Overall Thoughts: A subversive near-masterpiece.
NOTE: Being a TV show, I'm breaking this series down into short reviews of each episode, followed by a few paragraphs of overview. Please keep in mind that there will be mild spoilers throughout, but I will be doing my best to avoid major spoilers from late in the series.
Episode 1 - Filmed in Front of a Live Studio Audience
In this episode, Wanda and Vision find themselves newly-married and owning a house in the town of Westview, New Jersey. And on top of that, they seem to have time-traveled back to the 1950's. But never mind that. Anyway, the couple misunderstands a date on their calendar. Wanda thinks it's an anniversary based on a suggestion from a neighbor, but it's later revealed to be a reminder for them hosting dinner for Vision's boss and his wife. And sitcom-based shenanigans ensue....
This charming throwback of a premiere brings vibes of The Andy Griffith Show, I Love Lucy and (most noticeably) The Dick Van Dyke Show. The acting here is spot-on with the era, particularly from Elisabeth Olsen and Kathryn Hahn. And it's nice to see Debra Jo Rupp bringing honesty and heart to Mrs. Hart here as well. The production design, costume design, and theme song are spot-on with the era as well.
This episode does get carried away with some far-fetched, facepalm-worthy shenanigans, but it's never really out-of-step with the writing styles of TV sitcoms from that era. One or two "out of place" moments do give hints of something more ambitious at play, though I might would have liked to have seen a little more of those here. And an odd gag early on seems to be too soon in timing given Vision's original horrible fate. And the episode is too short at just 22 minutes (without credits), but that also works to a degree as a nod to TV show lengths as well.
Grade: B+
Episode 2 - Don't Touch That Dial
In this episode, the couple are coming up with a magic act for the neighborhood talent show, as Wanda sees this as a great opportunity to "fit in". Meanwhile, Wanda is introduced to the other ladies of the neighborhood in a poolside meeting, and Vision tries to fit in with the guys in the neighborhood watch. As both struggle to find a way to engage with their community, there's also a sense of someone (or something) trying to get Wanda and Vision's attention outside of Westview.
I enjoyed this episode even more than the premiere. The vibe clearly mirrors the 60's classic Bewitched, but there are several terrific nods to Hanna Barbera cartoons as well. From the catchy theme to a couple of other hand-drawn animated moments, it pays a nice homage to the animated and upbeat sitcoms of that time period. The costumes and production design are similar here. Hahn has some of her best jokes in this episode, while Asif Ali is an enthusiastic highlight in the supporting cast.
There's also quite a few surprises and "out of character" moments that really get you invested in staying tuned. And as revealed in the trailers, the episode ends terrifically with a transition from black-and-white to color (another nod to Bewitched as it too had a similar transition later in its run). On the downside, the magic act does border on over-the-top at times. However, I can name similar instances in Flinstones and Jetsons episodes as well.
Grade: A-
Episode 3 - Now in Color
Starting with a peppy theme song (one of the best ones in the show), this episode finds Wanda pregnant and accelerating through trimesters very quickly. With the help of a doctor and one of the neighbors, Wanda delivers twin boys (named Billy and Tommy). Meanwhile, the couple's neighbors begin to seem suspicious to Vision as he begins to wonder if something crazy is going on with Westview.
Episode 3 is a crazy, silly and oftentimes weird episode that - in the last 10 minutes - really helps get things going. Visually, there's a Brady Bunch meets Happy Days feel that is pretty darn solidly-executed. Some interesting visual and practical effects choices add to the weird feel as well. As helpful neighbor Geraldine, Teyonah Parris balances upbeat comedy with a serious, down-to-earth and sympathetic persona that makes her an instant winner.
The episode ends with a couple of pretty crazy (and also emotionally surprising) moments that do a nice job setting up what's coming next. On the downside, Hahn is nearly absent (except for a couple of brief moments), and a lot of the jokes in the first half don't quite land. But, it's still a fairly engaging episode that ends strong.
Grade: B+
Episode 4 - We Interrupt This Program
After three episodes of sitcom shenanigans, Episode 4 departs from this formula by explaining what's going on outside of Westview. We learn of Geraldine's identity (which was revealed at D23 in 2019) as Monica Rambeau, and her origin story here is terrific. It has a cinematic feel to it without seeming edgy or pretentious. Meanwhile, it is nice to see Jimmy Woo (Randall Park from Ant-Man and the Wasp and Supah Ninjas) and Darcy Lewis (an always-game Kat Dennings from the Thor movies) again in the Marvel universe.
