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WandaVision: The new Marvel retro TV show that delights with creativity

By Rishan Patel

We are are now four episodes into Marvel’s brand new show on Disney Plus, WandaVision and things have started to get very interesting indeed.

The show is about Wanda (aka Scarlet Witch, played by Elizabeth Olsen) and Vision (Paul Bettany) and following their story as they feature in a variety of sitcoms through the ages.

The first episode is black and white and set in the 1950s, it had a very 50s-like feel to it with the canned heat, dialogue and setting. The second episode is also black and white, set in the 60s and paid homage to such tv classics as Bewitched. The third episode was reminiscent of The Brandy Bunch and set in the 1970s and introduced colour for the first time. 

Each show has featured darker moments that have had viewers guessing their meanings. In the second episode, Wanda goes outside after hearing a bang, she finds a crashed drone in her garden, whilst everything else is still black and white, the drone is in colour.

Evidently confused, but also seemingly aware as to what it could it be, Wanda retreats to the house quickly. As these ‘dark moments’ happen, the show takes a notably more serious tone leaving viewers trying to guess what is going on.

It’s not until the fourth episode that we finally get some answers as to what exactly is happening beyond ‘Westview’. 

Without giving away too much, we have discovered that not all is as it seems and tha pair are in an alternate reality that has been ‘created’ by Wanda, or so we are led to believe as of episode 4.

The show is a refreshing change for Marvel, other series’ seem to fall flat after a few episodes such as Luke Cage or Iron Fist. So far the series has remained fresh, engaging and unique and with only nine episodes planned for season one, it’s likely to keep audiences gripped till the end. 

The show has been written by Bobak Esfarjani and Megan McDonnell, and directed by Matt Shakman.
 
As noted, Paul Bettany and Elizabeth Olsen reprise their respective roles as Vision and Wanda Maximoff from the Avengers films that you’ll no doubt be familiar with, other stars include Teyonah Parris, Kathryn Hahn, Randall Park, and Kat Dennings.
 

All roles are superbly cast in this show, Marvel have nailed it with the actors playing their respective roles. WandaVision has a distinct Truman Show like feel to it.

You become increasingly aware that all is not as it seems with each episode, it’s this that keeps you wanting more and unlike most Netflix series, we have to wait for an entire week for the next episode. 

Rating: 8/10