Marvel’s “Agatha All Along,” streaming on Disney+, dives into the enigmatic past of Agatha Harkness (Kathryn Hahn) after the events of “WandaVision.” Marvel’s “Agatha All Along” aired its double-episode season finale on Oct. 30, with Jac Schaeffer as showrunner and lead director.
This new series, perfectly timed for Halloween, combines spooky aesthetics with spellbinding storytelling; it is a must-watch for both Marvel fans and those exploring the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) for the first time. By blending a hint of nostalgia from “WandaVision” with new mystical elements, “Agatha All Along” adds depth to Agatha’s story, revealing her motivations and expanding her world. The show brings a fantastic mix of dark twists, magical elements and emotional moments. Though the overarching theme may feel a bit unclear, it is still a compelling addition that promises to keep viewers enchanted through the season.
The story starts off with Agatha returning to her roots. As Wanda’s spell wears off her, she journeys “down the witches’ road” with a coven of witches. Each witch brings their own unique quirks and abilities as they face the trials of the witches’ road together. The audience sees flashbacks of her past, including some dark figures who left their mark on her. It’s a story filled with mystery, twists and surprisingly heartfelt moments that might even bring a tear to audiences’ eyes.
The show has a really great soundtrack; every episode ended with spooky music like “Season of the Witch” by Donovan. The soundtrack includes music of their own, such as their song, “The Ballad of the Witches’ Road” which truly makes the show stand out and it plays a pivotal part of the story.
The cinematography in “Agatha All Along” is simply stunning. Each episode’s aesthetic is perfectly tuned for Halloween. Filled with moody lighting, lush fall colors and eerie shadows, Marvel has gone all-out in creating an otherworldly environment that feels as cinematic as any feature film.
Anytime the characters are on the witches’ road, the glow of the moon, the shadows among the trees and the rich, earthy color palette make it a visual treat. Every set is packed with little easter eggs that Marvel fans will appreciate as the story unfolds. Just like how Marvel’s “WandaVision” had a beautiful decade of sets based off of classic American sitcoms, “Agatha All Along” has some cool witch aesthetics that make it truly outstanding.
The computer-generated imagery (CGI), is used sparingly but is spot-on, blending seamlessly into the story’s dark, mystical vibe. From spell effects to the subtle atmospheric elements, the CGI feels like a return to Marvel’s high standard that fans have missed. It’s clear, crisp, and immersive, enhancing the magic without overshadowing the story or performances. This quality of visual effects, along with the film-level cinematography, makes “Agatha All Along” feel polished and true to the MCU’s classic use of CGI that has been missing for a while.
Marvel takes its time with this story, and it works. The writing keeps viewers on their toes with a plot that unfolds little by little, pulling you into Agatha’s past and her motivations. Every episode has details that come together in satisfying ways later on, making each twist feel rewarding rather than forced. Patti LuPone is a standout as Lilia Calderu, bringing depth and intrigue to the show. Her character adds a whole new dimension to Agatha’s journey and makes her scenes some of the most memorable.
However, the most brilliant performance belongs to Kathryn Hahn. She brings everything to “Agatha All Along,” infusing her character with the perfect mix of charisma, darkness and vulnerability. Hahn makes Agatha endlessly intriguing, turning a villain into someone you can’t help but root for — if only just a little.
Her expressions, timing and wit breathe life into every scene, capturing Agatha’s complex motives with depth and charm that keeps audiences hooked. If audience members have had the pleasure of watching her at San Diego Comic Con online or in person this past summer, they will see how outstanding and immersed she really is; it is truly amazing and frightening.
Interestingly, “Agatha All Along” doesn’t follow a typical episode structure. Instead, it feels like one long, mysterious movie. The pacing is great, with lots of cliffhangers, and the story flows in a way that feels new for Marvel. The show does a really great job of getting audiences excited for some big reveals
The writing is on point, with a mix of sharp wit, spooky vibes and classic Agatha sass. The dialogue really captures Agatha’s dark humor and charm, staying true to her character from “WandaVision.” Exploring themes like grief, legacy and power in a way that feels natural and grounded, the show allows Agatha to remain morally complex. However, it must be made clear that her story is not one of redemption, it is a villain’s story that allows the audience to understand her.
The series also pushes the boundaries of what you’d expect from a Disney+ show, delivering some chilling, horror-inspired moments that amp up the suspense. The show features LGBTQ+ main characters, whose stories are seamlessly integrated into the world rather than token moments of representation. Integrating some long-awaited comic characters into the show, this was a refreshing step toward inclusivity.
Interestingly, “Agatha All Along” does not have the typical end-credit scenes that fans expect from the MCU. However, the final moments in each episode provide enough suspense and intrigue to keep viewers excited without the need for additional scenes. The storyline itself does a remarkable job of building anticipation, making each episode’s conclusion feel impactful on its own.
Verdict: “Agatha All Along,” full of magic, mystery and complex characters, starts a fresh, spooky chapter in the Marvel Universe.
