Sophie Talbert
“WandaVision,” the first Disney+ TV show to take place within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), parodies classic TV sitcoms while also changing the course of the MCU.
Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany continue their roles as Wanda Maximoff (aka “The Scarlet Witch”) and Vision as they attempt to hide their supernatural powers in the picture-perfect suburban town of Westview. Each episode takes place in a different decade, starting in the 1950s. As they progress through time, Wanda and Vision realize that everything is not as it seems.
The unique style of “WandaVision” differs from all previous Marvel movies and TV shows, demonstrating the production studio’s versatility. Breaking free of the Marvel formula, the show features sitcom-inspired dialogue and a laugh track.
Additionally, the show seamlessly transitions from its parodic style into the darker undertones, which further develops the plot and characters. These brief glimpses into the malevolent origins of Wanda’s TV show occur sparingly at the start, and increase as the show goes on. Each episode reveals more about what’s really happening to Wanda and Vision, slowly exposing the mystery behind Wanda’s alternate reality.
Although the events in “Wandavision” take place after the events of “Avengers: Endgame,” viewers are able to watch the show with a limited background of previous MCU events.
“I am still able to appreciate the show and follow along as the plot intensifies,” senior Caroline Gardner said. “References to other Marvel characters and story lines notably help keep the average Marvel fan engaged and more connected to the show, yet I still feel tuned in even though I don’t catch every subtle reference.”
For the passionate Marvel fan, there are still plenty of easter eggs and familiar faces from other installments of the franchise that they will recognize.
Overall, “WandaVision” has been met with positive reviews from both critics and fans.
“Each episode is a pitch-perfect – from script, to delivery, to lighting, to cinematography, to aspect ratio – but loving parody of classic sitcoms,” Lucy Mangan of “The Guardian” said.
New episodes of “WandaVision” premiere every Friday at 3 am EST on Disney+, with the season finale set to air on March 5.
