The newest addition to the sprawling Marvel Cinematic Universe, Agatha All Along, expands the much-loved Scarlet Witch narrative, acting as a follow-up to WandaVision and a successor to Doctor Strange: Multiverse of Madness. Since 2021, fans have been captivated by Elizabeth Olsen’s portrayal of Wanda, AKA the Scarlet Witch. With the open-ended conclusions of both WandaVision and Doctor Strange, the demand for further exploration of her story, and the characters connected to it has been overwhelming.
Which is what Agatha All Along serves as, deliciously feeding fans by expertly weaving threads from its predecessors as a homage and to build on the magic of Wanda’s world. Kathryn Hahn, who became an immediate fan favourite as the morally ambiguous, “nosy neighbour” in WandaVision, returns to Westview, only this time to fully step into her own, purple spotlight. Now, it’s Agatha’s turn to enchant audiences with her unique wit and charm in a spellbinding journey.
With witty humour, and an undeniable charm, Agatha All Along fully immerses you in a witchy and spiritual journey throughout. The weekly episodes kept me counting down the remainder of the week, biding my time and awaiting the next magical trial. From divination and incantations to tarot, each character of the coven undergoes their own test upon the witches’ road to seek their prize at the end.
The casting is a major triumph, featuring icons such as the musical theatre legend Patti LuPone and Heartstopper’s Joe Locke. Each character brings depth to their roles, contributing a unique aesthetic and personality that just works. And of course, Kathryn Hahn’s Agatha steals the show, balancing her character’s sarcastic humour with moments of genuine power that highlight her acting brilliance.
What sets Agatha All Along apart from typical Marvel projects is its refreshing focus on a contained setting—the Witches’ Road. Rather than exploring the vast landscapes that Marvel is known for, this setting is intimate and visually stunning, keeping the viewer curious about the road’s next conjuring and the mysterious laws that govern it.
Despite being Marvel’s lowest-budget TV project, the attention to detail here is remarkable. Subtle foreshadowing and intricate plot twists unfold in a way that feels both satisfying and surprising, culminating in a particularly striking reveal in episode seven. It’s rare for a series to tie together clues and premonitions so effectively.
Despite having the lowest budget for any Marvel TV project thus far, I found that it only made the attention to detail even more exquisite. Subtle foreshadowing throughout perfectly unfolds through multiple plot twists and reveals. Culminating into many powerful scenes, especially in a striking reveal in episode seven. I can’t think of many examples where a show has connected threads, hints, and planted premonitions so well, even down to costume symbolism. Just when you have been pleasantly surprised by one twist, the show continues to throw another at you that keeps even seasoned comic fans impressed.
The decision to conclude the show with a two-part finale on Halloween was also a factor that I am so grateful for as a viewer. It made Halloween feel just that extra bit spooky and immersive. I know that in years to come, I will look back at this spooky season as memorable and nostalgic thanks to Agatha All Along.