In the realm of Marvel’s cinematic universe, WandaVision made waves with its unique blend of sitcom homage and superhero drama, leading to the breakout character, Agatha Harkness. Played by the ever-charming Kathryn Hahn, Agatha captivated audiences with her sharp wit, memorable musical number, and secretive persona. Following this success, the spin-off series Agatha All Along was highly anticipated, and the first two episodes did not disappoint.
Episode 1: “Salem's Calling”
The series kicks off with a flashback to 1693, during the infamous Salem witch trials. The audience is reintroduced to Agatha, a young witch standing trial, accused of dark magic by her coven, including her own mother. However, instead of succumbing to her fate, Agatha turns the tables and absorbs the powers of the other witches, establishing herself as a powerful sorceress. This scene sets the tone for Agatha All Along, reminding viewers of her complex moral alignment—neither fully good nor completely evil, but a survivor with ambition.
The show swiftly moves forward in time, landing in modern-day Westview, post-WandaVision. Episode 1 focuses on Agatha’s attempts to rebuild her power after the events of the original series left her powerless and trapped in a suburban housewife’s persona. Using her cunning and manipulative skills, Agatha begins breaking free from Wanda’s spell, attempting to reclaim her lost magic and uncover a greater purpose.
The episode deftly combines dark magic with wit, with Agatha’s character offering moments of both danger and humor. The writing leans heavily into her mischievous personality, allowing Hahn to showcase her comedic timing while also highlighting her power as a sorceress. The blend of flashbacks and present-day struggles creates an intriguing narrative that leaves viewers eager to know what Agatha’s true intentions are.
Episode 2: “Threads of Power”
In Episode 2, the show delves deeper into Agatha’s magical abilities and the potential threats looming on the horizon. The audience is introduced to new characters, including other witches who survived the Salem trials, and mysterious magical artifacts that Agatha begins to seek out. These artifacts are hinted to hold the key to restoring her full powers. A key plot point in this episode is Agatha’s realization that her power was never truly sealed away by Wanda—it's lying dormant, awaiting the right catalyst to unleash it once again.
As she navigates the world beyond Westview, Agatha becomes entangled in a secret magical society, where she encounters both old allies and new foes. The writers skillfully use these interactions to explore themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the pursuit of power. The episode ends on a cliffhanger, with Agatha discovering a cryptic message in an ancient spellbook, hinting at a larger, more dangerous force behind her power loss.
Visuals and Tone
Visually, Agatha All Along continues the trend set by WandaVision by playing with different time periods and atmospheres. Episode 1's flashback to Salem is dark, gritty, and tense, while the present-day scenes in both episodes are infused with a sense of whimsical menace. There is an unmistakable gothic charm to the series, with elaborate set designs and intricate costumes that reflect Agatha’s sinister yet playful nature.
Conclusion
Episodes 1 and 2 of Agatha All Along lay a solid foundation for the spin-off series, blending humor, dark magic, and mystery in a way that keeps viewers engaged. Kathryn Hahn's portrayal of Agatha continues to be a major highlight, with the show diving deeper into her backstory while also exploring her future in the Marvel universe. With each episode, the stakes grow higher, and it becomes clear that Agatha's journey is far from over—this is just the
beginning of her story.
