TV Review: ‘Agatha All Along’ Brings Some Serious Magic
by Frank Martin
Although the first two episodes of Agatha All Along were engaging and entertaining, they were mainly just set up. The debut was primarily about getting Agatha (Kathryn Hahn) out of Wanda’s (Elizabeth Olsen) hex, whereas the second installment was all about gathering a coven to begin her adventure. This week’s episode really got into the heart of the plot as Agatha and her coven started down “the witch’s road” and encountered their first challenge. There was definitely some magical elements in those first two episodes, but they didn’t quite rise to the creativity and challenge the series was capable of. This week did just that and gave audiences a chance to see what the rest has in store.
Picking up where things left off, Agatha and her coven narrowly escape their pursuers by heading down the witch’s road. They encounter a mysterious house on a beach, and upon entering, they completely change their clothes and looks. In order to progress, they have to drink a bottle of poisoned wine. The challenge is for them to work together to create an antidote in time. After experiencing hallucinations and infighting amongst themselves, they succeed and escape the house through an oven. Unfortunately, Mrs. Hart (Debra Jo Rupp) succumbs to the poison before the antidote takes effect.
The bizarre magical elements of this week’s episode topped what was featured in the first two. It was very reminiscent of Doctor Strange and how bizarre and surreal things can happen at any moment. The episode also had a decent amount of character drama as we learned a bit about their backstories and the tensions they cause. Even Agatha herself was highlighted as a villain rather than a hero, which is fairly unique in the Marvel Universe. Most stories follow the hero, but Agatha is not one. She really is looking out for herself, and as long as the show provides plenty of opportunity for her to be front and center, then it will be an enjoyable season.
Agatha All Along streams Wednesdays on Disney+.