Pictured Above: Paul Bettany and Elizabeth Olsen’s performances were highlights of Wandavision, though the show has its shortcomings.
Courtesy of IMDB
By Sophie Ojdanic
What started off as a wild ride, Wandavision came to a grinding halt in the last two episodes. The theory-fodder of the first several episodes was eventually fruitless and didn’t even feel fun in the way that previous MCU theorizing had.
I mean, they had an entire character pay off as a boner joke. And I know fellow Marvel nerds are out there, scolding me for not reading the transcript of the interview in which series director Matt Shakman said that wouldn’t be the last of Ralph Bohner, but there should be more bravado to a highly anticipated actor than an extended bit. Especially on a drama series.
The payoff wasn’t lacking in that area only, however. Teased characters and plotlines ended with no coherent arch.
Wandavision, like other Marvel projects like Agents of SHIELD, suffered from a disconnectedness from the MCU despite direct tie-ins. When nothing seems to have tangible consequences, the depth of the show – especially upon reflection – is diminished.
Nevertheless, the cast did a superb job with the writing and characters.
Paul Bettany and Elizabeth Olsen excelled in creating truth and sincerity between their characters, while Kathryn Hahn’s performance as a powerful master of deception was believable. Evan Peters stayed true to his role as Quicksilver for Fox’s X-Men franchise (even though it wasn’t really him.)
And I still want that Jimmy Woo spinoff show.
I hope with Falcon and the Winter Soldier around the corner, Marvel will do more to incentivize the viewer to engage with the content.
