Atanaria
Marvel’s new series, Agatha All Along, has arrived on Disney+ with a two-episode premiere that manages to capture the intrigue of its predecessor, WandaVision, while paving its own distinct path in the MCU. The show is a spellbinding combination of humor, mystery, and a refreshingly campy witchy charm that’s already garnered positive reactions. For fans of the Marvel universe, Agatha All Along provides an exciting continuation of the stories we love while introducing new characters and a fresh narrative direction. Anchored by Kathryn Hahn’s magnetic portrayal of Agatha Harkness and a stellar supporting cast, the series proves to be a delightful addition to the MCU’s television lineup.
A Sequel With Big Shoes to Fill
As a direct sequel to WandaVision, Agatha All Along has an immense legacy to uphold. WandaVision took viewers by surprise with its innovative structure, telling a deeply emotional story of grief and loss through the lens of television sitcoms from different eras. With its originality and layered storytelling, it became one of the most beloved Marvel projects to emerge from the post-Endgame era. The spinoff, therefore, had high expectations. Fortunately, with Jac Schaeffer—the original creator of WandaVision—returning as showrunner and even stepping into the director’s chair for the first two episodes, Agatha All Along is off to an impressive start.
While the series may not possess the same immediate sense of mystery that WandaVision had, its ability to create a unique atmosphere within the Marvel Cinematic Universe is undeniable. As one critic noted, the show “manages to feel at home in this world of pop-culture homages” that Schaeffer has perfected, but it also confidently carves its own road. That road, as it happens, is the legendary “Witches’ Road,” a mystical realm central to the plot and Agatha’s pursuit of power.
Episode 1: “Seekest Thou the Road” — A Spooky Homage to True Crime
The first episode, Seekest Thou the Road, cleverly blends a dark supernatural storyline with pop-culture homages, particularly referencing the gritty world of true crime dramas. Opening with a distinct nod to Mare of Easttown and the wider genre of police procedurals, the episode features Agatha (played once again by Kathryn Hahn) trapped in a false reality as Agnes, a disgruntled detective in Westview. Here, she exhibits all the hallmark traits of a stereotypical TV cop: abrasive, foul-mouthed, and eating donuts on the job. It’s a fun, tongue-in-cheek tribute to classic detective shows, but like WandaVision, the cracks in the illusion begin to form quickly.
As the episode progresses, it’s revealed that Agatha has been under the lingering influence of Wanda’s spell from the events of WandaVision. She slowly starts to break free, thanks in part to a mysterious character known only as “The Teen” (played by Joe Locke) and an old flame from Agatha’s past, Rio Vidal (Aubrey Plaza). Rio’s arrival as a powerful witch bent on vengeance injects the episode with a thrilling, dangerous energy. The dynamic between Hahn and Plaza is electric, their scenes together crackling with tension and chemistry. Their fight sequence, while brief, is one of the highlights of the episode, showcasing their formidable magical abilities and establishing a complicated relationship between the two characters.
The first episode does an excellent job of setting the stage for the rest of the season. By the end, Agatha has fully regained her memories but not her powers, leaving her vulnerable and in need of allies. As she begins to gather a coven of witches to help her regain her powers and traverse the Witches’ Road, the series shifts into a high-stakes adventure that promises even more magical mayhem in the episodes to come.
Episode 2: “Circle Sewn with Fate, Unlock Thy Hidden Gate” — The Coven Assembles
In the second episode, Circle Sewn with Fate, Unlock Thy Hidden Gate, Agatha begins her quest to walk the Witches’ Road, the mystical path that will supposedly restore her powers. But before she can set off on her journey, she must assemble a coven powerful enough to unlock the gate. This introduces us to a fantastic ensemble cast of witchy co-stars, each bringing their own flair to the series. Patti LuPone plays the psychic Lilia Calderu, Sasheer Zamata is Jennifer Kale, a candle shop proprietor, and Ali Ahn portrays Alice Wu-Gulliver, the daughter of a witch-rockstar. Debra Jo Rupp returns as Mrs. Hart from WandaVision, though in this new series, she’s revealed to have latent Earth-based magical powers.
These characters aren’t just placeholders; they each bring something unique to the show. Their interactions with Agatha are often hilarious, but beneath the surface, there’s a simmering tension as no one seems fully trusting of her. However, with the looming threat of the Salem Seven—an ancient group of witches intent on revenge—on their heels, they have no choice but to band together.
Joe Locke’s character, The Teen, is another standout. His youthful exuberance and eagerness to learn about witchcraft serve as the perfect contrast to Agatha’s jaded cynicism. His journey seems intertwined with Agatha’s in more ways than one, and the mystery surrounding his true identity adds an extra layer of intrigue. There’s a sense that he may not be who he seems, especially given the protective magic that hides his identity from both the coven and the audience. With plenty of fan theories already circulating, his role in the series is one of the more exciting plotlines to watch unfold.
The Witches’ Road and the “Ballad of the Witches’ Road”
One of the most captivating moments in episode two is the coven’s preparation to enter the Witches’ Road. They gather at Agatha’s house to perform a magical ritual, singing the haunting “Ballad of the Witches’ Road,” composed by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. The eerie yet catchy song adds to the mystical atmosphere of the show, and it’s already proving to be one of the most memorable musical numbers to come out of the MCU.
The Witches’ Road itself, revealed at the end of the episode, is a surreal and ethereal realm, its shimmering blue hues and eerie ambiance evoking both wonder and dread. This otherworldly path is reminiscent of The Wizard of Oz’s Yellow Brick Road, but far darker and more dangerous. As Agatha and her new coven step onto the Road, they leave their old lives (and their shoes) behind, fully committing to whatever trials and tribulations await them.
