In her WandaVision spinoff series titled 'Agatha All Along', Agatha Harkness, played by Kathryn Hahn, begins to question the true nature of her reality. Despite the seeming normality of her surroundings, there seems to be a larger narrative she is trapped within, which reveals itself by the midpoint of the premiere. This new Disney+ series simultaneously promises a promising new journey, yet also succumbs to narrative inconsistencies, brand extension impulses, and an overwhelming lack of strategic world-building.
'Agatha All Along', brought to life again by Jac Schaeffer, leans into pop culture motifs much like its predecessor. However, it draws more heavily on cinematic and TV history of witches. The series traces a journey of Harkness, who post-WandaVision, strives to regain her powers through a magical path called the Witch’s Road and a grudgingly assembled coven.
Apart from its entrancing narrative, Harkness' character is the show's biggest charm with Hahn's sarcasm and witty dialogue delivery creating a delightful connection with the audience and her co-stars. Particularly, her dynamic with her adversary Rio, portrayed by Aubrey Plaza, carries a strong undercurrent of sexual tension that captures the viewer's attention.
In addition, Agatha’s crew includes notable names such as Patti LuPone, Sasheer Zamata, and Ali Ahn who each encapsulate a unique portrayal of witches, adding to the fun dynamics of the series. These complicated relationships make the series intriguing, especially as they navigate various trials manifested as physical elements of the Witch’s Road.
However, the storytelling is inconsistent, often taking away from the series' potential to delve deeper into the characters' backstories, intricate world-building and lore details. Despite its numerous crossover references and connections, Agatha All Along doesn't purely feel as an attempt to set up other Marvel narratives. Rather, its amateurish attempt to expand on the original IP leaves much to be explored and discovered.
