[REVIEW] 'WANDAVISION', Wanda Maximoff's Painful Story of Moving On from Vision

Kapanlagi.com - By: Adi Abbas Nugroho

In the San Diego Comic Con event in August 2019, the brain behind Marvel Studios, Kevin Feige, announced several superhero series titles that will be aired on the Disney+ streaming channel. Interestingly, the storyline of these series is directly integrated into the latest phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The first series and the opener of this fourth phase is titled WANDAVISION. Looking at the title, it certainly raises many questions about the storyline. Considering that the character Vision is said to be dead after Thanos took the mind stone from his head in the film AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR (2018).

1. Love Letter in the Golden Age of Sitcom

WANDAVISION opens with two mind-blowing episodes. It is told that Wanda (played by Elizabeth Olsen) and Vision (played by Paul Bettany) are already married and living in a small town called Westview. They try to live an ideal life like any other couple. Vision becomes an office worker while Wanda is busy with her routines at home, including socializing with the neighbors.

The pilot episode is conceived like a sitcom from the 50s, complete with (albeit fictional) commercials, as well as the subsequent episodes representing each era. This concept appears to be intentionally done as a love letter to the golden era of American sitcoms, from decade to decade, from black and white to color.

The first two episodes of the series, directed by Matt Shakman, seem to play around and leave the audience guessing where the story will go. Only after entering the final duration of the third episode, it is revealed that Wanda and Vision are living in an alternate reality. Meanwhile, in the real world, the world is recovering from the snap of Thanos, which is later referred to as The Blip.

2. Vision Living in an Alternate Reality

In the fourth episode, the story shifts to adult Monica Rambeau (played by Teyonah Parris), who returns after being a victim of The Blip. She, who works for the organization S.W.O.R.D, is assigned to investigate the disappearance of the town of Westview and its inhabitants. While conducting the investigation, Monica's body gets pulled into a portal where Wanda Maximoff is living a happy life with Vision and their two children, Tommy and Billy.

After being thrown back into the real world, Monica finally learns that Wanda has not been able to move on from Vision's death. The woman with telekinetic powers then brings her lover back to life in an alternate reality. Assisted by agent Jimmy Woo (played by Randall Park) and Darcy Lewis (played by Kat Dennings), Monica tries to help Wanda. But does Wanda really want to be helped?

3. Fresh Presentation Without Forgetting Its Identity

After last year, which was the first year without any releases from the Marvel Cinematic Universe catalog, Marvel Studios in early 2021 spoiled fans with WANDAVISION, which had been highly anticipated. The nine-episode series dared to show something that had never been shown in the 13-year history of this franchise.

Just imagine, without any reason, Jac Schaeffer as the creator incorporated sitcom elements from the 1950s to the 2000s. It's not just for the sake of being cool, but it successfully blends into its plot.

This makes WANDAVISION a refreshing watch without forgetting its identity as a Marvel superhero. Besides the sitcom elements, there is still a well-crafted story (not forgetting some easter eggs that are somehow applied in future films or series) and exciting action scenes with visually pleasing effects.

4. A Painful Story

Despite WANDAVISION being a part of Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it is important to remember that this series is ultimately about loss. Yes, Wanda Maximoff cannot forget Vision, who died at the hands of the enemy.

On that note, we will understand how much Wanda loves Vision. It is heartbreaking to know the reason behind bringing her lover back to life. A truly human reason.

(kpl/abs/ums)