Is it just me or has WandaVision and a few other streaming shows like Star Trek: Discovery really brought back some nostalgia for weekly TV shows? Like a lot of people who cut the cord, I’ve become used to having entire seasons of my favorite shows drop all at once, setting up either a big binge weekend or some fun nightly viewing for a week or two. But, there’s something enjoyable about the weekly nature of a show like WandaVision, where elements of the story are revealed in each episode, while the big mysteries remain. It lets fans have fun reviewing the episode, looking for clues and easter eggs, listen to weekly podcasts that delve into the latest episode, etc.
I have a feeling once it’s over, I may go back and binge the series over a few days and then see how the experience changes watching it all back to back, compared to the weekly delay. Either way, the series has been a blast for me and many Marvel MCU fans these past 6 weeks.
This brings us to the latest episode - #6. Spoilers Ahead!
When are we?
Each episode to date has been largely centered on a particular decade of sitcom (not including episode 4, which was largely about what was happening outside of Westview). Previous episodes covered the 60s, 70s, and 80s, respectively. Very close observers noted that there was some minimal blurring where a show being used as inspiration may have straddled decades a bit, but by and large, each episode was fairly consistent with a particular decade. However, in Episode 6, we get more blurriness than we might have noted previously, where there are definitely 90s elements, but also clear references to the early 2000s. Now, this may not mean much of anything, but it was notable that the show seemed to be taking off on Malcolm in the Middle, but that show actually premiered in 2000. But, for the sake of consistency, we can feel like this episode takes place in the late 90s early 00s.
It’s Halloween!
We get to see a bunch of fun costume easter eggs, with Vision, Wanda, and Pietro wearing Halloween costumes that draw directly from their comic book characters during the 1980s/90s. We also get a few more potential teasers from the costumes, like the suspicious neighbor Agnes, who is dressed as a witch. This plays into popular fan theory that argues she is actually a version of Agatha Harkness from the comics, who happened to be a witch. Coincidence? Nothing is truly coincidental in this show, even though some things may just be the producers having some fun and giving fans a little misdirection.
Pietro is still in town and he knows more than most characters
We weren’t totally sure if the mic drop moment at the end of Episode 5 would continue with the X-Men’s version of Wanda’s brother, Pietro/Quicksilver, would still be around for this episode. But, he sure is and he has settled into the role of funny man-child uncle to the twins. But, we also get a revealing conversation between Pietro and Wanda where it is clear he knows more about what is going on than just about anyone else - or at least he is willing to talk about it. He mentions that he assumes Wanda is in charge of everything, that he is actually the MCU version of her brother, but we know he is played by the X-Men actor. He also knows he died, and interestingly enough, he also knows that Vision is dead. Since his MCU character died long before Vision met his end, that seems like an interesting tidbit that may mean something later on.
There ARE kids in Westview!
Suddenly, for the first time, the cast of Westview citizens increases dramatically and we see kids for the first time. With the whole ‘For the Children’ mantra, we have heard repeated in past episodes, this is the first time we see a child other than the twins. Where have they been up until now? We also see more extras than ever before, including many who seem to be simply going through the motions as part of the background.
Vision is truly trapped
Following up on his suspicions from the last episode, Vision begins exploring near the edge of town. He runs into Agnes, who seems to have reached the edge of Wanda’s influence. Vision wakes her up briefly, as he did to a co-worker and Agnes asks him if the Avengers are there to save them. Vision doesn’t remember the Avengers and Agnes ends up laughing maniacally, saying “All is lost!” before Vision puts her back into character. But, with all the questions about Agnes, is she just faking all of it? Also, how is Vision ‘waking’ people up?
Vision reaches the boundary and tries to push his way through, with SWORD agents waiting for him, as if he is what they have been after this whole time. Hmmmmmmm. It becomes clear that Vision can’t survive outside of Wanda’s reality, as he starts to disintegrate and be pulled back into Westview piece by piece. But, Billy hears Vision in danger, alerts Wanda and she does something we didn’t see coming. She expands the size of her alternate reality bubble, covering Vision and then taking over the SWORD base (turning it into a circus, with agents as clowns). Only SWORD director (and seeming villain) Tyler Hayward, a few of his agents, Jimmy and Monica escape.
As the episode ends, we have fan-favorite character Darcy being pulled into Westview, Jimmy and Monica on their way to find an aerospace engineer to help them build a vehicle to get them into Westview (James Rhodes/War Machine? Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic? Hank Pym? We don’t know yet, but it’s going to be someone we know.)
Other tidbits…
- Monica has been changed by her trips in and out of Westview. Is this how she becomes a superhero?
- Darcy uncovered a plan called Cataract that seems to explain what Hayward is up to and sent it out in an email.
Can’t wait for the next episode!
