‘Wandavision’ Review

When Marvel announced they were introducing TV shows into the MCU via Disney+, fans were promised deeper looks into many characters who haven’t gotten their time to truly shine within this larger universe. It also allows Marvel to take more experimental approaches towards its projects. First glimpses of Wandavision certainly showed a unique television experience combined with an interesting premise. With the show wrapped up, Marvel has delivered on its promises, even if its ending isn’t fully satisfying. 

Premise

Wandavision stars Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany as Wanda Maximoff and Vision. The series takes place shortly after the events of Avengers: Endgame. We are introduced to the title duo as a happy couple, finding themselves accustomed to life in suburbia. However, everything is not as it appears to be as there is something mysterious about their new life. 

Marvel gets weird

The main schtick that makes Wandavision unique is its storytelling through sitcoms. The show begins with two episodes that recreate sitcoms from the 1950s and 60s, such as The Dick Van Dyke Show and Bewitched. From there, it moves into the 1970s and ends up in a modern sitcom environment that resembles Modern Family. At one point, the characters speak to the camera mockumentary style. 

There is a laugh track even in the early episodes. The first episode was actually filmed in front of a live studio audience. The episodes also include fake commercials that serve as hints or easter eggs to what is really going on. Marvel did a great job at recreating these environments. Everything from the props to the music, even to the script, brings viewers back in time to these eras of television. 

It’s a completely unique style of storytelling, which does make the finale slightly disappointing. The finale feels more like standard Marvel with a final battle between heroes & villains with CGI superpowers being shown off. It’s not a bad finale, but there isn’t the same amount of creativity being shown off there as in the rest of previous episodes.

Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany shine

The show centers around Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany who are living in this altered reality. While Bettany gets plenty of chances to shine as a less robotic Vision, the plot revolves more around Olsen, who is dealing with the grief she feels from the losses she has been dealt not only in this universe but in her life as a whole. This series is at its best when it serves as a character-driven drama as Wanda learns how to deal with the past and grow to her full potential. 

Olsen is fantastic in this role and conveys the emotional conflict that the show is really about. There are moments where she does things that aren’t heroic, but you understand why and relate to the trauma that she’s experiencing. 

In addition, Wandavision also features a large cast of new & old characters who are given more time in this series. Both Kat Dennings as Darcy Lewis and Randall Park as Jimmy Woo are great returning characters who bring their comedic chops to this series. Dennings receives some redemption here as I found her to be one of the more annoying characters in the first two Thor films. 

Some new characters are Kathryn Hahn as Wanda and Vision’s quirky neighbor. Hahn is funny as always and does a great job at transitioning between the eras like everyone else. Hahn has appeared in so many comedic, supporting roles in movies & TV shows, but it’s great to see her in a role where she showcases how versatile she is as an actress. 

One of the main additions is Teyonah Parris who’s playing Monica Rambeau, the daughter of Maria Rambeau who is introduced in Captain Marvel. Her character is going to have a large role in the MCU going forward and I look forward to seeing her. Monica is the definition of a hero who will do whatever it takes to help and find the most peaceful solutions. 

The mystery is better than the answers

Wandavision’s first half is better than its second half. The first half is a sci-fi mystery blended with its unique storytelling. It did a great job at keeping me intrigued, despite not really knowing what was going on. I had lots of fun making my own theories about what was happening. The first five or so episodes are incredibly strong and feature many creepy moments that will have fans hooked and wanting to know more.

Unfortunately, the big reveal about what is actually going on isn’t truly satisfying. I guessed what was happening early on, but I wanted it to be something more. However, it’s important to not let your expectations get in the way as it’s good to see a smaller MCU project that keeps the story centered around this plot and not the larger implications of this universe. The writers should develop their own story and not cater to the wants of fans. 

That being said, there is one casting choice that felt like a slap in the face to Marvel fans. A certain character reveal sets up so many possibilities that fans theorized about, however, it amounts to nothing. I refuse to believe that Marvel would cast this person without thinking it would make Marvel fanatics go berzerk with theories. 

Final verdict

Wandavision is a great first step for Marvel in the world of television. Wandavision is an awesome way to explore the psyche of one of Marvel’s most powerful characters while also setting up future ideas for the MCU’s phase four. While its ending could have been better, its great effort at diving into the world of sitcoms is a fantastic change of pace for this universe and is something that could only be done in the realm of television.

If Marvel’s TV shows are going to serve as deeper looks into characters who haven’t gotten their true moment to shine yet, then I can’t wait for even more of what Marvel & Disney+ have in store. 

Final score: 8/10