A Fresh Take on Agatha’s Character
Kathryn Hahn’s portrayal of Agatha Harkness continues to be a major draw for the series. Hahn effortlessly switches between moments of comedy, drama, and sinister malevolence, bringing a complexity to the character that keeps viewers hooked. Her performance in Agatha All Along is just as delightful as it was in WandaVision, but this time, she’s given even more room to explore the character’s depth.
In WandaVision, Agatha was the villain lurking in the shadows, manipulating events from behind the scenes. Now, with her memories restored, we see a more nuanced version of Agatha—a character who’s just as manipulative and selfish but also vulnerable and, at times, surprisingly sympathetic. Her desire to regain her powers isn’t just about personal gain; it’s also about survival. The Salem Seven, Rio, and the looming threat of the Witches’ Road all pose significant dangers to her, and she needs her powers to protect herself.
Hahn’s comedic timing is also on full display, especially in the more absurd scenes. Whether she’s stuffing donuts in her mouth while solving a murder or shouting at her police chief to “eat my ass,” she nails the balance between humor and menace that makes Agatha such a compelling character.
The Significance of Rio Vidal and the Salem Seven
Aubrey Plaza’s Rio Vidal is a fantastic addition to the show, bringing a new level of menace and mystery to the series. The chemistry between Plaza and Hahn is palpable, and their scenes together crackle with energy. Rio’s motivations are still somewhat unclear, but it’s obvious that she and Agatha have a complicated past. Their shared history adds an emotional weight to their conflict, turning what could have been a simple villain-vs-hero dynamic into something far more intriguing.
The introduction of the Salem Seven as antagonists provides another layer of suspense. Though we’ve only seen glimpses of them so far, their reputation as powerful and vengeful witches precedes them. Their pursuit of Agatha and her new coven raises the stakes and sets the stage for a thrilling showdown later in the series.
A Bewitching Atmosphere and Rich World-Building
One of the most exciting aspects of Agatha All Along is its world-building. The series delves deeper into the magical side of the MCU, expanding on the lore introduced in WandaVision and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. The Witches’ Road, the Salem Seven, and the coven’s magic all contribute to the rich tapestry of the show’s supernatural elements.
The tone of the series is also distinct, blending spooky horror with campy humor in a way that feels fresh for the MCU. While WandaVision played with sitcom tropes, Agatha All Along leans into the gothic, drawing on witchcraft, curses, and the occult. The result is a show that feels simultaneously fun and eerie, with plenty of surprises waiting around every corner.
The Gayest Marvel Creation Of All Times? YES PLEASE!
Is Agatha All Along the gayest Marvel project to date? By all accounts—yes. Marvel’s queer representation has long been a source of critique, often limited to fleeting moments like Chris Evans’ shirtless Captain America or brief same-sex kisses in minor storylines. But Agatha All Along confidently breaks from this pattern, stepping into the spotlight as Marvel’s most unapologetically queer creation yet.
The show doesn’t just nod at queerness—it practically revels in it. Kathryn Hahn’s Agatha and Aubrey Plaza’s Rio Vidal are ex-lovers whose every interaction feels like a charged flirt-fight straight out of Mr. and Mrs. Smith. Their magical hand-to-hand combat is dripping with sexual tension, giving viewers the kind of queer-coded dynamics they’ve long yearned for in the MCU.
It doesn’t stop there. Joe Locke’s character, The Teen, is openly gay and established early on as having a boyfriend—an actual queer character in the MCU, not relegated to subtext or background. Plus, there’s Patti LuPone. The inclusion of this iconic gay-culture figure, who not only acts but sings, essentially cements the series as a glittery, witch-filled Pride Parade by Marvel standards.
This is the sexiest scene in MCU history and it's not even close. #AgathaAllAlong pic.twitter.com/3ENM5LjWxX
— Jamie Jirak (@JamieCinematics) September 19, 2024
The fact that Agatha All Along features multiple queer witches, alongside four of its six leads being over the age of 40, gives the series an undeniable air of camp—a hallmark of queer culture. The show’s atmosphere, from the magical rituals to the witches’ harmonious singing to open the Witches’ Road, drips with the kind of over-the-top theatricality that queer audiences rally around.
Yet, what’s most refreshing about the series isn’t just the inclusion of queer characters or the heavy dose of camp. It’s how casually and effortlessly these identities are woven into the fabric of the story. The past romantic history between Hahn and Plaza’s characters isn’t treated like a big reveal—it’s just part of the narrative, normalized in a way that feels groundbreaking for a Marvel series. As Hahn herself said, “It’s so normalized.”
Of course, fans expecting the “gay explosion” teased by Aubrey Plaza might feel a bit short-changed—at least so far. The series is full of hints, innuendos, and subtext, but we haven’t yet reached the witches’ orgy levels of queerness that many anticipated. But I feel that’s still coming down the Witches’ Road. And I’m all up for some Aubrey Plaza gay times… always and forever.
Still, in a cinematic universe where queer characters have historically been sidelined or underrepresented, Agatha All Along offers a thrilling glimpse of a more inclusive future. It’s clear that this coven of witches isn’t just breaking magical boundaries—they’re shattering the glass closet of the MCU, and we’re here for every spellbinding moment.
All in All : A Spellbinding Start
Agatha All Along has kicked off its first season with a bewitching two-episode premiere that successfully builds on the legacy of WandaVision while charting its own unique course. With a fantastic cast, a fresh take on Agatha Harkness, and plenty of supernatural intrigue, the series promises to be a thrilling ride for MCU fans and newcomers alike. Whether you’re here for the magical battles, the dark humor, or the captivating performances, Agatha All Along is shaping up to be one of Marvel’s most enchanting series yet.
Check out the two-episode premiere now on Disney +, the following episodes will air every Wednesday until the end of the season. Don’t miss them!
