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Agatha All Along Series Review

Note: this review is based on the first four episodes. The witches are back, but do they retain their ‘Marvel’-ous charm? The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) makes a return this year with “Agatha All Along,” a series that sees Kathryn Hahn reprising her role as Agatha Harkness, set three years after the events of “WandaVision.” Unlike previous series that often reflected on the aftermath of “Avengers: Endgame,” this new installment concentrates solely on its protagonist and the lore of witches within the MCU. This focus is both refreshing and enjoyable, bringing a lighter vibe to the series. However, it seems to grapple with some of the same writing issues that have become prevalent in recent MCU titles.

Now available on Disney+ Hotstar, the series begins with a somewhat disjointed first episode. However, by the second episode, it finds its footing and begins to thrive. The subsequent episodes explore the witches as they navigate personal challenges and uncover their hidden strengths.

Agatha All Along Plot

The narrative centers on Agatha, who seeks to reclaim her magical abilities after being trapped by Wanda in Westview, New Jersey. Her journey gains momentum with the help of a teenage character played by Joe Locke, and together they embark on a quest to discover the Witches’ Road—a treacherous path necessary for Agatha to restore her powers. To succeed, Agatha must reunite with her fellow witches, leading to an intriguing exploration of their collective journey. Will they ultimately locate this path and restore their abilities? The adventure unfolds as the series progresses.

Is Agatha All Along Good?

This series presents a refreshing shift from the cinematic storytelling we’ve seen in the MCU since the pandemic began. Like “WandaVision,” “Agatha All Along” possesses a distinct voice. The witty humor delivered by Kaufman, coupled with the edginess infused by Aubrey Plaza, adds a rich layer to the show. Their interactions early on provide plenty of entertainment, highlighting their complicated relationship.

That said, several concerns linger. While the show embraces a lighter approach resembling the tone of “Hocus Pocus,” the first four episodes suffer from a lack of depth in writing. Agatha’s character, expected to be formidable, feels somewhat underdeveloped given that she is the main focal point of the series. There’s hope that this may improve as the season unfolds.

The opening episodes could benefit from additional refinement to truly elevate the experience. The concepts introduced could further enhance Agatha’s formidable presence, but at present, it is Aubrey Plaza’s character, Rio Vidal, who often steals the spotlight. The casting choices prove effective overall, yet it appears that Plaza’s performance sometimes overshadows Hahn’s portrayal in her own narrative.

Ali Ahn’s character emerges as a standout, especially by the fourth episode, creating anticipation for her future involvement in the story. Meanwhile, Locke’s casting poses an intriguing dynamic, with his contributions noted in the early episodes, but the writing has yet to fully demonstrate his capability in this role.

Patti LuPone brings a playful energy to her role, with her character’s enigmatic backstory adding excitement. Additionally, Sasheer Zamata skillfully unites the cast of witches with her grace and talent.

Kudos go to the costume and art direction teams; their work significantly enhances the series’ atmosphere. The musical score contributes to the autumnal charm, offering a fitting backdrop for the unfolding story. Though “Agatha All Along” may not redefine what an MCU series can be, it holds potential as an entertaining selection for the Halloween season. Despite its shortcomings, many fans eagerly anticipate the further twists and turns awaiting in the witches’ magical escapades.

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