The Mystery of WandaVision

This article contains spoilers for the first two episodes of “WandaVision.”

WandaVision+poster+visual.

Disney+

WandaVision poster visual.

Priscilla Ngantung, Journalist

The first Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) live-action TV show came to Disney+ on January 15. Starring Elizabeth Olsen as Wanda Maximoff (a.k.a. Scarlet Witch) and Paul Bettany as Vision, “WandaVision” takes place after the events in the film “Avengers: Endgame.” The show presented a different side to the MCU by displaying a style similar to that of past sitcoms and retro TV shows.

As a fan of the MCU myself, it was not only nice to see the return of two Avengers, but it was also refreshing to see a twist on the usual film style of the Avengers movies. The first two episodes of “WandaVision” were utterly confusing, to say the least, but still comedic and entertaining. We are first introduced to the newlywed couple that settles in a suburban town, making it their goal to “fit in.” However, this proves to be difficult due to the fact that one has telekinetic powers and the other is an android. Although it is unclear what is really going on with Wanda and Vision throughout the show, it is clear that there is someone observing them and asking Wanda who is doing all of this to her.

Starring Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany as Wanda and Vision on Disney Plus. (Disney+)

The question behind it all is, who is actually doing this to Wanda? After the uncanny incidents of Mr. Hart choking on his food and when a beekeeper comes out of a sewer, it has been suggested that it may in fact be Wanda doing this to herself. As Mr. Hart is choking on his food, Wanda tells Vision to help him and he does just that. When Wanda says “No,” as she sees the beekeeper, time rewinds to before the beekeeper shows up and changes the storyline.

Knowing that Wanda is an extremely powerful Avenger (she may even be the most powerful Avenger at that), it is clear that Wanda is creating her own reality. Especially since Vision died at the hands of Wanda herself in the film “Avengers: Infinity War,” she may be grieving over Vision’s death by denying the fact that he is dead.

In addition to the great mystery behind the show, there were also a ton of Easter eggs that only fans who have watched the previous MCU movies would catch.

“I loved the concept on how they tried to make it like ‘I Love Lucy,'” said Rhea Jacob, who is a fan of the MCU series. “I’m interested to see who’s trying to get into contact with Wanda and why there are so many references like Stark Industries and Hydra.”

Wanda and Vision in WandaVision. (Disney+)

I asked Vianney Morales, who is also a fan of the MCU, about her thoughts on the show so far:

“Despite complaints that WandaVision is ‘boring’ or too ‘slow,’ I’m particularly fond of the new Disney+ series and its slow-paced storytelling compared to the typical fast-paced blockbuster Marvel Cinematic Universe movies. The sitcom-meets-Twilight Zone series brings a different dynamic to the MCU and captures the usually depressed Scarlet Witch in a brighter light, depicted living her–sadly artificial–life that she always envisioned with her love, Vision. The first two episodes of the new series had moments I genuinely laughed at and where I felt fearful for the characters. If this is the direction that the upcoming Disney+ Marvel series is headed towards, the MCU has a very bright future following the end of its Infinity Saga.”

She continues by saying, “I believe that the series so far is a testament to Wanda’s capabilities and gives its audience a chance to truly know her character, as she was given rather limited screen time in previous Marvel films. Wanda, who was last seen grieving the loss of Vision and her mother-like figure Natasha Romanoff in Avengers: Endgame, is enjoying a dystopian-like world in which she can control the doings of others and erase doings that she doesn’t like if it poses a threat to the illusion of her new world. I think behind the superhero element, the series depicts a young woman who has had her fair share of hardship and wants to do anything she can to erase her pain and will do anything to maintain this fantasy she has unknowingly created.”

“All in all, the script, execution, and performances by the cast are well done. Although I feel gutted that I can’t binge the series due to its weekly-episode release schedule, it does give the audience time to digest each episode and pick out clues before the following episode. I’m excited to follow where Wanda’s story leads to and to see how it connects to the upcoming MCU films she appears in, the sequel to Doctor Strange, and possibly the untitled Spiderman 3 film,” said Morales.

Although the show is certainly different from the usual Marvel films, “WandaVision” is definitely a must-watch. And knowing that there is a deeper meaning behind the show’s rendition of a sitcom, there is sure to be a bigger picture that would make connections to future MCU movies.