Atanaria
The fourth episode of Agatha All Along, “If I Can’t Reach You, Let My Song Teach You,” is nothing short of a mesmerizing triumph, an unrelenting spell that cements the show as a magical force to be reckoned with. In this episode, the series transcends its earlier achievements, delivering a journey that is both empowering and profoundly emotional. Episode 4 is a masterclass in storytelling, combining heart-pounding tension, jaw-dropping visuals, and an intoxicating blend of drama and character development. Quite simply, this is the series’ magnum opus to date.
From the very first moment, the episode grips you with its haunting, spellbinding tone. The decision to have the witches pay tribute to Sharon before continuing down the Witches’ Road adds a touch of somber beauty, grounding the supernatural elements in deep emotional realism. This sets the stage for a daring, high-stakes trial, one that dives into the heart of Alice’s generational trauma, making the episode a raw and moving exploration of familial legacies.
Aubrey Plaza’s Rio Vidal steals the show in her eerie resurrection scene, crawling out of the earth like a twisted, yet captivating, gremlin, reminding us of Plaza’s unparalleled ability to blend horror and humor seamlessly. Her dynamic with Kathryn Hahn’s Agatha is electric. Their reunion, simmering with tension, crackles with the unspoken complexities of a long and troubled relationship, making their every interaction a feast of subtle nuance and outright flirtation. The sapphic tension between them is so palpable, it’s practically a character in itself.
The trials Alice faces are not just physical or magical – they are battles with the ghosts of her past, a thematic depth that this series continues to excel at. The ’70s-themed house, with its lush visuals and Fleetwood Mac energy, perfectly frames Alice’s struggle to confront the generational curse that has haunted her family. The record-spinning curse sequence is a standout, a brilliant marriage of technical artistry and emotional stakes. The split diopter shot, in particular, is a daring stylistic choice that shows just how innovative Marvel can be when it chooses to push boundaries.
But the episode’s beating heart lies in Alice’s eventual confrontation with her family’s curse. Watching her break through literal and figurative chains of trauma is nothing short of cathartic. The rendition of the “Ballad of the Witches’ Road” as a tribute to Alice’s mother is an emotional crescendo that perfectly encapsulates the episode’s central themes of empowerment, healing, and reclaiming one’s heritage.
Agatha’s rare vulnerability, especially in her desperation to save the Teen, adds layers to her character that we hadn’t seen before. The softer moments, like when she watches over him and reveals her uncertainty about the Sigil, make her a more complex figure, a far cry from the purely self-serving sorceress we’ve known until now.
The near-kiss between Agatha and Rio is a stroke of brilliance, the culmination of simmering tension and past betrayals. It’s a moment of aching, unresolved passion that perfectly captures the push-and-pull dynamic of their relationship, and both Kathryn Hahn and Aubrey Plaza play it to absolute perfection. Their chemistry, smoldering and intense, makes every glance between them feel like the flick of a matchstick before an inevitable blaze.
Every element of this episode is working at the height of its power – from the impeccable costume design, dripping with retro witchy glamor, to the poignant exploration of trauma and healing. The show’s commitment to telling a story about women confronting their pain and trauma together, through the lens of magic, makes Agatha All Along a spellbinding, queer triumph. Episode 4 is nothing short of perfect, a testament to the show’s ability to deliver thrills, chills, and profound emotional resonance all in one breathtaking package.
If this episode is any indication, Agatha All Along is well on its way to becoming a modern classic. This spellbinding journey down the Witches’ Road is one I’ll gladly follow to the end.
