By CARL MCDONALD
Staff Writer
The year 2020 was supposed to be another, no pun intended, marvelous year for the Marvel Cinematic Universe franchise. However, after the pandemic, Marvel Studios was also hit hard. Projects such as “Black Widow,” “Shang-Chi,” “Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” and were all set to release that year. Of course, there was a change of plans. Thankfully, the film franchise is back on track. To start off 2021, we would finally get our first taste of Marvel content in over a year. This being Disney+’s “WandaVision” series.
The show follows Wanda Maximoff being played by Elizabeth Olsen after the events of “Avengers: Endgame.” Both Olsen and co-star Paul Bettany, playing Vision, are together and are happy again. However, their setting is a little strange. The pair are in sitcoms that take place from the 1950s to the 2000s. This was a very interesting concept as something like this had really happened. A lot of questions are asked as these events take place. You will also be laughing, in shock, or angry with every episode. Also, you may need some tissues on standby.
As this takes place, a few new characters get their time in the spotlight. First off, we have the return of Kat Dennings’s Darcy Lewis. This character made a name for herself in the first two Thor films. Next, Teyonah Parris’s Monica Rambeau. Rambeau was introduced in the first “Captain Marvel” film. She is the daughter of Maria Rambeau and a friend of Carol Danvers, the movie title’s hero. Then, we also have to return of Randall Park’s Jimmy Woo. Woo was introduced in “Antman & The Wasp.” Park has gained a lot of popularity over the last month.
Not only with his performance as Woo, but other works, such as “Young Rock.” All of these characters have mostly received positive feedback from viewers. With Jimmy Woo getting the most love! However, they aren’t the only relevant characters to the show.
Kathryn Hahn plays Wanda’s nosy neighbor, Agnus. With her actress’s prior fame and portrayal of Agnus, she too is highly praised. She is reevasive and annoying. Yet, she becomes a beloved member of the cast. This is especially true in the final episodes.
Finally, we have Josh Stamberg playing Director Tyler Heyward. As explained before Monica Rambeau has a major role in this series. Her connection with all this is her mother’s organization, S.W.O.R.D. The Sentient Weapon Observation and Response Division was founded by Maria. With the younger Rambeau working at the headquarters.Also, the organization was teased in a post-credit scene from “Spider-Man: Far From Home.”
Speaking of Spider-Man, the show’s finale sets us up for “Spider-Man: No Way Home” and “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse into Madness.”
Wanda does a lot of things in this series. Most notably, she puts a halt to the “strongest Avenger” debate. There is a lot of emotion in these nine episodes. The show has received 91% in rotten tomatoes. Even better for the show, fans believe that Elizabeth Olsen’s performance should be considered for an Emmy nomination. Along with the cast, Matt Shakman is another person worthy of credit. He is the director of this series. He really showed off a nice set of his talents here. Yet, there is more to it.
Expect to see a familiar face from the Marvel franchise. This person was another fan-favorite of their last three films. This performer is one of the many easter eggs featured. Finally, this is not a true Marvel project without any mid or post-credit scenes. In the last three episodes, expect to see three scenes alluding to what’s next to come. In general, expect greatness as you tune-in to this wonderful show.
As the show has now come to an end, it is not a time to be sad. The reason for this is that in less than two weeks, Falcon and the Winter Soldier will premiere. The show was actually supposed to be the first to show up on Disney+. Obviously, COVID-19 put an end to that. So expect this show to appear on March 19 on the network.