In essence, we relive the first three episodes from the outsider's perspective. It leads to some pretty creative moments, including explanations of some "out-of-place" things seen earlier. Visual effects are top-notch, and two surprise reveals late really amp up the intensity while adding a somewhat dark layer to this adventure. It's also fun to see how the character's theories seem to reflect the viewers', a very interesting self-aware addition to the writing.
There is a bit of exposition here, but it's not quite overplayed. There's a much more serious tone to this episode, but Dennings and Park thankfully add some levity here and there. In the end, Episode 4 works terrifically well as a "what's behind the curtain?" episode and builds more anticipation for what's ahead.
Grade: A-
Episode 5 - On a Very Special Episode...
From this point on, the adventures shift between the sitcom shenanigans and the outside activities involving Westview. And it leads to one of the show's best episodes so far. In sitcom land, Billy and Tommy are growing faster than Wanda envisioned (no pun intended), and she and Vision adopt a dog for the twins to take care of. Meanwhile, Jimmy, Darcy, Monica and other workers plot how to get Wanda's attention.
The sitcom aspect features nods to Growing Pains, Family Ties and Full House from the 1980's, and it is once again resembled nicely by the production design, costumes, and dialogue choices. The family-centric themes are warm and welcoming. Olsen and Bettany do a nice job of portraying struggling middle-class parents, while Hahn adds some interesting comedy early on. Otherwise, Dennings, Park and Parris make for a terrific trio that are easy to root for.
There's a couple of strong emotional scenes here that really help give viewers understanding behind the characters and what they are going through. And a very surprise reveal at the very end adds additional question marks as to what could be at stake. Even the commercial here has the most interesting hook so far (as well as callbacks to previous Marvel movies).
Sometimes I feel like this episode does attempt to reference and recall a little too much for an episode that's just 30 minutes without credits. But, it's still one of the best-made ones of the bunch.
Grade: A
Episode 6 - All-New Halloween Spooktacular!
It's Halloween now, and Billy and Tommy are excited to go trick-or-treating with a visiting family member (to Wanda's understandable concern). Meanwhile, Vision is growing more and more suspicious about his world, and decides to go investigate. On the outside of Westview, Jimmy, Darcy and Monica are fired from the operation by a controlling Director Hayward, and are trying to find other ways to contact Wanda.
This episode calls back to the 90's and early-2000's sitcoms such as Malcolm in the Middle (as evidenced by a theme song that is interesting and is also the series' most impressive attempt to be meta). And while the episode has somewhat jarringly sudden shifts between comedy and serious stakes (the flashback to Wanda's childhood is oddly-purposed, and the commercial is also a bit weird), its' still extremely entertaining. And several nice touches here and there reminded me very much of what I grew up with (yes, I am a 90's kid). In the meantime, Evan Peters is a comically-hysterical presence in this episode as well.
The episode also carries the series' most memorable ending so far. A few surprise revelations pop up, and some people are shown to not be who they say they are. And a decision by Wanda in the episode's closing moments creates an aura of mystery, anticipation and shock that really leaves you craving what's coming next. In the end, Episode 6 is perhaps my personal favorite episode of the series to date.
Grade: A
Episode 7 - Breaking the Fourth Wall
After the events of the Halloween episode, Wanda finds herself in a depressed mood. Billy and Tommy are finding the stuff in their house changing. Vision is kicked out of his home apparently, and is trying to find more understanding as to what's going on outside of Westview. And Monica aims to figure out a way to safely make her way back to talk things over with Wanda.
This is the show's final sitcom-inspired episode. This particular one is a mix of more modern, self-aware shows such as Modern Family and The Office. And it might be the weakest overall episode to date (except, in what is becoming a pattern, the last 10 minutes). The humor didn't seem to work for the most part for me personally. Olsen's delivery gets pretty stale at times (though upon reflection, I wonder if that may have been intentional on the writers' part). Hahn also doesn't quite nail her usual comedic delivery here either. And a few answers to some questions revealed here aren't exactly satisfying.
