Review: Marvel's "WandaVision" Episodes 4-7

When WandaVision debuted last month, it was immediately a divisive show that split audiences because of its deliberately methodical pace. Fans were expecting the traditional Marvel fare that’s full of rollicking action and quippy one-liners, but this series is anything but traditional. Seven episodes in and it has become the most popular show on the planet right and most have warmed to the slow and subtle approach that Marvel chose for their first Disney+ foray. While the first three episodes were all about setting the tone for the series as a whole, and establishing the essential mystery, i.e. what exactly is happening in Westview and how is Wanda a part of it, episodes four through seven center on unraveling that mystery one layer at time, which, in turn, sets the foundation for both WandaVision as a series and the entire next phase of the MCU.

The biggest gripe audiences seemed to have with the initial episodes was that the plot was confusing, if only because there was no setup, nor any real explanation as to why Wanda and Vision were stuck in a picturesque sitcom world. And while it took some time for the answers to come, they proved to be well worth the wait, while still keeping some of the mystery about the show intact.

In fact, one of the most talked about additions was Quicksilver, who appears at the end of episode five, but he’s played by Evan Peters, who originated the role in FOX’s X-Men universe. And WandaVision doesn’t let this go, with every character, even Pietro himself, noting the difference. It was great to see the super-powered siblings together again, it the weird integration of this version works perfectly. It’s up in the air, though, as to whether this is actually the X-Men version. The show has played coy, but it seems likely that Wanda, or some other supernatural force, plucked him from the X-Men world and plopped him into Westview, if only to see how Wanda would react. Only time will tell if this is the start of mutants integrating into the MCU, or if the character is something else entirely.

The most important element introduced in episodes four-seven is the peacekeeping agency, S.W.O.R.D., who seems to be a replacement for the wayward S.H.I.E.L.D. and have taken point on the Westview crisis. Little is known about the organization, other than it seemed to come about due to the blip at the end of Infinity War when half the world got dusted, and they seem to be the current leading government policing division.

However, the most important part about the agency is that it provides essential background on Monica Rambeau, who, at this point, is as much of a lead in the show as Wanda or Vision. While the mystery surrounding the one-time Avengers is still first and foremost, Rambeau has, arguably, become the emotional core of the series. It’s her dogged determination to help Wanda, largely because of her issues with the missing-in-action Captain Marvel and her inability to save her mother from disease, that has provided a sense of direction in the show, and it was exactly the type of lifeline audiences needed to latch onto amidst the confusing narrative.

Rambeau is immediately relatable and acts as both a voice of reason in an insane situation and the staunch hero the world needs her to be. What’s most clear Rambeau sees something of herself in Wanda, and in saving the grieving superhero, she might just save herself. Moreover, her experiences with the Hex, as is showcased in episode seven when she blocks an attack from Wanda, have transformed her into something more. What’s to come of this change is anyone’s guess, but it’s likely she’ll be setup as a major hero going forward, or perhaps even the first mutant to enter the MCU.

And while Monica Rambeau has been nothing but exciting, the character that has been the most well-received has been Darcy Lewis, played by Kat Dennings. No one was sure what to make of her inclusion, but her role as an astrophysicist who keeps figuring everything out has been pitch perfect. She’s something of a comic relief, but there is enough earnestness mixed up with all her sarcasm that moves her beyond the one-liner machine she was in the Thor films, and into a fully realized character. And then there is the FBI’s Jimmy Woo, who jumps over from the Ant-Man franchise in order provide a some much needed context. Woo was the first person in a place of authority to realize what was happening in Westview and has become a stalwart face for audiences to rally behind. While the character was something of a joke in Ant-Man and the Wasp, he seems to make matured and is taking the situation quite seriously.

But the real standout of the series is Kathryn Hahn’s Agnes, who initially seemed to be just another civilian captured within the hex, but turned out to be Agatha Harkness, the supposed villain of the show. Through a brief montage toward the end of episode seven, audiences are clued into the fact that Agnes was something of a puppet master in Westview, twisting events and using her own magic to trick Wanda, though for what reason is still unknown.

What’s interesting here is that the likelihood of Agatha Harkness working alone is slim to none. In the comics, she’s far more of a mentor for Wanda, helping the fledgling superhero gain control of her powers. She’d be more aptly described as a twisted anti-hero with a flare for the dramatic than a full-on supervillain. So, it’s likely this is just a bait-and-switch, with Agatha acting on someone else’s orders, perhaps even the oft-rumored Mephisto.

Overall, episodes four through seven of WandaVision more than make up for the lack of context in the first batch. While there is still plenty of mystery to unravel, each major character has a unique story and is given adequate time to explore their narrative. While there has still be a lack of traditional superhero climactic fights, this isn’t really what the series is about. It is small, and more intimate and psychological, and has been a welcome restructuring of the Marvel formula.