CAST

Kathryn Hahn
Joe Locke
Sashee Zamata
Aubrey Plaza
Ali Ahn
Patti LuPone
Debra Jo Rupp

Review

Agatha All Along may not have been the Marvel spin-off I was specifically asking for, but after the two-episode premiere, it’s clear that this dark, witchy fantasy is right up my alley and seems to have carved out a unique place in the MCU. With a strong start, the show quickly immerses viewers back into the world of WandaVision, picking up with Agatha Harkness exactly where we left her—enchanted and trapped by the Scarlet Witch’s spell in Westview.

I was initially apprehensive about Jac Schaeffer’s role as showrunner. While WandaVision became a massive success, I’ve always been concerned about her willingness to somewhat ignore source material, plus the circumstances that made WandaVision work may not strike twice. However, Agatha All Along comes out of the gate stronger than I expected, leaning heavily into the fantasy elements, with a deep dive into witchcraft lore, layered mysteries, and some top-tier performances that set up the show for success.

Kathryn Hahn is once again a standout. Her portrayal of Agatha continues to dazzle in these episodes as she navigates her journey to reclaim her powers. But Aubrey Plaza is giving her a run for her money. As Rio, Plaza gives an electric performance, elevating their scenes. The tension between the two characters, especially once you realize Rio isn’t under the same spell as Agatha, it adds a delicious layer to their interactions and some intrigue to the plot.

The tonal shift in the first episode is seamless, starting off with the feel of a crime drama before morphing into a dark fantasy with mystery at its core. The show draws subtle inspiration from other TV genres, much like WandaVision did with sitcoms, but here, the references are less of a direct spoof and more of an homage. The first episode has strong murder mystery vibes—Mare of Easttown comes to mind as a possible influence—while the second has a whimsical, almost Wizard of Oz-like atmosphere. These stylistic shifts keep the show fresh and exciting, maintaining a sense of unpredictability.

One of the most intriguing characters so far is the mysterious teen, played by Joe Locke, whose performance is quite strong, complete with a convincingly good American accent. While Locke’s character, simply named “Teen” for now, was introduced earlier than I expected, his presence and motivations seem central to the plot, adding another mystery to Agatha’s quest.

The premiere is filled with fun Easter eggs, nods to Multiverse of Madness, and callbacks for dedicated Marvel fans. But beyond the clever references, Agatha All Along is laying the groundwork for a story rich with magical lore and dark fantasy elements.

I went into Agatha All Along with a bit of skepticism, but its promising premiere episodes suggest that this show has the potential to be an exciting chapter in the MCU. With powerhouse performances from Hahn and Plaza, an intriguing storyline, and a perfect blend of mystery and magic, this series is off to a spellbinding start. Fans of WandaVision and lovers of supernatural drama are in for a bewitching ride.

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