parks and Recreation”) as Rio Vidal, a warrior witch who has a history with Agatha. Debra Jo Rupp also reprises her role from “WandaVision” in an unexpectedly hilarious supporting performance.

“Agatha All Along” touches, but does not dote, on the titular witch’s trauma from her three years enslaved under the spell of the Scarlet Witch — since “WandaVision,” Agatha has been trapped experiencing various television genres — and even though she would never call it trauma, I have to respect the decision to continue the thematic thread from “WandaVision.” Even if Agatha would never admit it, the town of Westview is absolutely traumatized by what happened to them years before — in episode one, Agatha’s neighbor John Collins (David Payton) tells her that they don’t even say Wanda’s name. I have a feeling that the idea of confronting your past and challenging your demons and misdeeds will be a prevalent theme, and if showrunner Jac Schaeffer approaches them with the nuance and care with which she did Wanda’s character journey, we’re in for a tapestry of compelling arcs indeed.

It’s possible I’m a bit too optimistic, but I don’t think there’s any such thing. When the credits rolled on episode two, I got the gut feeling you should get from a television cliffhanger: “More, please! I want to see what happens next!” That’s all the proof I needed.

“Agatha All Along” is by far the most engaging Marvel project in years, and pulled me right into its textured world of magic and mystery. I’ll be happily tuning in for the next seven weeks, and I hope the Marvel universe takes a page out of Agatha’s book. Perhaps it will set the standard for Marvel television going forward.

Read more movie reviews by Rowan Wood at knockonwoodfilm.com