Teasers and Top 5 episodes of ‘WandaVision’

By Faith Foushee, April 19, 2021

By Ally Ortolani

Opinion Editor

 

Before delving into the new WandaVision series, let me praise the phenomenal performances of Elizabeth Olsen, who plays Wanda Maximoff, and Paul Bettany’s, who plays Vision.

Marvel fanatics who have watched the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe were excited for Disney+ to release the first episode of “WandaVision.” It seriously was the best part of waking up every Friday morning.

Here are some of my favorite episodes from the new series and my take on them. Beware of some spoilers ahead.

 

Episode 1: “Filmed Before a Live Studio Audience”

The first episode was rather bizarre, and it raised a lot of questions — one being the nature of the show’s reality. There are also the obvious questions about what the Easter eggs add up to, who the mysterious cast members really are and more.

The episode begins in the home of Wanda and Vision, shot in a classic 1950s sitcom, particularly in the mold of “I Love Lucy.” Wanda and Vision appear to be newlyweds who have just moved into their cookie-cutter, new suburban home.

Vision, a robot, has to shield his robotic nature from the world. On the other hand, Wanda has to conceal her magical abilities, while still discreetly using them in a pinch, “Bewitched” style. 

There are some strange twists to this episode. Be on the lookout for the quirky next-door neighbor, Agatha. She’ll be important later.

“WandaVision” has yet to make much of a case for its existence. It’s unfair to judge the series premiere, as well as the second episode, as stand-alones because they are a prelude to the real plot.

 

Episode 3: “Now in Color”

In its third episode, “WandaVision” throws some curveballs at the audience. Yet again, the plot line jumped ahead in TV history. This time it mimicked “The Brady Bunch” and other key staples of the 1960s and 1970s.

The episode begins with Wanda’s odd, abrupt pregnancy. 

What I liked about this episode – besides the fact that Wanda and Vision’s world suddenly shifted from its mid-1960s black-and-white setting to 1970s full color – was that Wanda’s powers have become uncontrollable from her unexpected pregnancy. At first, it is small, minuscule things, like when Wanda accidentally turns the baby’s mobile into butterflies. In much bigger situations, Wanda’s outburst causes her entire block to lose power. It’s almost as if the so-called perfect world Wanda has created is slowly crumbling.

Even Vision begins to question the oddity of the events. I would suspect something is wrong with the makeshift utopia that Wanda has created. By the end of the third episode, she already gave birth to her twins. The episode is bizarre. 

While Vision rushes off to find Doctor Nielsen, Geraldine rushes to help deliver both sons. Keep an eye out for Geraldine, by the way. The episode seems like a happy conclusion. Wanda has twins, making her and Vision a happy family.

 

Episode 5: “On a Very Special Episode”

Wow. That’s precisely the word to describe my reaction to the fifth installment of “WandaVision.” The drama- and action-packed sitcom takes place in the 1980s with inspirations from “Family Ties.” 

The storyline of this episode is filled with comedy and drama. Wanda’s sons rapidly age themselves — yes, themselves — up to 10 years old and get a family dog, only for the dog to die soon after. Oh, and let’s not forget about how S.W.O.R.D., a government agency combatting extraterrestrial threats, uses a drone to infiltrate the town. Vision realizes Wanda is controlling the town’s citizens, and Wanda’s supposedly dead brother comes back to life. Weird, right?

This episode also flips back and forth between the perspectives inside and outside the Westview bubble, as S.W.O.R.D. and other individuals attempt to learn more about what’s going on. Not only is the episode packed with drama and action, but viewers should also be on the lookout for little Easter eggs of the MCU throughout the series.

This episode had me questioning the truth. Did Wanda magically bring back her dead brother from a different reality? Better yet, is her brother actually alive? Ironically, in the same episode, Wanda gives a speech on how she can’t bring people back from the dead, which leaves viewers to wonder: Is someone else pulling the strings?

 

Episode 6: “All-New Halloween Spooktacular”

Similar to the “Brandy Bunch”-inspired episode, episode six is set in the 1990s and pays homage to “Malcolm in the Middle.”

Wanda and Vision’s children, Billy and Tommy, showcase their powers for the first time. If you love wholesome family content, each family member dresses up as their respective comic superhero costume for the Halloween festivities.  

On the outside of Wanda’s bubble, ex-S.W.O.R.D. members go rogue to try to save the people trapped inside of Westview from Wanda’s clutches. This episode is filled with excitement and drama, as well as Wanda’s “dead” brother, Pietro, played by Evan Peters. 

Peters from “X-Men” making an appearance? Iconic. Marvel fans know that Pietro died in “Avengers: Age of Ultron.”

While those interested will have to see the episode themselves, the episode is built toward an amazing concluding scene, as Vision secretly investigates the outskirts of Westview and even tries to escape the bubble. 

 

Episode 9: “The Series Finale”

After almost two months of build-up, the show’s finale provided a satisfying conclusion. The episode is filled with amazing CGI, graphics and all of the bells and whistles that make Marvel great.

Without giving everything away, the episode provides answers to some fans’ biggest questions. It even includes a duel between White Vision, who was built from the real Vision’s destroyed body, and the Vision created by Wanda’s powers.

There is also a surprise involving the quirky next-door neighbor, Agatha. 

The ending does an excellent job setting up Wanda’s role in “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” and the rest of Wanda’s MCU future. Those who have already seen the episode know that Wanda becomes the Scarlet Witch. In my opinion, it’s a pretty amazing superhero costume.

Those who haven’t seen “WandaVision” yet are seriously missing out. Although the show achieved great success as Marvel’s first Disney+ series, a second season has not been confirmed.