After push back (after yet another push back), Disney+ has finally released Wandavision. Compared to Marvel’s Black Widow, this was the story (along with Loki) I was most looking forward to seeing. The premise seemed exciting – how does a hugely powerful witch cope with loss. Sounds exciting to me.
Now I should warn you, I am not a comic book fan – that was never in my childhood. However, I have a majority of the MCU films over the past decade. So if anything, I should be the ideal market Disney / Marvel is trying to attract to this series. I also do not have any idea of the storyline from the comics, so really have no idea about the backstories from the pages – just what Kevin Feige and his team(s) have shown in the MCU.
As both this and Episode 2 was released on the same day, there will be two reviews coming today – with plans to review the whole series as it is released every Friday.
From the get go, I enjoyed the attention to detail Marvel put in with yet another personalised logo for the project – which an excellent 1960s Marvel logo fading in, in a TV 4:3 ratio. It’s this kind of unnecessary detail is why I enjoy Marvel productions so much. From a production point of view, it is hardly needed, but a simple finishing touch that goes a long way. I really wish more productions took the “because we can” attitude as Marvel does.
The acting between Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettaney was sublime throughout the episode. As a team, they clearly work brilliantly – supporting each other without one or the other somehow over powering in their performances. It is clear that they are equal in their approach and very rare to see. It was a true delight to watch. The supporting characters were also knocking it out, with fantastic moments for each person to shine. The balance and clear ensemble approach from the whole cast was clear to see.
I also enjoyed the writing of the episode, highlighting (in some instances) the absurdness of this era of television – i.e. the Husband goes to work, but no one knows what they actually do within the sitcom. As first episodes go, for setting up the premise of the show, this is pretty much a 101 guide to how to do it. It was entertaining, funny, intriguing in all the right places.
Predictions
As I have no idea about the background or the comic books this is based upon, I thought it would be fun to predict what could be happening next. Feel free to comment below your own predictions / review and play along – BUT LIKE ME, NO SPOILERS! 😛
- I don’t like Agnes. As soon as she walked in (along with the awkward / lingering too long edits), I knew she was trouble. Possible bad guy?
- Blinking red light on the toaster? If red is an important colour within the series, then why is Vision not coloured in when in his ‘natural’ state?
Also, “Forget your past, this is your future” seemed to be an odd catchphrase for a Stark Industries toaster 😆 - The glitching Mrs Hart was disturbing. Was she on loop saying “Stop it” as a plea to Wanda or more a glitch in the ‘system’ itself?
- Very confused why the scene ‘reset’ after Mr Hart was saved, especially when Wanda was very confused by it. Perhaps ‘the matrix’ adjusted itself?
WandaVision - S01E01
Pros
- Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettaney should star together in more things - they clearly have an amazing working relationship / respect for each other. Great double act
- Brillant casting all round
- Beautiful homage. Great production design
Cons
- Very little of the overall story is hinted at
- Don't like shows that have 'gotcha' moments at the end - especially when the seeds weren't sown throughout the episode for the pay-off
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