Who’s been carrying the Marvel Cinematic Universe? It’s been ‘Agatha All Along’

It’s no secret that the Marvel Cinematic Universe hasn’t been its strongest in recent years. With the exception of “Deadpool & Wolverine,” most projects have been poorly received by audiences. However, with the release of “Agatha All Along,” it’s clear that Marvel is finally making a comeback.

Marvel fans were first introduced to Agatha Harkness in “WandaVision,” the 2021 sitcom-inspired introduction to the television era of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Kathryn Hahn’s portrayal of the evil, but fantastically funny witch made Agatha an instant fan-favorite, earning her a series of her own.

The series follows Agatha’s journey breaking out of the Scarlet Witch, Wanda Maximoff's spell and finally rediscovering herself and fighting to get her power back. Notoriously referred to as the “witch killer,” Agatha expanded her magical abilities by killing and draining the power of other witches, before ultimately being defeated by the Scarlet Witch in “WandaVision.”

In addition to Hahn, the show stars Joe Locke (“Heartstopper”), Broadway legend Patti LuPone, “Saturday Night Live” alumna Sasheer Zamata, Aubrey Plaza (we all know and love her), Debra Jo Rupp and Ali Ahn. It’s a star-studded cast, and it shows.

In interviews for the show, Plaza said she didn’t like the idea of joining the Marvel universe. However, she said yes to the project because she wanted to work with Hahn. The two worked together on “Parks and Recreation,” but they rarely crossed paths.

In “Agatha All Along,” however, Plaza and Hahn not only cross paths — instead, they play ex-lovers with an incredibly complicated, charged history. Both talked about how while on set, they would send each other poetry to build tension between the characters. It worked.

Since Sept. 18, Wednesday evenings have been the highlight of my week. After meetings, I would walk home, open Disney+ and watch as Hahn’s delightfully chaotic Agatha Harkness graced my television screen.

While Agatha is supposed to be a villain, it's almost impossible to not love her, especially as the series continues and more is revealed. Her one-liners and witty comments mixed with her cruelty and dark intentions make a character who may not be a great person, but is lovable nonetheless. Plus, Kathryn Hahn plays her, so what’s not to love?

In the show, the characters journey to the Witches’ Road. If a witch finishes the road, they get what they want the most, but they have to survive. Each episode focuses on the trial of each individual witch, with the trials completely transforming their realities. It’s beyond interesting and one of the best projects Marvel has ever released.

The series also features a variety of different versions of “The Ballad of the Witches’ Road,” a song traditionally used by a coven to summon the road. The different versions all have completely unique vibes, keeping things interesting. Plus, they’re fun and will definitely end up on my Spotify wrapped this year.

It’s different from anything the MCU has ever done before, and it’s a breath of fresh air. Every character is fleshed-out and has their own storyline, with many of them being the first we see of characters who will be important later on.

The series also reveals Agatha’s motivation for a lot of her actions, though it doesn’t justify them. She’s still a villain who does messy things for no justifiable reason. However, knowing why she is the way she is makes her that much more lovable.

Enjoy what you're reading?
Signup for our newsletter

A favorite relationship of mine that’s explored throughout the show is that between Agatha and her son, Nicholas. It’s built up throughout the series, but never fully explained until the very end.

The story is filled with twists and turns along the way, with the ending revealing that quite literally nothing we thought from the beginning was actually as it seemed. It’s mind-blowing, I love a good twist.

The series is also the first time two women kiss on screen in a Marvel Cinematic Universe, which is huge for LGBTQ+ representation. It’s also the first time a woman gives birth or is shown completely nude in a Marvel project. Women are at the frontline of this entire project and its part of what makes it so beautiful and impactful.

Anyone who has spoken to me in the past month-and-a-half knows how much I love this show — I somehow find a way to bring it up in pretty much any setting or conversation possible, and there’s a reason why. It’s cinematically beautiful, with complex characters and a rich, thought-out plot.

It’s clear how much love went into making this show, and it absolutely paid off.

Rating: 10/10

powers40@miamioh.edu