Agatha All Along review: Marvel's subversive new witching hour hits all the right notes
A review of Marvel miniseries 'Agatha All Along'...
Agatha All Along is the latest project from Marvel Studios, which has been taking some criticism in recent months.
Phase 4 has been described by audiences as inconsistent in quality. Some projects soared while others were met with a monumental monetary loss. One of the biggest hits post 'Avengers: Endgame' was 'WandaVision', a nine episode sitcom pastiche which followed Wanda Maximoff and Vision as they live an idyllic suburban life in the town of Westview, New Jersey. The show re-imagined what an entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe could look like. But it's the latest spin-off that's proving to be even more popular with audiences and critics.
Agatha Harkness, portrayed by Kathryn Harn, was the villain in 'WandaVision'. Agatha all along sees her take a leading role in a unique project. Released just in time for spooky season, the show had its two part finale on Halloween. Boasting a star-studded ensemble cast including theatre darling Patti Lupone, Joe Locke fresh off of 'Heartstopper' success and Aubrey Plaza - Agatha all along is Marvel like we've never seen it before.
The show picks up three years on from the 'WandaVision' finale. Witch Agatha Harkness is still spellbound under Scarlet Witch's spell, living out her days in a series of TV show parodies while life in Westview continues on as normal around her. The mysterious, unnamed teen appears one day set on breaking her out of this spell - the reluctant pair go on to assemble a Coven in hopes of taking a journey down the Fabled Witches Road, with a goal of regaining power and finding "glory at the end". The ensemble cast embark down the road, facing trials and tricks in a well balanced mix of gripping horror and campy comedy.
While taking some inspiration from elements of the Marvel Comics, the story is largely an original creation - allowing Schafer and the creative team a level of artistic freedom. That opportunity really shines through throughout the show, with it maintaining a consistent Stylistic identity unique from anything we've seen on screen in the MCU.
Pre-release, some fans saw Agatha as a low priority spin-off potentially made to cash in on the success of its predecessor - this gave audiences low expectations heading into the project. The show, however, has proven itself an unexpected stand out hit, surprising initially reluctant Marvel fans with its charm and well crafted storytelling.
The show has an unmatched Individuality, it's unique blend of supernatural elements and comedy create a charming tone that allows viewers to be drawn into the world. It's writing is masterfully detailed, a new high for the TV devision at Marvel Studios. The script is littered with clues and foreshadowing, many of which go unnoticed until it's larger reveals in the final few episodes. These carefully crafted clues being sewn so seamlessly into the script reward viewers upon re-watch. The balancing act of comedy and stripped back serious elements is handled expertly, with even the most comedic of characters feeling real and human.
The performances are really what carry 'Agatha All Along'. Kathryn Hahn in the lead as the titular character is soaring to new heights throughout the duration of the nine episodes. Her villainous embrace of Harkness was a joy to behold, portraying a truly deranged, wicked witch. Harn is playing to the cheap seats in a fantastically theatrical manor at points during the run, with an absurdity that left the hairs standing on audiences neck's. Existing in brilliant contrast to the characters more vulnerable, raw scenes, stripping back the layers and revealing the tragic complexities of a truly sympathetic villain. Kathryn does not strip Agtha Harkness of her villainy, rather, it shines a blinding spotlight on the hardships that turn a scorned woman to evil.
The twist ending in the two-part finale exposes the true genius of Hahn's performance - another aspect rewarding viewers upon second viewing. Her presentation holds a masterful duality, playing a double edge sword under audiences noses without detection. A puzzle that falls into place seamlessly with an unmatched brilliance when watching the show for a second time. Agatha Harkness is a spellbinding mix of charm and darkness, without a doubt stealing every scene she is featured in and theorised by some to put Hahn in consideration for an Emmy nomination.
The chemistry of the ensemble is another key component that is not to be understated - the shows smaller budget allowed casting to focus on actors who embodied their roles, rather than the usual big ticket names sure to get people in seats at the movie theatre. Comprised primarily of Aubrey Plaza, Joe Locke, Patti Lupone, Sasheer Zamata and Ali Ahn the show's serialised format allows each member of the coven to truly shine, forming deep emotional connections with the audience.
Another performance rife for potential Emmy nomination comes from the simply iconic Patti Lupone. Theatre fans are more than familiar with this long-time Broadway darling, with three Tony Award wins under her belt, her talent comes at no surprise for those in the know. Lupone's performance as Lilia, particularly in her spotlight episode focused on the characters precognition abilities, was breath-taking to behold. Bringing an unbelievable gravity to the complexities of an individual previously used for comedic effect in the earlier episodes. Marvel fans may not have been previously exposed to the likes of Lupone, but her raw and emotive portrayal is sure to win new comers over.
In the media events leading up to the shows premier, the chemistry between actors was palpable. The authentic connection demonstrated between members of the cast bring an Authenticity to their performances on scree allowing those at home to feel more invested in the lives and stories playing out on our screens.
A further notable element regarding the films press was the emphasis placed on queer representation. Aubrey Plaza, who plays Rio Vidal on the show, was quoted as saying it was the "gayest" show Marvel had ever produced. Marvel fans had been let down by the studio in the past due to instances of Queerbaiting - the act of hinting at LGBTQ+ representation without making the commitment to show it on screen - leaving some apprehensive about these claims leading into the show. Queer and allied fans were delighted upon the release of the show to see that Schafer had included not one, not two, but three explicitly queer characters. Going so far as to show a kiss between two main characters on screen in the penultimate episode.
The joy of Agatha All Along's explicit LGBTQ+ representation comes in the way it is normalised. Billy is not forced into a coming out arc with his parents, Agatha Harkness's story does not entail overcoming homophobia from the people of Westview. Queer characters exist in this universe much as they do in the real world - as part of normal, everyday life. The importance of this kind of representation is more than words can convey. The existence of such an explicitly queer show within the MCU and it's treatment as a normal part of this lived in world is a win for LGBTQ+ Marvel fans. No doubt contributed to by the many LGBTQ+ members of the cast including Joe Locke, Aubrey Plaza and Sasheer Zamata.
The show is overall cohesive, Jac Schaeffer is an incredible TV writer who understands serialised stories. The structure of each episode is what allows us to become attached to these characters. Several of the Marvel TV shows, while excellent, have felt more like multi hour long movies split into episodes for watching convenience. Agatha all along feels like a show and makes the most of the medium with its episodic nature.
Moreover, the commitment to stakes draws us into the story. Rio Vidal, later revealed to be lady death, plays a key role in the narrative. With the introduction of timetravel and the multiverse, deaths in the MCU - particularly in Phase Four - have felt less impactful and easily reversible. Here we see the writers commit to death as an act of finality, upping the stakes and allowing us to become more invested. When these characters that we grow to love pass on, that's it. Plaza's performance as death post reveal is maniacal and bone chilling.
In conclusion, 'Agatha All Along' Is one of the best Marvel Studios shows to date. Jac Schaeffer's masterful craftsmanship, the creative teams commitment to stylisation and the cast's performances and chemistry all bond together to form something that transcends audience expectations - cementing this project as a key stepping stone moving forward for the wider MCU as a whole. With the reveal of Teen as Billy Maximoff, Agatha in a new spectral form and a potential Maximoff family reunion the future is bright for the show and the MCU.
