AGATHA ALL ALONG… in the Long-Awaited Series? [REVIEW of Two Episodes]

The fact that Marvel’s new TV production divided audiences from the moment it premiered was quickly noticeable online. A wide range of opinions could be found, from those praising the creators to less flattering ones, longing for the golden age of comic book adaptations. Even in my household, we split into two extreme camps, ultimately concluding that it felt like each of us had watched a completely different series. So, is “Agatha All Along” the much-needed success Marvel Studios has been waiting for, or is it just a waste of time?

Objectively speaking, after watching only the first two episodes, it’s hard to say anything definitive. At times, I felt that the creators’ genius was only outdone by their foolishness, yet at other times, I was surprised and enchanted by what I saw on the screen. One thing is certain: if you loved the character of Agatha Harkness — portrayed brilliantly by Kathryn Hahn — in the previous Marvel production “WandaVision” (of which “Agatha All Along” is a spin-off), then this is a must-watch series. If you’re a fan of Halloween vibes, magic, dark powers, and occasionally awkward humor, then you should definitely give this a try.

Surprisingly, the first episode introduces us to the atmosphere of Scandinavian crime dramas and tries to turn that concept completely upside down, heading more in comedic than dark and unsettling directions. Our protagonist is a tough woman with a past, whose stubbornness and pursuit of the truth are as strong as her cringe-worthy sense of humor. I realize that many people may not buy into this concept, but I found it to be an interesting approach that heavily draws from Marvel’s previous works; serious moments are balanced with utter nonsense for the audience’s delight.

But don’t be fooled, as it quickly becomes clear — unlike the aforementioned spin-off — that this will not be the central theme of the series. Very quickly, we get back on track, and the entire episode with the “Mare of Easttown”-style world turns out to be just a playful figment of our titular character’s imagination.

This aspect, however, proves to be quite crucial, though for now, only two episodes are available on Disney+. It’s clear that the creators were fully aware that Agatha is not — and more importantly, was never meant to be — a main character whose fate significantly impacts Marvel’s plans for the big screen. This allowed for a much-needed breath of fresh air, playing with the format and incorporating numerous references to pop culture. From the second episode onward, the show resembles a “fairy-tale” version of “AHS: Coven”, heading excitingly toward being a dark twist on “The Wizard of Oz”, which I’m totally here for.

But the show isn’t just about fantastic ideas. It’s primarily about female characters, who are well thought out from start to finish, 90 percent of the time. Agatha was already fantastic and charismatic in “WandaVision”, and watching her again is pure pleasure. This time, she doesn’t have to pretend or stick to a specific convention; she’s no longer the Agnes we met before but the Agatha we want to get to know even more. She’s finally herself! Watching her character, who respects practically no one, disregards conventions, and always finds a way out of the most hopeless situations, is incredibly captivating and engaging. Much of the credit for this goes to the actress. Marvel deserves recognition for its casting abilities, which are undoubtedly one of its strengths. This is no exception, as Kathryn Hahn seems born to play this role. I’d even go so far as to say it’s hard to take your eyes off her performance.

Let’s not forget, however, that the rest of the cast is just as good. And that’s perhaps the most pleasing part because I had some fears that the titular character might overshadow the others, reducing them to insignificant side roles. It turned out to be quite the opposite. The female characters accompanying Agatha appear to be a group of incompetent wannabe witches, who form an unexpected alliance to fulfill their deepest desires. However, it quickly becomes clear that they’re not just background characters but fully fleshed-out women with incredible personalities, skills, and charisma — traits many would envy. The creators really made an effort to ensure the interactions between the women were explosive, even if there were moments of slight embarrassment. This, however, doesn’t change the overall impression of the series, as it’s all part of the charm, which, as I mentioned earlier, won’t appeal to every viewer.

It’s hard to judge the series based solely on two episodes, but at this stage, you can already see the potential, which I hope will be well utilized as the show progresses. While there may be some issues with the script, the creators deserve praise for how well the characters are written, how the story unfolds, and how they’ve managed to create a production that blends seemingly incompatible elements. Is it Marvel’s best series? It’s probably too early for that kind of opinion, but looking at its predecessors, the bar wasn’t set that high. If you start watching with sky-high expectations and think it will change the face of the MCU, you’ll be sorely disappointed, and that might take away the fun of watching this show.