Agatha All Along Season 1 Episode 1 Review: Exploring Agatha’s Journey to Freedom from Her Spell

The Marvel spin-off series, Agatha All Along, premiered on Disney+ on September 18, 2024. This series features the talented Kathryn Hahn reprising her iconic role as Agatha Harkness. Agatha first entered the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in WandaVision, where she manipulated Wanda Maximoff (played by Elizabeth Olsen) behind the illusions of Westview. Now, three years after her enslavement to the hex that trapped her as a nosy neighbor named Agnes, Agatha embarks on her own mysterious adventure, blending comedy with a detective drama twist.

Agatha All Along continues the MCU’s trend of genre-bending storytelling, balancing humor with supernatural intrigue. Jac Schaeffer, the creator of WandaVision, returns as showrunner and maintains the whimsical, layered spirit of the original series.

David Payton stars as Herb/John, Aubrey Plaza portrays Rio Vidal, and Joe Locke takes on the role of an enigmatic teenager. Their performances bring fresh energy to the show, especially Plaza’s mysterious Rio, who may hold secrets about Agatha’s hidden past.

Disclaimer: The article contains spoilers for the series.

Who is Agatha Harkness in Agatha All Along?

In the inaugural episode of Agatha All Along, audiences are reintroduced to Agatha Harkness, who has been stuck in her Agnes persona for three years. Initially unveiled as a 350-year-old witch during WandaVision, Agatha attempted to steal Wanda’s chaos magic but was defeated and cursed to remain as Agnes, the nosy neighbor.

Agatha complicates the typical villain archetype; Agatha All Along delves into her backstory and struggles, enriching her character’s depth throughout the episode.

The detective theme mirrors her internal conflict, as Agatha grapples with a murder mystery while trying to recover her lost identity. The narrative intertwines tragedy with dark comedy.

What is Agnes of Westview and why is Agatha trapped in it?

Within Agatha All Along, Agnes of Westview acts as the fictional detective series where Agatha finds herself entangled in a murder investigation. This show-within-a-show concept pays homage to classic detective tropes while serving as a metaphor for Agatha’s personal struggle.

The narrative suggests that Agatha’s mind conjured up the detective series as a means of coping. Physically still under Wanda’s curse, Agatha’s subconscious seeks freedom. Clues from the case lead to fragmented memories, such as when she discovers blackened fingers tied to her use of the Darkhold and a significant locket hinting at her past. These elements propel the plot forward and unveil Agatha’s journey of self-discovery.

The detective format not only introduces engaging genre-bending elements but also emphasizes the overarching mystery. Agatha’s quest is not merely supernatural; it’s psychological as she attempts to piece together her identity. This adds an element of despair in Westview, pushing her deeper into her entrapment while raising the stakes as she nears the unlocking of her powers.

Who are the new characters in Agatha All Along?

While several familiar characters from WandaVision make appearances in the first episode, Agatha All Along also introduces a number of intriguing new faces. Among them is Rio Vidal, played by Aubrey Plaza, whose arrival is anything but ordinary.

Rio enters as an FBI agent investigating a crime scene, but her motives delve deeper than her official role. Her interactions with Agatha are laced with a tension that oscillates between annoyance and something much more personal.

Throughout the episode, Rio teases that she has insights into Agatha’s past, nudging Agatha closer to breaking her spell. The palpable chemistry between Kathryn Hahn and Aubrey Plaza enhances their fiery exchanges, creating anticipation for a budding love story that could become a central theme.

Joe Locke also debuts as Teen, a goth teenager who appears under bizarre circumstances in Agatha’s world. After an unexpected intrusion into Agatha’s home, Teen finds himself at the nexus of the unfolding mystery.

His reluctance to disclose his intentions adds an intriguing layer to his character, leaving the audience in suspense about whether he is friend or foe. This influx of new characters in Agatha All Along opens up opportunities for magical explorations while raising critical questions about Agatha’s destiny.

Curious viewers can catch Agatha All Along on Disney+ every Wednesday.

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