The Mosley Review: WandaVision
Just when you thought Marvel Studios could not surprise us more. Marvel has expanded into the realm of television before with the outstanding Netflix shows (Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist and The Punisher) and Agents of Shield which is connected to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but in a side mission capacity. There hasn't been a series spinoff that focuses on the main roster of The Avengers and now here we are. The risk of starting out in a classic Mary Tyler Moore Show styled sitcom was bold and asked the audience to follow along as the story began to unfold. Marvel has built a 10 years plus brand of excellence and I was on board for what was to become of this series. What they have done has turned what could've been another film in the MCU into an excellent series that is full of wonderment, suspense, mystery while expanding the universe in a magical way. Some may get turned off by the first couple of episodes because of the aesthetic, but I would tell everyone to stick with it. The series explores each character in some new and sometimes heartbreaking ways and I loved every second. The universe has just gotten bigger and I'm very curious to see how this affects the franchise going forward.
Elizabeth Olsen reprises her role as Wanda Maximoff and she hasn't stopped being fantastic as the character. Following the events of Avengers: Endgame, you find out where she headed after saving the world from Thanos. You feel her grief, pain and heartbreak as the world around her is of her own creation. Elizabeth takes Wanda to new heights as we delve deeper into her psyche, heart and the evolution of her abilities. This was an emotionally charged performance that I consider to be her career's best. Paul Bettany reprises his role as Vision and he was fantastic once again. He was charming as ever with his witty and scientific explanations, quips and the love he has for Wanda is truly heartwarming. The mystery of how he is alive is slowly revealed throughout and how the world around him is something he doesn't recognize. The chemistry between the two of them is beyond perfection. You feel the love in every frame they're together in and I loved watching them navigate the twists and turns the story takes. Kathryn Hahn has always been one of my favorite comedic actresses and she was amazing in this series. As the nosey neighbor Agnes, she brings out her charm and comedic talent once again, but also some of her dramatic skills. I loved the mystery behind her character and the many layers to her as they slowly get revealed.
There are a few familiar faces that show up in the series and some new ones that will definitely have parts to play in the future. Randall Park returns as FBI Agent Jimmy Woo and he was just as quirky and fun as he was in Ant-Man and The Wasp. Teyonah Parris was fantastic as the now grown up Monica Rambeau and she exudes so much wisdom and strength in every scene she is in. I truly can’t wait to explore her characters’ bright future. The two of them together were awesome and reminded me of a Marvel version of Mulder and Scully. Josh Stamberg was perfectly cold and destructive as S.W.O.R.D. acting director Tyler Hayward. The man starts off inviting, but he soon reveals his true intentions and mission.
The score by the wonderful Christophe Beck was epic, fun and beautiful in the most touching moments of the series. The cinematography is on par with the MCU aesthetic, but it does dabble in other looks as the "WandaVision show” goes through the different eras of network television. The ever expanding universe of Marvel has taken a big step in a new direction for the main roster of heroes and its something I have been waiting to see. This show felt like the comic book spinoff I definitely would've picked up from my local store as a child and I loved every bit of it. This series is definitely a must watch for fans of the MCU and to keep you up to date with the universe. Season 1 is now streaming on Disney+ and due stick around from Episode 3 to the awesome finale for great mid and post credit scenes. Let me know what you thought of the show and my review in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
