SERIES REVIEW – Whatever you may think of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Disney+ releases since 2021, WandaVision clearly demonstrated one undeniable truth: Kathryn Hahn is a force of nature. Her portrayal of Agatha Harkness, the sly witch who entered the season with subtlety but soon captured all the spotlight, proved she was more than deserving of her own series. This explains the anticipation surrounding Agatha All Along, even as the MCU undergoes a period of recalibration.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the sheer complexity of Marvel’s sprawling narrative threads, fear not—Agatha All Along (at least based on the first four episodes) works just fine as a standalone adventure. Just make sure your memory of WandaVision isn’t too fuzzy. Agatha, still trapped under the Scarlet Witch’s spell, escapes only to find herself significantly weakened. Her only shot at reclaiming her powers? To navigate the perilous Witches’ Road.

The Witches’ Road

The Witches’ Road, riddled with magical trials, isn’t a path to walk alone. Agatha forms a coven of companions, each with unique abilities. Patti LuPone shines as a fortune teller, Sasheer Zamata mixes things up as a potions expert, Ali Ahn brings the blood magic, and Debra Jo Rupp reprises her WandaVision role as the green-thumbed neighbor.

Joining them is Joe Locke (Heartstopper) as a nameless teen, impressing with a flawless American accent. Aubrey Plaza stirs the pot further as Rio, a powerful and vengeful witch who knows far more about Agatha’s past and imprisonment than she lets on.

The MCU’s first Disney+ series, WandaVision, was notable for its inventive blend of genres, with Wanda Maximoff burying her grief in various sitcom formats. Agatha All Along continues that genre-bending tradition, starting with a Mare of Easttown-inspired parody that expertly mocks the somber tone of prestige crime dramas—complete with a faux opening sequence that will have viewers in stitches.

Satire at Its Finest?

The series’ creator, Jac Schaeffer, once again blends multiple genres into the storyline, but this time it feels like the magical forces in this corner of the MCU are also avid TV nerds. However, the cohesion between the parodies feels slightly off at times, leaving some of the humor disjointed. Perhaps the season’s conclusion will tie everything together, but for now, the satire sometimes feels more like style over substance.

In WandaVision, the genre shifts served a clear purpose, and hopefully, Agatha All Along will eventually deliver a similarly thoughtful resolution. That said, the pacing could use tightening, particularly in the first episode—while the Mare spoof is amusing at first, it lingers too long before moving on.

The Dynamic Between Plaza and Hahn

One area where the series excels is in utilizing Aubrey Plaza’s distinctive energy. While FX’s Legion came close to harnessing her unique vibe, this time she’s fully embracing her witchy role, making for a compelling dynamic. Rio’s character is clearly integral to the show’s central mystery, and even before we get to the core revelations, she’s both entertaining and genuinely menacing.

Supporting characters also get their moments to shine, though there’s definitely not enough of Patti LuPone’s singing—an omission that borders on criminal! Nonetheless, the story doesn’t shy away from bold narrative choices, embracing darker, more macabre twists. Timing-wise, the show is spot-on, fitting perfectly with its spooky tone, though at times it leans more into a Hot Topic aesthetic than a truly gothic atmosphere. The season premiered with two episodes on September 18, and will air weekly until the October 30 finale—just in time for Halloween.

No matter what season it is, it’s always a delight to see Kathryn Hahn on screen. Agatha All Along gives her a role that allows her to fully showcase her range, portraying a character who is both intimidating and sympathetic. While the execution could be stronger in places, watching Hahn tear through this world as Agatha is pure joy—and more than enough reason to keep tuning in.

-Gergely Herpai  “BadSector”-