As a seasoned Marvel enthusiast and a self-proclaimed Agatha Harkness superfan, I must say that after diving into the bewitching world of Agatha All Along, I find myself both enchanted and slightly underwhelmed.
This review may contain spoilers for Agatha All Along Episodes 1 and 2
Key Takeaways
- Agatha All Along sets up a bigger adventure but may fail to engage casual viewers initially
- Agatha must regain her power with help from Teen and a coven, facing obstacles along the way
- Second episode introduces more characters and sets up conflict, hinting at horror elements to come
After a prolonged hiatus, it’s great news that another live-action Marvel Studios series on Disney Plus is here at last! Timed perfectly for the Halloween season, this new series delves into familiar territories with themes like witches, demons, magic, curses, and shadows. Yet, there are some delightful twists and turns that promise to keep viewers engrossed.
Initially, the first two episodes of “Agatha All Along” titled “Seekest Thou the Road” and “Circle Sewn with Fate Unlock Thy Hidden Gate”, primarily focus on establishing a larger, more elaborate storyline. This heavy emphasis on setup might leave some casual viewers feeling lost or uninterested. Although it’s delightful to watch Kathryn Hahn portray Agatha Harkness, the content could have been more engaging to keep the audience hooked from the start.
Initially, viewers are immediately reminded of WandaVision from the MCU as Agatha finds herself ensnared in a world that combines elements of True Detective and Mare of Easttown. In this alternate universe, Agatha assumes the role of a detective named Agnes. A gruesome discovery of a young woman’s body (which Marvel Cinematic Universe followers, particularly those who watched Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, would recognize before the later unveiling) sets Agatha on a trail to solve the mystery. As she pieces together the evidence, the flaws in her fabricated reality gradually become apparent.
The spell is shattered when an FBI agent (Aubrey Plaza) and a rebellious teen (Joe Locke) intrude into her home. Escaping from this world becomes a struggle for Agatha, leaving her to ponder her future course of action. However, she must initially fend off Plaza’s vindictive witch in a somewhat unrefined battle sequence that may not accurately represent the action-packed scenes expected throughout the series. In order to restore her power, Agatha decides to seek assistance from the enigmatic Teen (whose identity has been strongly hinted at by insiders) to gather a coven and embark on the Witches’ Path.
In this initial installment, Agatha’s exploration of her fabricated world provides the most enjoyment (complete with an entertaining introduction). Unfortunately, after the enchantment is shattered, there isn’t much else to engage us in this debut episode apart from a humorous altercation (although Kathryn Hahn’s interrogation of her neighbor in her bare essentials does bring a chuckle). The opening half of this premiere, despite its extended 40-minute duration, seems remarkably brief.
In this setting, Locke has limited tasks, while Plaza, who’s known for her portrayal of a comic book villain in FX’s Legion, gets to showcase those skills. As expected, Plaza delivers a slightly mischievous darkness in her performance, inciting Agatha to shatter Wanda’s enchantment, providing an opportunity for confrontation with a knife. The complex dynamic between these characters hints at more than what the series has revealed so far, though further developments may unfold as Plaza is absent from the second episode.
The narrative gains momentum as Agatha and Teen embark on a quest to locate additional witches. As hinted in the trailers, there seems to be a charm concealing Teen’s true identity from Agatha, although viewers have largely deduced it by now. However, this revelation can wait for the moment, as their priority is currently forming a coven and embarking on their journey. During this episode, they manage to bring together characters such as Lilia Calderu played by Patti Lupone, Jennifer Kale portrayed by Sasheer Zamata, and Alice Wu acted by Ali Ahn.
Lilia dreams of transforming her dilapidated fortune-telling shop in a mall, while Jennifer aims to free herself from constraints preventing her from practicing magic within her thriving yet troubled wellness firm selling edible candles. Meanwhile, Alice’s character is not as fully fleshed out initially, with mentions of her mother being a renowned musician and Alice’s curiosity about uncovering the truth behind her past.
In this revised version, the last character in the coven, originally intended to be Aubrey Plaza’s Rio Vidal, is unexpectedly swapped with Sharon, also known as Mrs. Hart, played by Debra Jo Rupp. She brings a charming and delightful energy to the role, much like she did on That ’70s Show. Similar to her portrayal of a suburban woman there, Rupp skillfully plays a character who attempts to keep her polite demeanor despite the encounters with the supernatural.
As a dedicated fan, I must say that the second installment of “Agatha All Along” seems more captivating than its predecessor, yet it still leans heavily on exposition and groundwork, lacking a substantial driving conflict. However, for enthusiasts of “WandaVision’s” musical flair, the episode’s finale offers a heart-stirring performance of “The Ballad,” a tune that has been used to unlock the Witches’ Road and is bound to be this Halloween’s catchy melody. This is also where the series starts to unveil its horror facets, hinting at the Salem’s Seven launching an attack on the house as the coven attempts to open the door. It may not live up to the expectations of hardcore horror fans, but it does provide a promising sneak peek into what lies ahead.
Agatha All Along might not have a powerful initial impact in its Marvel series debut, however, with seven additional episodes left, it holds ample opportunity to captivate viewers with unexpected twists, thrilling moments, immersive storytelling, and perhaps even some chills. Unfortunately, the show doesn’t make the best first impression, but for those eager to embark on this journey with Agatha All Along, there may be challenges worth overcoming.
Agatha All Along is now streaming on Disney Plus. New episodes stream every Wednesday.
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2024-09-19 04:03