Marvel’s WandaVision

There is a surefooted self-assurance to WandaVision which comes with confidence. A confidence built on innovation and driven by considered calculation, which continues to see Marvel consolidate its position one medium at a time. They strive to put story first, investing time in fresh talent and pushing the envelope creatively. This complex piece of television is just

This retrofitted Charles Dickens fable repurposed for the Marvel multiverse is savvy, subtle and entirely in keeping with its progressive cannon. Playing like a narrative homage to that Endgame changer, episode eight provides back story and flexes its intellectual story telling muscle. Central to this conceit is Agatha Harkness, played with a perverse pleasure by Kathryn Hahn.

Aside from the Modern Family makeover, there are enough Easter eggs to satisfy the most eagle-eyed fanboy this week. Glitches in the fabric of this superficial suburbia mix seamlessly with a Wanda in flux. Elizabeth Olsen displays a gift for direct to camera delivery which elevates the series. Whether submerged beneath bed clothes or snacking on indeterminate

Channelling the ghost of Frankie Muniz, Wandavision embraces sitcom self-awareness, steady-cam credit sequences and upbeat Americana. In an episode which embraces comic book origins, saccharine soaked family moments are broken up by darker hues. Evan Peters displays a lightness of touch and self-assurance in his portrayal of Pietro, which complements an already excellent ensemble cast. From the

As we slide into the Eighties, Marvel begins to extend its reach, lay down essential building blocks and make way for Phase Four. Florescent leg warmers, huge perms and era specific distractions cloak an intricate game of plotline poker. Slowly but surely this superficial sitcom-slash-delicate defence mechanism is crumbling away. Orchestrating from within is a

We are not in Kansas anymore, as Marvel goes full Cinematic Universe with added Easter eggs. Using flashback to tie things together, WandaVision broadens the narrative canvas, introduces new chess pieces into play and goes more than a little meta. Links are forged to entries in the franchise cannon, while emotional issues are unpacked. Avengers: Endgame and its aftermath

After the drab monochromatic colour scheme of those opening episodes, this over saturated Sixties vibe feels fresh. Disarming in its simplicity, this Wizard Of Oz moment which bookended episode two cranks up the optimism before tossing audiences another curveball. Accelerated pregnancy, situation specific sight gags and some Easter egg heavy infomercials, mean that WandaVision starts resembling something more Marvel multiverse. By embracing elements of The Truman

The Stepford Wife façade which underpins episode two is stranger for its adherence to normality than anything else. West View feels like an intricately constructed Norman Rockwell township, where everything is perfectly polished. Where neighbourhood watch meetings and small-town talent contests take precedence over anything else. Thankfully Wanda and Vision are the reality check in this

There is something deceptively simple about WandaVision, which will wrongfoot audiences from the outset. On the surface this is a picture-perfect picket fence pastiche of Americana, defined by outmoded gender roles, canned laughter and two-dimensional farce. What makes it intriguing is the idea of placing two franchise favourites within this contemporary society, then watching them play house. They come with the blockbuster baggage of