In 2021, Disney+ began its lengthy sequence of Marvel Cinematic Universe content material with WandVision, a enjoyable present exploring many tv sitcom eras. One of many shining components was the nosy neighbor turned shock villain, Agatha Harkness (Kathryn Hahn), revealed to be the antagonist via the catchy track, “Agatha All Alongside.” This track appeared to tackle a lifetime of its personal, and now we’ve got a TV sequence named after the track with Agatha taking middle stage. After Wanda sentences her to TV jail, we meet up with Agatha, who’s now caught in a real crime police procedural thriller. However she quickly realizes that nothing is because it appears.
The primary 4 episodes of Agatha All Alongside appear to be a precursor for a lackluster sequence. If there was ever proof that the MCU’s high quality is declining or that Disney+ TV exhibits are disappointing, look no additional than this. A simple criticism a naysayer might have about this miniseries is that “no person requested for it.” Nicely, this criticism doesn’t maintain a lot weight as a result of no person has requested for a lot of the films or exhibits that exist. What issues is that if the piece of leisure delivers on what it guarantees. I don’t assume it does.
The present begins off absolutely committing to setting every character in a police procedural drama. Very like how WandaVision had the individuals of Westview enjoying completely different roles in sitcoms, this present begins off equally however in a complete new TV style. A number of the Westview residents from WandaVision return to this present, too. We even have Aubrey Plaza in considered one of her three initiatives popping out in September, with the opposite two being My Outdated Ass and Megalopolis. Plaza stays booked and busy, which is to be anticipated, given how she manages to gentle up the display along with her character every time she exhibits up.
For some time, I struggled to justify the aim of this story within the MCU. It appeared just like the forged and crew making WandaVision had such a good time doing it that they made this present to work collectively once more. Nevertheless, the primary episode makes the clever selection of pulling again the curtain slightly early. We all know the crime present is all only a facade for what’s actually occurring, and there’s much more taking place that we’ve got but to find. From right here, the present pulls some humor out of the concept that all the things Agatha sees isn’t actual and at all times advantages from a robust lead efficiency.
Hahn is a humorous, gifted actress who makes a meal out of her display time. She has the presence wanted to hold a present like this, bringing in enjoyable voices and comedic sensibilities. The problem right here is Agatha as a protagonist. She was the villain of the unique present, and Agatha All Alongside doesn’t seem to push her on a redemptive arc. She goals to go down The Witches Highway with just a few different witches, as it’ll give them something they need, however at a doable value. Provided that she’s a villain with possible depraved intentions, there’s no motive to root for her.
Sure, Agatha needs her magic again, however what is going to she do with it as soon as she will get it? It’s unclear, and it’s not a thriller price ready for. The present provides just a few entertaining moments to a brand new character named Teen, performed by Joe Locke. Teen additionally gives one other layer of thriller, as we don’t know a lot about him or his backstory. One other misstep is the choice to usher in just a few extra witch characters. The writing makes an attempt to provide every of those characters a motive to wish to go down the Highway alongside Agatha, however there isn’t sufficient significant emotion behind it to get you invested in them.
Moreover, Agatha All Alongside continuously needs to make you chortle. The intention here’s a campy, wacky tone that serves as a extra offbeat entry into the MCU. Some might recognize it for what it’s. For me, each try at humor fell flat on its face. Marvel films and exhibits may be humorous. Lots of the MCU movies that aren’t even thought-about comedy films have laugh-out-loud moments. The writing in these first 4 episodes didn’t muster a single chortle from me. At its finest, the present is barely uninteresting with sporadic enjoyable moments, and at its worst, this unusual ’80s music video received caught up in having an excessive amount of narrative bookending the music.
The comedy is rarely that humorous, and the drama by no means seems like there may be sufficient weight. Even when one thing fairly upsetting occurs to a personality, you don’t really feel very dangerous for them, regardless that a present with higher writing would make you empathize with each little bit of it. As an alternative, we’re right here with a egocentric protagonist who makes dangerous decisions. The one redeeming high quality of Agatha is Hahn’s charismatic efficiency. On the web page, she shouldn’t be enjoyable to observe. Even Plaza finally ends up sinking into the background of this ensemble. One sequence from the fourth episode is so goofy that it seems like one thing from an inexpensive ’80s VHS tape.
As a lot as I wish to like this present, I can’t vouch for it. The present has the characters continuously complaining about all of the misconceptions individuals have concerning the witches, from their inexperienced pores and skin to driving broomsticks. Higher writing might have pushed this down a extra comedic angle or a sadder one as a result of they’re a bunch of individuals misunderstood by the world, and we’d see that play out and the way they’re affected by the discrimination. However no, it’s simply stated time and again. It feels too weightless as if the story is simply an excuse to get the characters to stroll into elaborate units, put on colourful costumes, and sing songs. At the same time as an MCU defender, I can’t suggest this one to date.
SCORE: 4/10
As todaysviralmedia’s assessment coverage explains, a rating of 4 equates to “Poor.” The negatives outweigh the constructive features making it a wrestle to get via.
Disclosure: todaysviralmedia obtained screeners for our Agatha All Alongside assessment.