WandaVision (episode 4), review

Exploring a separate area of WandaVision, we are taken into the depths of S.W.O.R.D (Sentient World Observation and Response Department) where the mysteries of Westview are being investigated.

The further we delve into WandaVision the more we find out. The more we find out, the more questions it raises. As episode 4 progresses, the audience learns more about Geraldine aka Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris), whose mum was one of the founders of S.W.O.R.D. It starts with an incredibly bold sequence by showing people coming back in the blip after being snapped away by Thanos only the learn that 5 years have passed. The grounded reality and trauma is right in front of you, dealt with in a way not seen in the MCU until now. The disorientated feeling from those who have come back and from those who are seeing it happen. The confusion, the shock, the panic and the grief.

Monica, due to being one of the individuals who has returned, is temporarily grounded, leaving her to fend of the weird and wonderful goings on in suburban America. She is sent on a mission where she meets the wonderful magic loving Agent Jimmy Woo, played by Randall Park. The two briefly converse before they are separated and their mission becomes more complicated. To say any more would be a spoiler, there are more typical Marvel goings on than we’ve seen in the previous 3 episodes. We have a highly funded government agency looking for and monitoring unusual activity which is yet to be explained to anyone including the audience. Traditionally the hunters normally know less than those watching but this time we’re in the dark just as much.

There are certainly a couple of answers for certain things that have happened, but even those don’t exactly offer much. Similar to episodes 1, 2 and 3, we are shown things but not told enough. It’s a factor which has been working well for Jac Schaeffer and her team of writers and director Matt Shakman so why change things now? Another aspect of the show which we’ve only received in small doses are that of Wanda’s powers, when she was having contractions and giving birth, her powers were wildly out of control, and she loses it a bit in this episode too.

It was certainty a different episode, but not the different we’re used to. Whilst it felt like a dip in quality as there was not much of the sitcom element to enjoy, it was only a slight dip. After all, learning more about this world is what we’re here for. The prospect of what is to come next is frankly terrifying, but in the best possible way.

4 out of 5.

Keep. It. Reel.

WandaVision (episode 3), review

Wanda and Vision continue to live their suburban lives as the imminent arrival of their child is sped up and becomes much more immediate.

In a similar vein to the two previous episodes, we see further escapades of Wanda and Vision with more hints to something greater, but as things start to become more sinister, the balance between family comedy and mystery starts to tip.

Continuing on from the end of last week’s episode, Wanda has fallen pregnant and the couple (as well as the rest of Westview) has transferred from black and white to colour and another decade. The earliest indication of this comes in the form of the wonderfully upbeat and kitchy opening credits, a tribute to the shows of the 1970s, particularly The Brady Bunch, even down to the font. They are a young, popular couple who have made done what they set out to do: fit in. The first colour episode knows how to have fun with this era, throwing in funky hairdos and retro fashion, it certainly suits the star couple who carry on with their onscreen chemistry with ease.

As the episode progresses, so does Wanda’s pregnancy at an exponential rate. The farcical element of the show is amped up as Wanda desperately tries to hide her pregnancy from Geraldine and Vision is forced into action as Wanda starts to experience contractions. Jokes including an exchange between Dr. Nielsen and Vision, “Every new father gets nervous.” / “Well I have nerves of steel so there goes that theory!” and Wanda’s water breaking keep the lighthearted tone whilst mixing in ominous elements. It’s the accurately executed shifts in tone which make writing from Megan McDonnell so sharp. She expertly navigates two stories at once, as we receive further yet equally mysterious hints whilst watching an episode of a sitcom.

As the couple have separate conversations with their neighbours, we are lead down a path of curiosity which is still only leaving traces. Kathryn Hahn who plays Agnes and David Payton’s Herb are both left off screen for most of the episode before Vision joins for a brief neighbourly chinwag and Wanda chats with Geraldine inside after giving birth. These conversations are fascinating to watch, with a deeply dark undercurrent just waiting to come out. What that will be is anyone’s guess, but one thing is certain: the MCU is changing and all the better for it.

5 out of 5.

Keep. It. Reel.