The Marvel Cinematic Universe built an empire on minor characters, proving that strong execution and an overarching brand could elevate once-fringe figures like Black Widow or the Guardians of the Galaxy into franchise mainstays. (Because A-list IP like Spider-Man and the Kathryn Hahn’s title character, a witch who survived Salem only to clash with Elizabeth Olsen’s grief-stricken Wanda Maximoff in Marvel Studios’ TV debut “WandaVision,” has never written her own comic book. Agatha got her own spin-off based almost entirely on Hahn’s scene-stealing performance – which is why the earlier series, and not Marvel Comics, is credited as the source material of “Agatha All Along”.
That approach pays off in the nine-episode series, a magical quest that takes its tonal cues from Hahn’s big, brassy, slanted-eyed performance. (Critics screened four episodes in advance.) Marvel has been in something of a creative and financial slump lately, with viewers growing fatigued by an increasingly interchangeable, interconnected onslaught of output. Created by “WandaVision” chief Jac Schaeffer, “Agatha All Along” has a distinct genre and feel, with a minimum of Marvel knowledge required to join in on the fun. All you really need to know is that the events of ‘WandaVision’ have left Agatha powerless, memory-wiped and trapped in the idyllic suburb of Westview. Other proper names, such as the Darkhold, can be safely disabled. MacGuffins aren’t the point here.
The point instead is to build a playground big enough to accommodate Hahn’s shamelessly selfish, domineering Agatha, a protagonist unburdened by moral obligations or interests as great – they are meaningless – as saving the world. Agatha’s mission is simple, and if the world-building around MCU witchcraft feels sloppy or hand-waved, that’s because it’s clearly secondary to a larger goal: assembling a cast and staging set pieces to complement an energy that’s compelling enough to build a show around. Hahn has spent her career balancing comedic supporting roles (“Step Brothers,” “Bad Moms”) with sensitive, sensual leading roles (“Mrs. Fletcher,” “Tiny Beautiful Things”). With ‘Agatha’ the actor’s crazy side finally comes to the fore.
The series premiere gets off to a slow start, as it’s essentially a speedrun of “WandaVision”: a witch trapped in an illusion, steps behind an audience well aware that Agatha isn’t exactly an outspoken small-town cop is. called Agnes. (Even the obvious allusions to a small-screen trope — let’s call it the core of “Mare of Easttown” — are lifted straight from its sitcom scrambler predecessor.) It’s nevertheless a lot of fun to see how ” Agatha All along’ tugs at the edges of the film. this manufactured reality, like when “Agnes” kicks a suspect off his interrogation chair or Aubrey Plaza drops by for some PG-13-rated sexual tension, sneering lines like “If you want to be in control, you can.” And near the end of the episode, we’re treated to a reawakened, righteously angry Agatha stomping around her lawn stark naked. The witch’s magic is still MIA, but her attitude is back.
The second episode is a real table setter, explaining Disney’s decision to debut both installments at once before switching to a once-a-week release model. Not only is Agatha defenseless, she is also pursued by mysterious adversaries, including Plaza’s real, dagger-wielding form. (Surprise: Her character isn’t really the FBI agent she seems to be in Agatha’s enchanted mind!) Agatha kills two birds with one stone by gathering a coven to embark on the Witches’ Way, a mythical path that rewards those who survive. with their heart’s desire. Conveniently, her ill-wishers can’t follow her there.
The coven in question are an Avengers of working TV actresses over the age of 35. Broadway legend Patti Lupone plays the punctual psychic Lilia, who is prone to sudden bursts of prophetic insight; “SNL” alum Sasheer Zamata gets her Goop as the crystal-hawking, potion-brewing Jennifer Kale; Debra Jo Rupp reprises her role in ‘WandaVision’ as an unwitting neighbor who is recruited into a role she does not understand, but which she happily takes along anyway. Each witch corresponds to a natural element and to a certain type of magic, such as Ali Ahn’s ‘protection witch’ Alice. Again, the details are less important than the enjoyment of watching the group – including Patti! – bursts into song. It’s not as much of a stunner as the namesake of the seriesbut there is a beautiful ballad that is central to the plot (and with lyrics that serve as the episode titles).
“Agatha All Around” has a sense of humor that is a definite change of pace from the fun, Joss Whedon-influenced house style of the MCU. The first stop on the Road is a Nancy Meyers fantasy that turns into a wine-fueled, tastefully neutral house of horrors, and when a sinkhole starts claiming Rupp’s purse, she snarls, “This is coming true Talbot’s, and you can’t have it!” The atmosphere is more referential and camp-adjacent than that of its franchise peers. In other words: it’s more homo, a style that is quickly accompanied by content. (The energy between Hahn and Plaza is definite not platonic.) Agatha even gets a gay groupie (Joe Locke) to follow her, a funny metacommentary on Hahn’s real-life fanbase. Some kind of curse hides the kid’s true identity, so everyone just calls him Teen.
Even if the mechanics of the story aren’t entirely clear to the audience, “Agatha All Along” is never less than thoroughly enjoyable. There’s a sense of fun, not to mention a consistent episodic structure, throughout the coven’s journey along the road, punctuated by Agatha’s tantrums and way stations designed just for the gills. (After the beach house, the second stop is a ’70s recording studio straight out of “Daisy Jones & the Six.”) It’s the rare Marvel project that feels vindicated not because of its role in a years-long master plan, but because of its own creative potential. . Even in her diminished state, Agatha is still capable of this some enchantment.
The first two episodes of “Agatha All Along” are now available to stream on Disney+, with the remaining episodes airing weekly on Wednesdays.