We finally have the first MCU show that’s both been created to be completely connected to the films (not forgotten about like the Netflix shows… hopefully) and on Disney Plus. WandaVision has been slowly teased over the past few weeks, and there’s been a lot of speculation about the storyline already. A core part of WandaVision is that it’s going to be styled like many different sitcoms (there were even clips which had a clear Full House inspiration which is a throwback to Olsen’s older sisters) and so it veers drastically away from End Game where we’ve last seen Wanda.
Episode 1 – Filmed Before a Live Studio Audience
Wanda and Vision struggle to conceal their powers during dinner with Vision’s boss and his wife.
The first episode of WandaVision is in a 1950’s sitcom style, down to the aspect ratio, black and white tone and even some magic special effects were purposely made more stilted. It was also a short episode of about 20 minutes, which fits in with the theme.
Elizabeth Olsen’s acting is brilliant from the very beginning. She plays the perfect doting wife but her uneasiness is clear when strange things happen. She’s different to Wanda from the films although some hints of personality come through with her teasing of Vision.
A key thing is that neither main character has recollection of their past, or if they do they never discuss it. When they’re asked how they met and where they’re from they both freeze up and can’t answer and there’s a horrible moment as they internally struggle to remember something just out of grasp. This scene was so well shot, and both actors worked well together. On top of this they do realise they are different, with Vision making himself look human and them trying to fit in.
On top of our two main character, the side characters also felt off at times. It includes Debra Jo Rupp playing a wife very similar to previous role Kitty, however this character broke a bit near the end. Created a feeling of dread and like something awful is going to happen, even after the problem was fixed.
From the first episode you can tell this series is going to be different from the Marvel Films and TV shows we know. It’s stylised as a 1950s sitcom, with an underlying mystery and apprehension that comes with that without being too full on from the start.
Episode two brings up the mystery of where Vision and Wanda are, but without rushing to any kind of conclusion for the audience to know before our characters. I love media that let’s me stay in the dark for as long as our characters are, whilst still giving hints and clues throughout.
This episode is still in black and white, but shows a suburban 60’s sitcom where they interact with many other characters in the neighbourhood. This gives ample time in the 29 minutes to meet multiple new characters.
Episode 2 – Don’t Touch That Dial
In an effort to fit in, Wanda and Vision perform a magic act in their community talent show.
The shift in time-frame from last episode as well as the changes in this episode shows that time moves differently here. This unnatural-ness adds to the feeling of something being wrong from the first episode.
On top of the time changing, colours shows up in Wanda and Vision’s world and the colour is mostly red. The colour of blood, the colour of danger, the colour of warning. Things keep adding up to scream about the wrongness of the neighbourhood.
Episode 2 does also bite the bullet and introduce a symbol of a sword within a circle. This most likely points to S.W.O.R.D. from the comics, and introduces who may be trying to reach Wanda in some way. There’s also more instances like the first episode of other characters acting off, and strange things happen with no explaination.
On top of the eeriness, there is also humour. The episode centres around a talent show and the lead up to it. Vision accidentally eats some gum which causes a malfunction similar to Vision being drunk.
Episode 3 – Now in Color
Wanda’s pregnancy fritzes her powers as she and Vision prepare for an accelerated delivery.
Episode three starts off near the end of last episode with Wanda being pregnant. It shows that the pain she goes through and changes in her state due to a sped up pregnancy forces her to lose control of her powers throughout. This added to the sitcom feel, whilst also gave our characters worry for not fitting in with Westview society.
As different things are affected, Vision starts to feel that there’s something wrong with Westview. It feels a lot eerier than previous episodes, with something always happening before Vision can grasp the answers he’s searching for.
I have to give props to Elizabeth Olsen’s acting yet again in this episode, she manages the happy sitcom style acting as well as the shift to a more serious tone so well. There’s a mention of Pietro, her brother, and this immediately makes you feel emotional when watching the scene.
Geraldine and the other residents are still a mystery to us, but this episode shows that they’re up to something. Although we’re unsure if everyone is working together or not. What it does show us is that when Wanda is threatened she’s powerful enough to remove the issue, reset the clock and make it fit her happy life.
I’m still loving the filming techniques used to make these episodes look like old sitcoms. With an aspect ratio change hitting right when the tone of the episode shifts, and other little hints when actors change from the traditional way of talking in the shows and how they interact with one another.
If anything, I felt like the episode wasn’t long enough as I just wanted more. This is the kind of show I wish I was binge watching rather than having an episode a week. I’m hoping later episodes of WandaVision start to get longer.
Episode 4 splits from the sitcoms in previous episodes, quite literally intrupting the program. Despite this episode being on the “outside” of westview and it’s weird shenanigans, it still holds that same sense of dread but also humour found in the first three eps.
Episode 4 – We Interupt This Program
Monica Rambeau, tasked with a special assignment regarding sentient weapons, goes missing.
We start off with Monica Rambeau reforming after the blip. This shows off the aftermath of post-blip that the Avengers didn’t fully show off. It was chaotic, emotional and life-changing to both those who returned and those that were still around. Being in a hospital allowed us to both see pure chaos as patients probably doubled, as well as instantly giving us backstory of Monica and Maria from Captain Marvel.
We get re-introduced to both Agent Jimmy Woo and Darcy from Ant-Man and Thor respectively. Jimmy and Darcy are two of the best characters to bring back, as they totally fit the humour of the sitcoms in previous episodes, whilst still being able to be serious.
This episode is a pure answer questions episode, which I loved. It answers a lot of the questions I have above, whilst introducing some more and moving the story forward. The weird happenings in previous eps which cause dread for Wanda are perfectly explained too.
The ending is solid, and makes you want to scream at the same time. Again, the shorter episodes really do leave you wanting more after every week.
I’ll be aiming to watch and review each of the episodes as they’re released on Disney Plus, so if you’re interested don’t forgot to bookmark this page to come back!
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Comments
4 responses to “Uptown Oracle Watches… WandaVision”
I can’t wait to watch all the Marvel series and upcoming movies!
All the best, Michelle (michellesclutterbox.com)
Me too! This year is looking exciting for Marvel fans 🥰
I am not sure how I felt about it at the moment lol, but looking forward to more!
Third episode definitely got more interesting 👀 Just want to understand what is happening!