If you’re a fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, you’re probably tired of waiting for their next big movie. Well, the wait is over, because Disney released the first episodes of the brand new MCU miniseries, “WandaVision,” on Disney+. Thankfully, this quirky sitcom should be more than enough to tide Marvel fans over. Nine episodes make up the show’s first season, and a new episode will be released every week. As a Marvel fan, I was thoroughly entertained by the fun, romantic, and occasionally suspenseful first episodes. Read on for a spoiler-free review of “WandaVision.”
Overview
In a refreshing departure from the Marvel formula, “WandaVision” follows the titular couple, Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) and Vision (Paul Bettany), living through different eras in American sitcom television. So far, Wanda and Vision are adjusting to married life in the small town of Westview. In each episode, the odd pair attempts to hide their superpowers from neighbors, which leads to quite a few close calls. But everything is not as it seems in the couple’s idyllic suburban escape — a deadly mystery lurks behind the scenes. The minds behind the show have done an excellent job in delivering a new story for the Marvel universe. The director of “WandaVision” is Matt Shakman, who formerly directed “Game of Thrones.” The show’s head writer is Jac Schaeffer, the screenwriter for Marvel’s upcoming film, “Black Widow.” “WandaVision” is a daring experiment in MCU history, but the show commits to its sitcom premise with style.
A Trip Down Memory Lane
One of the most entertaining details about the show is how well it mimics the looks and sounds of each different decade. If nothing else, the show is worth watching for its throwback appeal. Everything — the Westview set, the old-fashioned sayings, the clothes, the canned laughter, the music — seems like an exact representation of the sitcoms that inspired the show. The lighthearted tone is incredibly different from that of anything that Marvel has put out before. While watching, I forgot the show was part of the MCU, but I loved every minute.
The Happy Couple
Most of all, the two stars of “WandaVision” give the show plenty of heart. Bettany and Olsen share excellent chemistry, and it’s refreshing to see them exploring their characters’ more humorous sides. I appreciate the chance to see more of them together since their romance was given comparatively little screen time in the earlier Marvel films. Wanda is the straight woman of the pair who desperately wants to fit in with her neighbors, while Vision acts as her goofy but well-meaning husband. Together, the two get into hijinks such as hosting unexpected dinner parties, performing magic tricks in the town talent show, and inadvertently causing a town-wide power outage. Wanda and Vision constantly dote on each other, and they’re adorable together.
The Mystery Behind It All
However, the cracks in Wanda and Vision’s perfect small-town life are reminders that the show will tie into the larger MCU. The tonal whiplash between the cheesy sitcom gags and the unfolding mystery make “WandaVision” a must-watch for any Marvel fan. Thanks to the show’s weekly release schedule, fans have plenty of time to rewatch and analyze previous episodes to crack the code of the conspiracy. Reading other fans’ theories about who has trapped Wanda and Vision in a sitcom is almost as entertaining as the show itself.
Initially, I watched “WandaVision” for the wacky throwback sitcom premise, but the mystery behind the show has hooked me. Want something fun to watch over the weekend? Check out “WandaVision.”
“WandaVision” is available to stream on Disney+. Watch the trailer below.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sarah Faith Dorr
Student Author - Spring 2021
Sarah Faith Dorr is an English major at Gulf Coast State College who aspires to be a professional writer. Her mission as a student is to develop her writing skills while serving others. In addition to writing for Commodore Waves, she is a student tutor at Gulf Coast’s Writing and Reading lab. Her hobbies include reading classic literature (C.S. Lewis and Shakespeare are some of her favorites) and writing the occasional short story or poem. She also loves keeping up with the latest Disney movies — Star Wars and Marvel included.
