The new Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) television series, Agatha All Along, is described as a delightful concoction featuring magical trials, engaging songs, and the iconic Patti LuPone. This series is a direct follow-up to 2021’s WandaVision, centering on the character Agatha Harkness (portrayed by Kathryn Hahn), who was initially introduced as Wanda Maximoff’s (Elizabeth Olsen) inquisitive neighbor before revealing her true witchy nature. Named after its Emmy-winning theme song, Agatha All Along delves into a fresh narrative path with showrunner Jac Schaeffer, who also developed WandaVision.
While the series treads into the superhero sequel realm, it distinctively carves out its own path, blending genre elements similar to its predecessor but with a lesser emphasis on extremity. The series explores the lives of witchy characters seeking to reclaim something lost, focusing on a coven of underdogs and introducing new quirky characters whose interactions with Agatha form the core appeal of the show.
The plot launches with a WandaVision-styled TV show spoof. This time, Agatha takes the central role with a persona reminiscent of Kate Winslet’s character in Mare of Easttown. However, this gritty murder mystery is merely a distorted echo of Wanda’s previous spell over Westview, and Agatha finds herself powerless until a mysterious teenager, played by Joe Locke, breaks her free from her enchanted confines. The teenager, whose name is deliberately obscured within the series, seeks Agatha’s help to navigate the perilous Witches’ Road, a legendary path promising the fulfillment of one’s deepest desires. For Agatha, regaining her powers lost to Wanda is the ultimate goal, while the teenager’s motivations remain concealed.
Assembling a coven becomes essential for their journey. The coven includes new characters such as Lilia Calderu (Patti LuPone), a psychic diva; Jennifer Kale (Sasheer Zamata), a potions witch with a sarcastic streak; Alice Wu-Gulliver (Ali Ahn), skeptical of magic due to her mother’s disappearance; and Agatha’s neighbor Sharon (Debra Jo Rupp), who provides a humorous contrast to the seasoned witches. The teenager’s enthusiasm contrasts with the witches’ animosities, creating an engaging dynamic that drives the series forward.
Rio Vidal (Aubrey Plaza) also joins the cast as a powerful witch with a contentious history with Agatha, suggesting a deeper backstory that fuels their interactions. Each member faces personal traumas, adding layers of depth to their characters and the narrative.
A significant highlight of Agatha All Along is the Witches’ Road, which presents a series of trials resembling a twisted version of The Wizard of Oz‘s yellow brick road. These challenges not only test the mettle of Agatha and her companions but also allow the series to experiment with different genres in a trial-of-the-week format.
Magic intensifies with episodes featuring fantastical settings, from beachside mansions reminiscent of Big Little Lies to ’70s-era recording studios, complete with magical costume changes. These trial episodes pulsate with energy, especially during musical moments led by Hahn and LuPone, which bring an electrifying charm to the show.
Despite a slow start during the initial recruitment phase, the series builds momentum and embraces a campy, kooky, and episodic format, distinctively setting itself apart from other MCU series that often follow an "eight-hour movie" format. With a compelling cast and an entertaining plot, Agatha All Along promises to be a magical addition to the MCU.
The first two episodes of Agatha All Along are now available for streaming on Disney+, with new episodes releasing every Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET.
