WandaVision (2021): Series Review

Art by Matt Ferguson

@Cakes_Comics

NAE SPOILERS is the general rule here, but if you haven’t seen the finale, I’d just avoid reading this completely. But mon back in after you’ve watched it

WandaVision. Wow.

Heading into this series, I was excited, of course I was - a year without a single story set within the MCU would have made me excited for even a Howard the Duck series (sorry Howard) - but it was not necessarily the show from the upcoming Marvel slate I was most excited about. 

And how deeply flawed that thinking was. Because WandaVision is nothing short of a masterpiece. 

What begins as a love letter to sitcoms and a mysterious story about two Avengers, becomes something much more. Dare I say, it becomes something more - whisper it - important?

The best stories are those that allow you to dive in and escape from the real world with a great story and characters; the very best are those that give you the escape, plus something a little bit extra. And WandaVision does exactly that.

Amidst the mystery, canned laughter and capes, is the beating heart of the series and one that will earn it a place high atop people’s Marvel watchlists, and deservedly so.

It's a true meditation on grief, trauma and love. And one that will bring comfort, understanding and catharsis for many; earning multiple repeat viewings for that very reason.

It really is a testament to the boldness of Marvel that it tackles such a topic in a tent-pole series with subtlety and nuance, bringing a deeper meaning to the story and a deeper understanding of Wanda Maximoff, and of course, Vision. Not only is the show a strange - with a small s - concoction at the outset, the heavy theme of loss runs as an undercurrent throughout, but its handled with a deftness and lightness of touch that makes it land with the audience so effectively and so emotionally.

However, if you’re not one to peel back the layers, and dig into what it all means and why you’re reaching for the tissues to dab your eyes, then it stands on its own as a true spectacle.

And a beautiful one at that. Skipping through the decades, the series is stuffed with an ensemble full of rich characters shot through with humanity (even the super & synthezoid ones), depth and warmth. And when the ante needs upped and the action kicks off, it is proper, blockbuster movie spectacle. To say that WandaVision has changed the landscape for TV would be an understatement.  

Led by an outstanding, pitch perfect pair of performances from Paul Bettany and Elizabeth Olsen, the entire cast are heavyweights knocking it out of the park with every scene; Teyonnah Parris, Randall Park, Kat Dennings, Josh Stamberg and Kathryn Hahn are a delight (to name just a few), as are the entire town of Westview and beyond.

Much of the plaudits and praise will be given of course to Bettany, Olsen and Marvel’s guiding hand Kevin Feige, and deservedly so. But equal credit and adoration should be given to the writers, led by head writer Jac Schaeffer and series director Matt Shakman for delivering such a beautiful, gut-punching and thrilling story.

Throughout the series, the dialogue given to Vision alone, and shared to Wanda as the final scenes approach, is nothing if not modern day Shakespeare. The line uttered by Vision in episode 8 alone - “but what is grief, if not love persevering?” is truly one of the most poetic lines ever committed to screen; and is an idea that resonates so deeply. So much can be said with a single line and what is said is enough to be both absolutely crushing and philosophical all at the same time. Truly, wonderful writing.

I’m excited for the new stories Marvel have to give us, but I’m equally more excited to re-watch WandaVision again.

The shows to follow, and indeed the movies, now have some very, VERY, big shoes to fill. And I'm sure they will.

Because in Marvel we trust. 

And I can’t wait to say hello again soon.