WandaVision - Episodes 1 & 2

WandaVision is a  Marvel sitcom (I never thought I would say that) following Wanda and Vision as they try to figure out how to blend into suburban life.

I saw the trailers for it and wasn't exactly sure what to expect. So far it has been 95% sitcom of the 50s and 60s and 5% hinting at something amiss. As Marvel fans we know something isn't right because we know the characters. but at this point we just have to wait and watch to figure out what that is.

Episode 1

This episode really jumps right into the 50s sitcom beat. No prep or anything. No explanation of what is happening and where they are (although I am sure that is the whole point of the show). It introduces our titular characters, married couple Wanda (Elizabeth Olsen) and Vision (Paul Bettany) 

We get to meet a couple of neighbours and bosses with some fun parts going to Debra Jo Rupp and Kathryn Hahn. 

Personally it was a little tough getting through the first episode. Yes it is a nice throwback, paying some respect to old sitcoms, but it's not for everyone. I knew it was going to being a sitcom but I wasn't sure how much sitcom and how much of the underlying mystery we would get. They tease only about 10 seconds at the end of the episode that gives us some sort of clues for the rest of the series.

If you're looking for an old timey sitcom with laugh track and old humour then this might be right up your alley. If not it may be a bit of a challenge to get through. If you need to skip the first episode, Episode 2 starts with a 30 second recap that will tell you all you need to know.

Episode 2

This one jumps a little in style, we get some of that animated 60s sitcom intro and a little more than the just the two sets that appeared in the first episode. 

We get to see a few new characters in Wanda and Vision's lives, including Dottie Jones played by Emma Caulfield, who I know best as Anya from Buffy.

Though still mostly sitcom, there are a few more hints towards something being amiss and not quite so picturesque in their suburban lives.

Also, we get a few splashes of colour intruding on their black and white world; a little Pleasantville-esque. This pops up a couple of times in moments that purposely pull you from the sitcom into the mystery beneath. Like the aforementioned movie eventually their lives go full blown colour.

The costume and set design are absolutely wonderful. It is a shame most of the first two episodes are in black and white because I'm sure it looked gorgeous. 

If you're looking for anything other than a sitcom with a tiniest dabbling of the MCU we know and love, I would maybe wait to binge until we get further down the rabbit hole. I am not sure exactly what is to come but I am going to assume it will tilt the balance towards more mystery and intrigue as the series progresses.

RottenTomatoes currently has it rated at 97% Fresh at the time of writing this. I don't know if it deserves that high of praise but I'm certainly curious to what the rest of the series has to offer.

*Also to note that Disney+ has Episodes 1 and 2 listed at 30 minutes and 37 minutes a piece. Just be forewarned that the last 8-10 minutes of each episode are credits...because you know....Marvel.