Wanda Vision

If you’re looking for instant gratification or immediate payoffs, I am sorry. I have some bad news. WandaVision is not for you. A few days ago, I watched episode five and I still have more questions than I have answers. I LOVED IT! And, in reading the comments of other viewers, most have been pleasantly surprised with the direction of the show thus far.

It helps to realize that WandaVision is kicking of Phase Four of what the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has to offer. That’s three years of movies and television. It makes sense that they would be careful to give that kind of investment the beginning it deserves. And, while both the Eternals and Black Widow were films slated for release prior to WandaVision, it just feels right that WandaVision is first.

Wanda Vision starts at the moment of Professor Hulk’s snap in Avengers: Endgame. If you remember, five years after Thanos snapped half of all life out of existence, the Hulk nearly killed himself bringing everyone back. At the start of WandaVision, it is unclear what’s really happening. The viewer is dumped into a 1950s sit-com that almost immediately begins to take some surreal twists and turns.

To reveal anything other than what you’ve seen in the trailers is to give away spoilers. That would ruin the experience a little bit. Anyway, since Phase One started with Iron Man, it is only fitting that Phase Four introduce the primary person who will be donning Stark Industries Tech in this and future phases of the MCU. Well, they don’t say it outright, which is one thing I love about the MCU. If you are unfamiliar with Marvel comic book canon, you’re in for more than a few definite surprises.

To watch these films and TV shows is to almost feel forced to do a little digging if you want to learn more before the big reveals. With WandaVision, it is unclear what’s actually happening until episodes four and five. Even then, there’s another subtle twist being weaved into the story. If you are familiar with the first four phases of the MCU and Marvel films in general, you will thoroughly enjoy the Easter eggs that appear periodically in each episode.

So, if you love what the MCU has done so far (and WandaVision is any indication), chances are you will love what they are doing with Phase Four. I get the feeling it will be a little more grown-up and a much deeper dive into story and character. And, why not? Some do not see movies about comic books as worthy of any serious consideration. I disagree.

Marvel Comics has a history of using its platform in addressing civil and human rights issues. Their movies and television shows continue to be excellent vehicles for empowering women, shouting down racism, speaking out against xenophobia and making us all consider the possibilities for a better reality should we choose one.

WandaVision makes it clear that Wanda Maximoff (the Scarlett Witch) is in control. As opposed to some one-dimensional caricature of a female super-hero, Wanda is a complex character. She is a loving wife, a protective mother, a caring neighbor and a loyal friend. Like most people, she also has a dark side. There is a reason why Wanda views the world from her perspective and WandaVision takes care not to gloss over its importance.

WandaVision also introduces Monica Rambeau, an African-American special intelligence director, who was highly placed in the fictional intelligence agency S.W.O.R.D. (Sentient World Observation and Response Department) prior to Thanos’ snap. She returns five years later to pick up the pieces. Anyway, some of have theorized that Rambeau might be next in line for Iron Man’s suit. And, while she does become Captain Marvel in the comic books, seeing her become the first Iron Heart would add an earthly dimension to the interstellar warrior should the MCU choose to focus attention on S.W.O.R.D. in future phases.

In truth, there is no telling what Marvel will do. So far, however, all of their cinematic projects have had winning formulas. So, there is no need to doubt they will make the right decisions for the cinematic future of the brand. WandaVision is on Disney +...definitely worth checking out, especially if you’re a fan of the MCU. #WandaVision #DisneyPlus