But, Vision's part of the story here does work well. And his "catching up" on things he's missed is very nice. The commercial also really speaks to Wanda's story arc. Also, Monica's part of the story carries a couple of exciting moments. And the episode's ending carries an unexpectedly catchy number that serves as a callback to classic monster shows such as The Munsters and The Addams Family.
So while Episode 7 does not live up to the excitement and entertainment value of the previous two or three episodes, it still carries enough heart and plot development to make it very watchable.
Grade: B
Episode 8 - Previously On...
In this episode, Wanda is confronted by a neighbor about what's going on. And through a series of flashbacks, we learn what led to the Westview adventures.
There's a lot accomplished in this particular episode. For one, it's one of the most cinematic in feel. From the visual effects, to the performances, to the story development, it doesn't feel like something you'd watch on a streaming service. The episode also manages some serious MCU fan service with a couple of longstanding theories debunked. We get to also understand more about Wanda as a child and how it shaped her into who she is today.
The episode does start off very dark, with a sequence that borders on disturbing (and perhaps out-of-place with Marvel's otherwise lighthearted cast of characters). But afterwards, the flashbacks are all done very well, and the dots are connected very cleverly. And the ending scenes do a remarkable job of showing us Wanda's internal struggle and reasoning. The cliffhanger moment is also stupendous and leaves us hanging and begging for more.
Grade: A-
Episode 9 - The Series Finale
In the final episode, Wanda and Vision find themselves in the battle of their lives as the fate of their family and the town of Westview all hang in the balance.
In the final episode, Wanda and Vision find themselves in the battle of their lives as the fate of their family and the town of Westview all hang in the balance.
The finale delivers the action and thrills of a typical Marvel spectacle, filled with terrific visual effects and memorable moments. However, it also debunks several fan theories and usual MCU elements that seem a bit surprising - especially considering the occasionally meta and complex vibes the series has tried to deliver. However, at the same time, I found this to be a very smart choice by the creative team. Instead of relying on connections to MCU characters and events, the episode focuses on finishing Wanda's story arc. And they do so in very emotionally-satisfying fashion (I found myself wiping tears away a few times).
Elisabeth Olsen and Kathryn Hahn shine, while Paul Bettany gets a chance to explore different sides of himself in this episode. There are also a couple of very effective credit scenes that do their job in subtly setting up what's coming next. On the downside, there's a revisit to a dark setting in the previous episode, Darcy is pretty much absent, and the overall development of one of the villains is left with a little to be desired (though it might have been intentional, as the character is hinted at returning later down the line).
However, overall, the finale does it's job at wrapping the show on a fairly high note.
Grade: A-
Overall Review
With Disney+ approaching 100 million subscribers, expectations were high as Kevin Feige promised stories that would be unique. And at the same time, he believed they would also be comparable to the theatrical experience that has been a mainstay of the MCU for over a decade now. Now with the series officially in the can, I can say with confidence that Feige has succeeded in his mission. And truthfully, who would have thought that Marvel's first streaming series would become one of their boldest and most memorable stories to date? (Certainly not me!)
Taking a closer look at how impressive this show is, WandaVision (on one hand) pays tribute and loving homage to the small screen's most memorable series from the last six decades. These homages are entertaining, memorable, and well-crafted; complete with a clever commercial inspired by each era and terrific theme songs. Written by Robert and Kristen-Anderson Lopez of the Frozen movies, the songs capture each decade superbly, while providing commentary on the series' events as it goes. Meanwhile, composer Christophe Beck does a wonderful job with the score, and gives the series an eerie and very memorable theme of its own in the closing credits.
At the same time, the series feels like a cinematic experience in many ways as well. While the hints are not present early on, the hallmarks of the MCU become more present as it goes (especially when we reach the last two episodes). However, at the same time, the superhero spectacle is mostly approached with enough restraint that it keeps the series' heart and soul front and center. And it keeps its' focus on a story arc that not only jerks at the heartstrings, but also carries surprising relevancy with today as well.
Ultimately, this is an entertaining, ingenious, creative, clever, well-written, well-cast, and emotionally-compelling story that definitely wouldn't have worked nearly as well if it were a theatrical film. A shorter runtime would have shortchanged the fun sitcom elements as well as the gravitas of Wanda's personal journey (and her development into a force to be reckoned with in the MCU going forward).
And while it's not without occasional static, it's still an impressive and (dare I say) nostalgic tour-de-force for hardcore and casual fans young and old.
Overall Grade: A-
