WandaVision bows out in a packed finale that brings an end to the tale of Westview whilst beginning the tale of the Scarlett Witch
Warning Spoilers Ahead
It's mad to think of the impact WandaVision has had since it debuted seven weeks ago, the show continued to be a big talking point week after week with countless theories flying around as many waited for the next instalment.
WandaVision's last episode as a spectacle was amazing, the fight scenes, emotions as well as acting was phenomenal providing an hour of quality tv that kept me gripped to the end credit scene. From a writing perspective I can't help but feel a little disappointed (although my own obsession with the comics could be at fault).
WandaVision's finale had a lot to digest we had the Agatha and Wanda showdown, Hayward's invasion of Westview, Vision vs Vision, Monica fighting Fietro, Wiccan and Speed taking down SWORD, Skrulls and the rise of the Scarlett Witch.
Starting with Agatha and Wanda, the show gave us a fantastic showdown as the two went to war over Agatha's desire for Wanda's powers. The two battled all over Westview as well as Salem as we get a Age of Ultron throwback with the trick Wanda originally used on the Avengers. As enjoyable as the battle (Wanda's transformation into the Scarlett Witch was just amazing) was I just don't think the stakes were strong, Agatha's motivations were I want your power, never really feeling like anything bigger.
I think the episode really fell down story wise as it never really felt any depth to it, Agatha came to Westview manipulated everyone for Wanda's power which she failed to get but we knew full well that wasn't going to happen lessening the stakes. As good as the battle was I believe the stakes could have been raised if Agatha had more to gain or lose, it's a completely different battle if Agatha is desperate but I never really felt that.
The Vision conflict was great, I enjoyed the battle as they played up the fact that they were the same person constantly countering each other. Vision's use of knowledge to sway White Vision was a genius piece of writing Vision has had so much more to him this season with this highlighting that. The fact that Vision could be reasoned with makes sense, Vision was created from the intellect of Bruce Banner and Tony Stark. He also was made to be a peacemaker who has superior knowledge to humans, in the end that knowledge was what allowed to him to wake up, it's an interesting plot point that really suited Vision's character. White Vision will surely be a huge part of phase four as he fled Westview after hex Vision helped him realise who he is (or was).
Now we come on to Evan Peters Pietro or Ralph Bohner. Yes it's disappointing yes I think it's one of the big lets downs and yes I do think there's more to Ralph than just being the mind controlled husband of Agnes. I do feel like this plot was just squeezed into the episode it didn't have much time whilst the reveal that Pietro was Ralph was very underwhelming. I do believe that Marvel wouldn't hire someone like Evan Peters without a plan for him so hopefully we will get more of him down the line as he is a incredible actor.
I do have to say that one of the highlights of the season has been the emergence of Billy and Tommy, there role in this episode was awesome as they took on SWORD along with Monica showcasing their speed and magic in a cool scene (Monica even learning she can absorb bullets as Hayward shoots her). There "death" as the hex comes down will surely only be temporary especially with their voices coming to the Scarlett Witch as she reads the Darkhold in the mid credits scene.
Hayward's fall was like his whole arc meh. His end came as tried to run over Monica as well as Billy and Tommy before Darcy (woefully underused in the series for me) runs an Ice Cream van into his car trapping him before he is later arrested. Hayward's plan was to illegally unleash Vision then what? How would he hide the fact an instantly recognisable AI is hanging around? I never liked the Hayward plot with the only saving grace being Monica, Jimmy (who made some appearances calling the FBI) and Darcy who were great in every scene.
One criticism I would have for the show is I think the certain plot points were rushed, the SWORD plot went from carefully handled with slow reveals to Hayward is bad he took Vision and wants him as a weapon in two episodes. I think my confusion does stem from the stupidity of Haywards plan but I just think if you take the SWORD plot out the show really doesn't lose anything.
Despite this I by no means disliked the episode, I loved it actually I do think that in this day and age of fan theories as well as stupidly insane comic book plots it's hard for writers to produce a pay off that will be as good as we thought before hand.
Looking back at WandaVision I can't help but admire what the show achieved, it is a great season for a show that really is huge set up for the rest of phase four, the reveal of the end that Nick Fury will be seeing Monica again is welcome set up to Captain Marvel 2 as well as reminding us that the Skrulls are on earth and in government groups like the FBI.
Finally the Scarlett Witch, Wanda's transformation was awesome fully putting the pieces in place for her return in Doctor Strange: The Multiverse of Madness. The handling of the Scarlett Witch is one thing I'm pleased with in this episode the power is really conveyed in her transformation as well as the grandness and greatness of the moment. As mentioned the show existed to put things in place for the future with the show leaving us with the pieces in place for Wanda to go to Agnes for help in the future.
To conclude, I think WandaVision was great, the show transitioned from light and funny to dark and creepy excellently whilst the wait for the next episode whilst agonising provided some great excitement as we desperately searched for any clues and/or answers. The show ends with hex Vision as well as Billy and Tommy disappearing a long with the hex as Wanda and Vision say goodbye in a heart-breaking scene where Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany showcase not just what great actors they are but why they are The Vision and The Scarlett Witch
Next we have Falcon and The Winter Solider starting in a couple of weeks, the show has a lot to live up to after the success of WandaVision as we dive deeper into Marvel's phase four.
Let me know your thoughts on WandaVision below as well as your predictions for the future of the Scarlett Witch as well as White Vision.