The weight of inheritance
It is impossible to disconnect Agatha all free from the series from which it is takennamely WandaVision. This was the first real series in the MCU (apart from everything on Netflix, whose place in the canon is questionable), and above all great success. For the first post-Covid project, it was a boon to Marvel Studios, who rushed to capitalize on it, and Disney President Bob Chapek invited its studios to produce content extensively for Disney+.
Introduced by a song that quickly won fans, therefore Agatha Harkness herself has announced her off-time appearancefrom November 2021, with the main screenwriter of WandaVisionJac Schaeffer. The problem is that 3 years later, hard to understand where the project sits in the MCUwhich has changed a lot since this nice coup. And to make matters worse, during its 9 episodes (like WandaVision), Agatha all free adheres closely to this heritagestruggling to find his own identity.
The shadow of the Scarlet Witch hovers over every street corneralthough his fate in the MCU is uncertain. The story is focused on Agatha as well as on her mobile sidekick, a young teenager who is none other than … Billy Maximoff, Wanda’s reincarnated son. We also get Westview residentsthe small town taken hostage by the superhero i WandaVision. Even Evan Peters, in the skin of his character Ralph Bohner, allows himself an appearance.
In addition to these links, the entire structure of the series shows its most intelligent spring WandaVisionwhich presented itself as a huge homage to American sitcoms. We find something similar in Agathawith a series of thematic tests : a recording studio from the 70s, a fairytale castle…
The problem is that the staging is much less inspired, weighed down by the free element attached to the series completely. is not WandaVision who wants it, even more so when you’re broke (and that’s the case, sinceAgatha the cheapest series in the entire MCU).
Witches of laziness
It must be recognized that the one thing is to prevent Agatha all free to be an ultra-effective lullaby for naptime, it is who solved rather inspired. Kathryn Hahn, who almost inspired herself, first conceived this student, still having fun as Agatha.
The series a good idea not to change your character too much although nuanced enough to make it bearable. The Witch remains sharp, cruel and maintains her dark humour, which is sometimes brutally effective. Around her, Marvel is assembled an almost entirely female team that performs well. Obviously we’ll be spotlighting the amazing Patti LuPone, who commands all the attention episode 7 above the rest.
Avengers at home
Aubrey Plaza’s choice is also obvious but the actress is used a lot (even if she is given the role, this may not be her last time at Marvel). On the other hand, hard to say the same for poor Joe Locke played by young Billy with the charisma of a sick oyster (yes, it is possible).
Solutions are well motivated. It should still be an exciting story. And this is another flaw Agatha all free EDS start a completely insignificant story. Why would we become passionate about the hunt for Agatha Harkness, which many have since forgotten? WandaVision or even the related stories of the other witches that come with it?
The perfect role for Aubrey Plaza
By expanding, the MCU lost its dramatic power, and Agatha it is an innocent pastille, at least a very long way from the cross. Because with 9 episodes on the clock, we cannot say that the series has made its task easier (unlike echo for example, whose duration was fortunately reduced to 5 chapters… and you
Agatha could be easily reduced to a nice 50 minute TV moviethat says a lot about the depth of her story. An extremely uneven run that feels more than ever in its two-part ending, which resolves all the issues in a completely disjointed, distracting way boring flashback (AGAIN) or lousy fight in the studio (AGAIN).
Witch queen drama
However, Agatha all free it is also endowed with certain qualities. It shows a beautiful dramatic intensity at times, especially during its episode 7, clearly the best part (with flashbacks yes, but also a rather nice non-linear story). Aware of introducing characters who don’t need the MCU’s grand plan, Agatha don’t hesitate to get rid of it.
This is the omnipresence of Death (literally). renewed for Marvel productions. It is enough to give a small scope to his series of tests, from which the characters do not emerge unscathed. But This cruelty also serves the development of Agatha herselfwho does not need to be a real superhero to carry their own series.
We can only validate this bias, and all too often projects aimed at reactionaries end up stripping them of what made them interesting in the first place (hello Venom). Agatha is a notorious murderer and liar, and this observation is never supportedeven if she logically qualifies it. Then we can only regret the two main dramatic springs (Billy’s identity and Agatha’s mysterious history) reduced to two glimpses of deep boredom.
Agatha all free It’s a fair encephalogram typical of Marvel productions on Disney+. A project that is neither
exciting nor terrifying, but stands up well enough to not hit the mark of the MCUand that may be the best news for the studio. Especially since his next live-action series, Daredevil: Born Againhe will leave with other ambitions. And for once, we’re curious to see that (NLDR: it depends on who we’re talking to on the team).
The 9 episodes ofAgatha all free available now exclusively on Disney + from October 31, 2024.
Brings some much-needed focus back to the personal struggles and relationships within the narrative. Kathryn Hahn’s portrayal of Agatha, complemented by her undeniable charisma and humor, keeps a central thread of interest throughout the series.
The storyline, while meandering at times, makes an effort to explore Agatha’s backstory and the consequences of her choices. The dynamic between Agatha and her young sidekick, Billy Maximoff, introduces a fresh layer to the narrative, linking back to Wanda’s own tragic story and the repercussions of her actions in WandaVision.
Despite its uneven pacing and somewhat lackluster plot, the series manages to present moments of genuine intrigue. The inclusion of various Westview residents and even familiar characters like Ralph Bohner serves as a nostalgic nod for fans, grounding the series in a recognizable and beloved setting.
The thematic homages to classic sitcoms remain a strong element, although they feel less innovative compared to what WandaVision achieved. This reliance on episodic structure could have been more effectively utilized to deepen character development instead of merely serving as a backdrop for scattered comedic moments.
In sum, while Agatha: All Free doesn’t fully capitalize on its potential and struggles under the weight of its own expanded narrative, it still manages to highlight moments of brilliance. Kathleen Hahn’s performance and the series’ occasional dramatic weight provide a glimmer of hope for future explorations within the MCU’s magical realm, even if the overall execution leaves much to be desired.