WandaVision review: Another game-changer for Disney

RachelAnn Degnan, Senior Reporter

“WandaVision” is a nine-episode mini-series featured on Disney+ that follows Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) and Vision (Paul Bettany) in the fictional Marvel world molded after the incredible blockbuster movie “Avengers: Endgame” as it pays homage to some of the greatest sitcoms ever created.

Each episode creatively blends the styles of classic television shows, including “The Dick Van-Dyke Show,” “The Brady Bunch” and “Modern Family,” and mixes new characters with familiar faces from early Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movies.

In these episodes, incredible detail can be seen in the replication of the stages, props and camera angle that mirror the famous sitcoms while not distracting from the MCU storyline. Each set, costume and coloring effect is extremely believable and eye-catching special effects keep the audience’s attention.

Story-wise, the first few episodes of the show are scene setters and faced great criticism. Episodes one and two are entirely in black and white, and according to IMDB, most fans found the story to be uneventful and boring. In later episodes, ratings improved, and audiences deemed the beginning of the show necessary to add context to the developed story.

As the series goes on, great twists like returning characters and universe crossovers keep the audience glued to their screens in anticipation. Comic book fans, MCU movie fans and new fans will be quite entertained by the thrilling and deeply satisfying story.

Olsen’s portrayal of The Scarlet Witch has drastically changed since her MCU debut in the post-credit scene of “Captain America: Winter Soldier,” and “WandaVision” allows audiences to see the “side character” in her full glory. Olsen and the entire cast’s performance is Emmy worthy and continues the MCU tradition of mixing comedy with drama and action.

“WandaVision” will supposedly lead right into the MCU movie “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” which is set to release in March 2022 and, in doing so, will be the first Marvel television show to directly affect events in a theater movie. For example, the events and characters seen in “WandaVision” will be used in the MCU’s new blockbuster movies.

“WandaVision” is not the first live-action Marvel television show to give lesser explored characters a chance to shine. In 2013, “Agents of Shield” brought back the fan-favorite character Agent Phil Coulson from the dead and introduced new heroes like Quake and Agent May to the MCU.

However, the show had little to no effect on the theatrical movies and most characters from that show will never be seen on the big screen. This is probably the biggest reason “Agents of Shield” received one of the lowest ratings of any long-lasting live-action marvel television show on IMDB.

“WandaVision’s” ability to directly impact new MCU movies has made it more reliable and appealing. Every event, character and moment may be referenced and used again in a new blockbuster movie and fans are desperately trying to catch every easter egg they can.

“WandaVision” is no longer a television show, but an essential MCU storyline that will have a great impact on Disney’s Marvel Universe.

With “The Mandalorian” and “WandaVision,” Disney has produced two top-rated live-action television shows for Disney+ based in the world of its two biggest franchises. As “The Falcon and Winter Soldier” television show is set to be released in mid-March 2021, it is safe to say that Disney has found a new way to continue the MCU, “Star Wars” and any other major franchise storylines on the small screen to complement its big screen blockbuster hits.

“WandaVision” is an incredibly refreshing original look at the superhero world and its nine-episode run will conclude March 5, leaving a plethora of fans begging the studio for more.