A WandaVision of Hope for the MCU?

PLATFORM: DISNEY+

RELEASE DATE: JANUARY 15, 2021

Anytime someone brings up an MCU rewatch (or the very very rare first watch) I make a big push to watch the trailers. I think the building anticipation of the MCU's growth is greatly improved by the hype of the Marvel machine's excellently produced movie trailers. But with the WandaVision drawing near, I ignored many of the teasers, sneak peeks, and bonus footage that Disney offered leading up to the premiere. From the initial trailer, it was clear that the mysteries surrounding the plot of WandaVision would be key to enjoying the show and I wanted to be sure to avoid any unnecessary reveals. I have a lot of hopes and thoughts and rumors I've picked up on that have given me a number of preconceived notions of how this series will unfold.

Has Wanda's powers reached a new level or manifestation? How is Vision alive...or is he? Will S.W.O.R.D. be making a debut in the universe? Will there be any surprise MCU cameos? What's with the use of sitcoms? Will the future of mutants in the MCU be teased in this series? Is it just a plot device or will there be an in-story explanation? Will this "experimental" form of storytelling lead to a great payoff or break the MCU's debut on Disney+?

For those who have been itching for new Marvel content, this show is not likely to soothe that itch, at least not yet. The first two episodes dig very deep into the sitcom aspect that we have seen advertised through trailers and other footage, which I perceive as the first layer of the series. Episode 1 seems to find inspiration in sitcoms of the 50's, I most particularly noticed the "I Love Lucy" homages, but I've seen other describe "The Dick Van Dyke Show" as well. There isn't too much to the plot of the first two episodes and the majority of the focus is on introducing the characters, setting, and the couple dynamic of Wanda and Vision. What I enjoyed about the episode is the subtle way the writers built the creepiness of this world into the sitcom-based comedy. For example, Vision questions the purpose of the company he works for and most of the responses from his coworkers and boss are paired with audience laughs. It keeps the focus on the sitcom, but gives that ever subtle tension as we question what the veil is that was thrown over this reality. Whereas the first episode feels a bit bland overall, it is the second episode that brings an entertaining level of redemption.

The second episode jumps a decade and feels very similar to "I Dream of Jeanie" or "Bewitched" (though the first episode felt very similar to these due to Wanda's constant use of her powers). As we get a greater look at the community to which Wanda and Vision have moved (named Westview, I wonder if this was inspired by Westworld), they plan to perform a magic show in a charity event for children (funny enough, there is never a single child in sight). I thought the lead up to the event with Vision accidentally swallowing a piece of gum that gets stuck in his gears and causes a drunken-like state. His performance in the talent show while using his actual powers and Wanda having to use her powers to cover it up was a really fun sequence. It also brings to light the clearest strength of this series, the chemistry between the leads. Paul Bettany and Elizabeth Olsen haven't had a lot of screen time together in the MCU, but it's clear they've developed a comfort working with each other.

Now let's get into the second layer of the series: the mystery of knowing what is really going on in this reality. It is all but confirmed, the MCU had its S.H.I.E.L.D. and now it has its S.W.O.R.D. Only identified through its logo, the organization has not been named, but it is clear that the organization is keeping tabs on the events of Wanda and Vision's lives. In the second episode, there is a strange voice calling out to Wanda asking "who's doing this" to her, further raising questions of who else knows what's happening. Is it only S.W.O.R.D? As previously eluded to, there are near breaks from Vision regarding the illusion they are living in, but Wanda appears to have some understanding of what's happening. The end of episode 2 gets a bit weird, with the introduction of a sneaky beekeeper coming out of a manhole, to which Wanda reacts and rewinds time, seemingly erasing this specific event altogether. This was the first indication that Wanda is responsible for the reality we are witnessing. As the episode closes, Wanda and Vision begin coming into color, as does the world around them, perhaps indicating that there has been a slight awakening towards recognizing this is not the typical reality.

Further clues as to how the story may unfold can be found in these paper materials with pictures and words called "comics". In the credits for these episodes, Marvel gives thanks to a number of comic creators, some of which highlight The Vision and Scarlet Witch stories of the 80s, Astonishing X-Men, Avengers: Disassembled, and, most excitingly, House of M. The last of which appears to be the influence behind Wanda's transformation at the end of episode 2. Again, WandaVision is a far departure from the formulas of the Infinity Saga MCU. While there were a few specks of excitement, it looks like it will be a bit of a slow burn and require some patience. I am curious as to how consistent or how far the show will go with the new decade every episode and what modern shows they will homage.