PremiumAgatha All Along Review: Kathryn Hahn and Joe Locke weave one of Marvel’s most enchanting spell yet
Agatha All Along wraps up season one on a note that grows the WandaVision series trilogy beyond the Vision series and in an exciting way.
Last Updated: 12.23 PM, Oct 31, 2024
Agatha All Along Review: Plot - Agatha Harkness (Kathryn Hahn) has been living in West View under Scarlet Witch, aka Wanda Maximoff's (Elizabeth Olsen), spells and has forgotten her identity. One random day, a teenage boy (Joe Locke) appears in West View and reminds her of her identity and purpose. Soon, Rio (Aubrey Plaza) and the Salem Witches find Agatha, and now the covenless witch needs to form a coven and set out on the Witch’s Road to get her magic back. The road tests them, only to reveal some of the biggest twists and secrets in the end, leading Agatha to finally take up a partner and a purpose that isn’t driven by greed.
Agatha All Along Review: Analysis
The fear of investing in an MCU show is real, especially in times when the studio has produced some questionable films and shows, leaving fans to question whether they should even give it a chance. Sometimes the beginning is promising, only to culminate in a disappointing end that serves no purpose in the immediate future (Secret Invasion). So when Marvel and Disney decided to give a spinoff to their most loved show, WandaVision, with Agatha All Along, a show focused on the villain, it was easy to temper expectations, fearing another half-baked series that adds nothing to the legacy of WandaVision. Yet, it appears the studio has created a witchy storm that is not only enchanting but also has a promising future.
Agatha All Along follows Deadpool & Wolverine in the release lineup—a position that requires confidence, given that anything less than exceptional will be judged harshly. Even if this lineup was influenced by the Hollywood strikes, Agatha All Along appears ready to stand tall. Said to be the most budget-friendly show from the studio, the Kathryn Hahn starrer is created for TV by Jac Schaeffer, who brings new life to this trilogy with a fresh narrative that goes beyond the next Vision-based series. The writing feels brave, but mild spoilers lie ahead.
If you expected Agatha All Along to be a humorous origin story, the show defies those expectations entirely. The focus isn’t on who Agatha is, but on who she wants to be, while still exploring her past. Written across nine episodes (thankfully deviating from the six-episode format), this Kathryn Hahn series creates a nuanced character who isn’t the typical MCU staple but is deeply rooted in Marvel lore. The absence of superheroes is a strength here, giving the series its unique vibe.
Agatha’s greedy, covenless nature makes her a complex character; she is without a moral compass, which makes her unpredictable and interesting. Schaeffer’s writing is at its best when Agatha doesn’t explain herself. The female gaze that allows her to remain snooty and evil is refreshing, as no one is looking for a sanitized version of Agatha. She remains a character to distrust, one who could betray at any moment.
In the finale, Schaeffer spends time exploring Agatha’s backstory, not to garner sympathy, but to add layers to her character. She remains self-centered, but we see her as a mother who has suffered and lived with the accusation of sacrificing her child for the Darkhold. Schaeffer writes with enough heart that even when the show flips everything on its head, it doesn’t betray its premise. This bold storytelling, which leaves room for future storylines, turns the finale into more than a conclusion; it’s an evolution of the trilogy.
The big reveal, even if anticipated, feels surprising, and the open-ended climax doesn’t feel unfinished. The writers at Marvel are back in top form with one of the best shows the studio has delivered in years. Kathryn Hahn is remarkable as Agatha; her performance is effortless and feels authentic. Joe Locke, playing Billy Maximoff, is an intriguing addition to the MCU. Patti LuPone, Sasheer Zamata, Ali Ahn, and Debra Jo Rupp are stellar, while Aubrey Plaza’s portrayal of Death adds tension, though her character’s danger remains understated.
Agatha All Along is an entertaining, brilliant series. However, it could have hinted at more future possibilities beyond the quest to find Tommy. Rumors suggested Mephisto and Scarlet Witch, but the single cliffhanger was slightly underwhelming. A scene in the seventh or eighth episode, where Aubrey’s Death uses a dagger to tear through a set wall, is a highlight. It’s both humorous and crafted with enough risk to work.
Agatha All Along Review: Final Verdict
Agatha All Along stands out as a show that takes risks and consistently delivers. It hardly dips, presenting a storyline that entertains, amuses, and promises a brighter future.
All nine episodes of Agatha All Along are streaming on Disney+ Hotstar in India. Stay tuned to OTTplay for more updates from the world of streaming and films.