Terry Matalas (creator / showrunner) based on Marvel’s comics
Review
If WandaVision explored what happens when grief reshapes reality outside of oneself, VisionQuest seems more interested in what happens when you start questioning your own identity. After two episodes, I’m already intrigued by where this story is going.
The premiere is a good start, especially because of how creative it is. There’s a clear connection to WandaVision in the way the show plays with surreal environments and artificial realities, but here it gives the concept its own twist. Wanda’s fantasy world was something she created around herself and the people of Westview; Vision’s is an internal space that sometimes spill externally, complete with a family and a version of himself that he’s now struggling to understand. It’s a clever way to explore his journey towards regaining his memories and humanity.
The production design and cinematography are fantastic. There are so many little details that give this strange virtual world its charm, and I love how the show uses its visuals to reinforce the questions at the heart of the story. This isn’t just about Vision trying to understand who he was. It’s about figuring out who he is now, and whether those two things are the same.
That question also comes into play with Tommy Maximoff. Ruaridh Mollica is doing fine so far, but there’s this unusual dynamic at play when we, the audience, already know something that the character hasn’t fully grasped yet. In a way, we’re waiting for Tommy to catch up to us and become comfortable with who he is now, so as good as Mollica’s performance is, the circumstances kind of tests our patience. Still, his storyline raises one of the show’s most interesting questions: if you have someone’s memories, does that make you the same person? It’s a question that applies to both Tommy and Vision, and I’m curious to see how far the series takes it.
As for Ultron, James Spader is absolutely eating this role up. He brings just the right combination of comedy, menace, and gravitas, stealing pretty much every scene he’s in. There’s something so entertaining about watching him play this character, and his presence gives the show an extra spark. With Vision trying to recover his humanity while resisting Ultron’s influence, their dynamic is already one of the main reasons I’m looking forward to the next episodes.
The supporting cast has some interesting surprises, too. I love seeing James D’Arcy here, especially given the nature of his character’s job and what the second episode sets up. I can already see the potential implications of what he’s done, and I’m interested in finding out where that goes. Diane Morgan was the bigger surprise for me, though. I’ve mostly encountered her through clips of Cunk on Earth and her Philomena Cunk character, so seeing her here immediately made me think of that iconic persona. She’s doing a great job, and it’s fun seeing her in a completely different context. Some might see Spader as Reddington with Ultron’s human avatar, but I kinda see Morgan as Cunk here.
Wanda’s presence is felt throughout these episodes, but at the same time, some of the reactions to her and the events surrounding her, in this show, have left me a little baffled. I don’t want to spoil anything, but there’s definitely something I’d like to discuss in the comments if anyone else wants to get into it.
Of course, this kind of storytelling won’t work for everyone. VisionQuest is a pretty heady show, and if you’re looking for wall-to-wall superhero action, this probably isn’t going to scratch that itch. Yes, there are action scenes, but the series is much more interested in identity, memory, and what makes someone who they are. Personally, I’m enjoying that approach because I like some brain woth my brawn. The first two episodes give us plenty to think about without making the mystery feel like an excuse to withhold everything interesting.
And speaking of things that are interesting, someone on my socials asked, “Does Vision have to pay $20/month for each of his AI companions?” I laughed way harder than I probably should have. Honestly, in this economy, even an artificial family might come with a subscription fee.
Overall, these first two episodes make for a good and intriguing start to the series. The show’s creativity and central philosophical questions have already got me hooked, while Spader’s Ultron is an absolute highlight. There’s still plenty to discover. I’m curious to see where the story goes and if its events will affect the wider Marvel universe.
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