The first two episodes of WandaVision are strange, charming and disturbing

WandaVision is as weird and wonderful as it looks, and a welcome change of pace for anyone experiencing Marvel fatigue.

As evident from trailers and sneak peeks, WandaVision was always going to be something very different from the rest of what we’d seen from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany return as Wanda Maximoff and the Vision to star in their own spin-off show where the unlikely couple finds themselves in a suburban utopia that resembles The Dick Van Dyke Show and I Love Lucy, among other classic American sitcoms. Would this be incredible or just incredibly weird?

Well, the first two episodes are here, and they’re deeply charming. The one-two punch premiere focuses on the adorable misadventures of the superhero couple while also setting up an intriguing mystery that will unfold over the nine-episode limited series.

Right off the bat, the show lets viewers know how much of a departure for the MCU it is, as it doubles down on its ‘50s and ‘60s sitcom aesthetic. Scenes are in black-and-white, the aspect ratio is in 4:3 to accommodate for a retro television set, and a studio audience applauds and coos in approval of the couple’s antics. There are even short commercial breaks that maintain the show’s vintage feel.

The episodes rarely break character as Wanda and Vision work their way through classic sitcom tropes. Vision could lose his job if he doesn’t impress his boss with a home-cooked meal. Wanda struggles to fit in with the other housewives and must secure her place in the neighborhood planning committee. The gags would fit in on a TV show from the era, and are endearing if not always laugh-out-loud funny.

But remember: Wanda and Vision are still superheroes, they’re just superheroes living in some kind of sideways sitcom universe. The two perform magic tricks at the neighborhood talent show and figure out how to make steak with their powers, all while trying not to expose who they really are. Olsen and Bettany seem to be having the time of their lives doing all this. Their performances are incredible and their imitations of a vintage sitcom couple spot on. For those who weren’t confident these characters could carry a show by themselves, these two episodes should put those fears to rest.

The show also has an extraordinary supporting cast. Kathryn Hahn plays Agnes, the archetypal nosy neighbor who is always ragging on her husband; Emma Caulfield Ford is excellent as Dottie, especially in her scene with Olsen planning the talent show; and Debra Jo Rupp gives a captivating performance as the sweet yet creepy Mrs. Hart.

While the show’s dedication to its sitcom gimmick is admirable, there’s an obvious question to be answered here: Why is all of this happening? Something is not right about the world Wanda and Vision inhabit, and it seems like the Scarlet Witch knows what. This leads to some eerie and unsettling scenes. During the dinner scene in the first episode, Mr. Hart starts choking and collapses on the floor. While he gasps for air, his wife giggles and repeatedly tells him to stop. The scene was already tense as Mr. Hart aggressively interrogated the couple about where they moved from and how they met. In the second episode, a radio broadcast calls out to Wanda while she and Dottie discuss the planning committee. Dottie looks distressed she asks Wanda, “Who are you?” before shattering the glass in her hand.

These sudden tone changes can be jarring, as the laugh tracks cut and disturbing music starts to play. However, they effectively communicate the darker and stranger side of this show that will undoubtedly be explored as it goes on.

The ever-shifting tone of WandaVision also helps distinguish it from the rest of the MCU. None of the movies have been able to match the chilling mood of these scenes so far. After Avengers: Endgame or Spider-Man: Far From Home, this is a welcome change of pace for those experiencing Marvel fatigue.

WandaVision’s debut makes a strong first impression with equal amounts of charm and intrigue. If these first two episodes indicate what’s to come, then we could be in store for Marvel’s strangest, most entertaining outing yet.

Grade: A

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