‘WandaVision’ Recap: ‘Filmed Before a Live Studio Audience’ & ‘Don’t Touch That Dial’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series premiere of ‘WandaVision’.
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It is definitely safe to say, that the Marvel Cinematic Universe has outright accomplished what appeared to once be the impossible. In that, it actually managed to create compelling and moving downright powerhouse superhero flicks. Because before the arrival of Tony Stark and The Avengers on the big screen, these types of movies were more or less lamented by audiences. For they rarely featured any stars of name, with Christopher Reeve’s Superman films being the exception to that rule, of course. And they also featured low budgets and low-rent villains, making them mere parody of the incredible worlds they were supposed to represent.
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But the MCU genuinely changed all of that, pleasing nerds and geeks around the globe, of all ages by finally bringing big ideas to life on the big screen. But while we’ve spent the past decade or so relishing the majesty of ‘The Infinity Saga’ and all the wonders it offered us, the incredible success that these films have enjoyed has indeed left hardcore fans of Marvel comics wondering, as to whether or not big stories will remain the primary focus of the MCU and it is understandable as to why that question comes up. Because comic books are a supremely unique and creative storytelling medium, and throughout the years they’ve been able to tell some supremely wild tales, the kind that the folks at Marvel might be choosing to shy away from, largely due to the fact that some of those stories are super weird. 

For those alternate stories really do take some serious risks, the kind that leave even the heartiest of fans wondering what the heck is going on. But as it turns out, the MCU has indeed been wanting to dive into more unique styles of storytelling, the kind that challenge the audience and outright embrace the weird and for proof… then look no further than the brand MCU series that premiered on Disney+ yesterday, WandaVision. For this opening chapter to Phase Four… is completely off the wall bonkers entertainment, the kind that quite frankly, leaves you flabbergasted and confused when you first start this brand-new journey. After all, we are indeed expecting big time storytelling and action and adventure when the Avengers are involved. So, to see Wanda Maximoff and Vision playing it up as a classic 50s (and later 60s) married couple is extremely unsettling. 

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As is watching them go through traditional live audience sitcom shenanigans as well. Since they mug for the camera and do all the goofy things that sitcoms focused on in the 50s and 60s. But while this should be off-putting and fine motivation to believe that the MCU has jumped the shark and that the time has come to re-watch ‘The Infinity Saga’ instead, a few key elements suck you into this particular premiere. Such as the cast, because Elizabeth Olson and Paul Bettany outright shine here once again, and their acting skills and comedic chops oddly sell these awkward clichés and tropes to a tee. To the point where you find yourself laughing aloud as they perform their various shenanigans. But while that alone could make this premiere and series worthwhile, it is the other surprise elements in this tale that truly compels you continue the journey.
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Because as these two episodes roll along, odd circumstances begin to pepper themselves into the fabric of this idyllic sitcom world. And seeing logos from S.W.O.R.D. appear here and there, alongside some strange radio transmissions and the time jump from the 50s to the 60s and even the 70s… clues us into the fact that the silly here isn’t some grand departure from the format of the MCU, but all part of a master plan. Because clearly there is something strange happening to Wanda. Leaving one to wonder if she’s trapped in some kind of powerful simulation, or if she’s locked away in her mind and it is the mystery surrounding the Scarlet Witch that truly draws you into the story. Because you’re dying to know more about whatever the heck is going with Wanda and how the first MCU appearance of S.W.O.R.D. relates to her current conundrum. 

But what truly made this premiere so outright impressive, is that Marvel accomplished the impossible once more. Because this is a living, breathing, off-color, ‘weird’ comic book come to life. The kind that that captivated us growing up, because of their bold desire to tell us a supremely unique tale, and that’s just wild. Because who knew that such weird stories could in fact, translate well to the silver or small screen? But they can, and it opens up all kinds of storytelling possibilities for the Marvel Cinematic Universe and really, in the end, all of these elements make this a wonderful way to kick off Phase Four. And it really is quite wonderful to once again be immersed within this world with these incredible characters and it will be quite interesting to see what other surprises and wonders await us as this story unfolds in the weeks to come. Until next time.  

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