# **Agatha All Along: A Fantastic Comeback for the MCU**
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has experienced its share of highs and lows in the realm of streaming television. Yet, one remarkable hit was 2021’s *WandaVision*, a series that fused superhero drama with sitcom nostalgia, offering a refreshing and inventive experience. Now, its spinoff sequel, *Agatha All Along*, reintroduces that same quirky creativity, reminding us of the MCU’s potential for bold storytelling.
**(Spoilers ahead for *WandaVision*, *Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness*, and *Agatha All Along*.)**
## **Returning to Agatha Harkness**
In *WandaVision*, Kathryn Hahn’s depiction of Agnes, the inquisitive neighbor, quickly became a fan favorite. The significant revelation that Agnes was actually Agatha Harkness, a witch with centuries of history, stood out as one of the show’s unforgettable moments. Agatha’s catchy jingle, “Agatha All Along,” turned into a cultural sensation, securing her place among the MCU’s roster of iconic characters.
At the conclusion of *WandaVision*, Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) left Agatha confined in her Agnes identity, dooming her to a life as an ordinary suburbanite. However, following Wanda’s presumed demise in *Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness*, viewers were left wondering: what happened to Agatha?
*Agatha All Along* continues the story, unveiling that the hex Wanda cast on Agatha still lingers, though it’s somewhat unstable. The show launches in a *Mare of Easttown*-inspired setting, with Agatha/Agnes stepping into the shoes of a tough, socially-awkward detective probing a mysterious death in the woods surrounding Westview. This whimsical premise is merely the start of an exhilarating, genre-defying adventure.
## **Traveling Down the Witches’ Path**
The narrative truly begins when a young teenager (played by Joe Locke) breaks the hex and enlists Agatha’s assistance to uncover the fabled Witches’ Road. This legendary path is rumored to fulfill witches’ most profound wishes, but only after they endure a set of trials. Naturally, Agatha aims to regain her abilities, while the teen’s intentions remain vague, obscured by a sigil that conceals his true self.
To navigate the Witches’ Road, Agatha must gather a coven. The diverse group consists of Lilia (Patti LuPone), a divination witch; Jennifer (Sasheer Zamata), a potions witch; Alice (Ali Ahn), a protection witch; and Sharon Davis (Debra Jo Rupp, reprising her *WandaVision* role), who acts as a green witch thanks to her gardening abilities. Together, they perform a spell in the form of a ballad—”Down the Witches’ Road”—a catchy melody that recurs throughout the series and has already inspired countless fan renditions.
As the coven ventures forth, they contend with not only the perils of the Witches’ Road but also Agatha’s vengeful former lover, Rio Vidal (Aubrey Plaza), a formidable green witch, along with the Salem Seven, the spirits of Agatha’s original coven she eliminated centuries earlier by siphoning their powers.
## **A Tribute to Witchy Pop Culture**
One of the most enjoyable elements of *WandaVision* was its tribute to various television eras. *Agatha All Along* adopts a similar concept, although this time, each challenge on the Witches’ Road references iconic witches from pop culture. One challenge evokes the New England charm of *Practical Magic* (1998), while another captures the free-spirited essence of Stevie Nicks during her “white witch” era, with nods to *Season of the Witch* (1972). There are also allusions to *The Wizard of Oz*, *Maleficent*, and *Snow White*’s Evil Queen.
The seventh episode, “Death’s Hand in Mine,” stands out by blending elements of tarot readings with lethal outcomes. Lilia’s trial involves maneuvering through a tarot reading where each incorrect card triggers one of many swords hanging above. Patti LuPone’s portrayal of Lilia, a witch living out her life out of chronological order, shines as a highlight, adding emotional richness to the series.
## **A Twist-Packed Conclusion**
As the coven advances, they lose some members on their journey. Sharon Davis is the first to go, quickly supplanted by Rio, while Alice meets her demise during a ouija board trial. Lilia ultimately sacrifices herself to conquer the Salem Seven, bringing her character’s journey to a poignant conclusion.
The most significant plot twist emerges when it’s unveiled that Rio/Death primarily seeks the teenager, who is none other
