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Say whatever you want about the Marvel Cinematic Universe shows that have been produced for Disney+ since 2021: The flagship series, WandaVision, proved conclusively that Kathryn Hahn is magic. Sneakily introduced over the course of the season as dastardly witch Agatha Harkness, the beloved character actress got an incredible showcase for her talents — thus making the arrival of spinoff series Agatha All Along most welcome, even during what might charitably be called the MCU’s “rebuilding season.”
For those feeling exhausted by keeping up with all the different Marvel plot threads out there, Agatha All Along, based on the first four episodes provided for review, exists very much as a stand-alone adventure. (That is, provided your memory of WandaVision isn’t too fuzzy.) Things begin with Agatha still trapped in the Scarlet Witch’s spell — once she escapes, though, she’s still wildly underpowered, and the only way she knows to reclaim her former abilities is to walk the treacherous Witches’ Road.
Taking on the Witches’ Road — a treacherous series of magical tests, the completion of which will grant the survivors what they most desire — isn’t the sort of thing you do on your own. So, to help her ease on down the road, Agatha accumulates a new coven of acquaintances with witchy gifts: Patti LuPone plays a fortune teller, Sasheer Zamata is “the potions guy,” Ali Ahn does blood magic, and Debra Jo Rupp reprises her role from WandaVision as a nice neighbor with a bit of a green thumb.
Providing a token male presence is the mysterious unnamed Teen (Heartstopper sweetheart Joe Locke, with a pretty damn impressive American accent), while adding an element of chaos is Aubrey Plaza as Rio, a powerful, vengeful witch who knows more about Agatha’s recent imprisonment (and Agatha’s past) than she’s telling.
That’s about as far as this writer can get into this review without talking about the parodies. WandaVision was the first series produced for Disney+ that would tie directly into the bigger MCU narrative, but the most exciting aspect of the show was its wild genre-bending approach, as the titular Wanda coped with her grief over losing her lover by embedding herself (as well as the citizens of small-town Westview) into the history of TV sitcoms.
Agatha All Along keeps the idea of satirizing other television shows alive, kicking off with what was teased in trailers — a Mare of Easttown homage that does a nice job of poking fun at the gloomy, self-important nature of prestige crime dramas. (There’s even a faux credits sequence, for true shits and giggles.)
Agatha All Along (Disney+)
The Mare sequence isn’t the last time creator Jac Schaeffer (who also headed up WandaVision) incorporates riffs on other genres as part of the storytelling; the magical forces in this specific subdivision of the MCU are apparently giant TV nerds, is the best explanation available at this time. And without a clear understanding of why so many of the spells here are focused around niche TV subgenres, there’s a messiness to the parodies featured in the first four episodes, a lack of cohesion as to what’s being mocked and why.
Maybe things will make sense by the end of the season, but at this time it just feels like satire for satire’s sake, which isn’t that compelling. (In fairness, the explanation for why WandaVision‘s “locations” included both classic sitcoms and more modern-day comedies did come in a late-season episode; a similar surprise might be in store here.)
Even if there’s more to be revealed on that score, Agatha All Along episodes could also stand to be a lot tighter, especially the first one: While the Mare stuff is very funny at first, once the point is clear, things drag on unnecessarily long before the next reveal.
At least the show knows how to use Plaza effectively — the only other project that’s come close to harnessing her very specific kind of off-kilter energy as well is the FX series Legion. (That’s also maybe the closest she’s ever come to playing an actual witch before now — despite any claims that were made by Parks and Recreation‘s April Ludgate-Dwyer.) Rio’s clearly key to the core mystery of the show, but in the meantime she’s a lot of fun… When she’s not being legitimately terrifying.
The other supporting cast members get their moments to shine (though there is simply not enough of Patti LuPone singing, someone please alert the authorities of this criminal offense). Plus, the plotting makes some bold choices; this is not a show afraid of having a body count. This also fits nicely with the overall spooky vibes — while occasionally feeling a little Hot Topic as opposed to authentically gothic, the timing of this show is perfect. Two episodes premiere Wednesday, Sept. 18th; the rest of the season rolls out weekly until Oct. 30th, with a two-part finale just in time for Halloween.
No matter what time of year it is, to be clear, it’s a pleasure to see Kathryn Hahn unleashed on a screen of any size. And Agatha is a role that allows her to explore the full range of her abilities, a bold, unapologetic character who’s capable of intimidation and sympathy to a fascinating degree. The show’s execution could be stronger. But there’s a lot of power — and even joy — to be found in watching Agatha tear into the world, like the witch she is.
The first two episodes of Agatha All Along are streaming now on Disney+.
