Rating: 4.5/5

Marvel Cinematic Universe’s first tv show exclusively made for Disney+, “WandaVision” premiered Friday, Jan. 15. The show follows Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) and Vision (Paul Bettany) as they live a married life together in a new neighborhood, trying to keep their superpowers a secret. However, despite the cheery circumstances, something is clearly amiss in the world as it unexplainably begins in a 1950s sitcom with everything seeming too good to be true.

The show is a complete break from the usual Marvel formula. For one thing, there is zero action in the first 2 episodes, setting the show up to be much more of a character study into Wanda than an action-packed adventure. I think this is great for Elizabeth Olsen, as the character of Wanda has not been explored in-depth the way other Marvel superheroes have in the movies, as well as a nice break in the uniformity of the MCU.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of the show is how “Wandavision” dives headfirst into the 50s sitcom style and tropes. The acting, settings, story, and cinematography are remarkably reminiscent of the “Dick Van Dyke Show” and “Bewitched.” Even the special effects seem of the time. Like just using a jump cut to change Wanda’s outfit, puppeteering to make objects float, and the cheesy sparkles showing Visions transformation. This makes the show fully immersed in its setting; however, don’t expect it to stay in the same place for long, as trailers have revealed that they will be traveling through all different eras of sitcoms.

While I do think Wanda had one of the best moments of “Avengers: Endgame,” I have never found her or Vision very compelling in the movies. However; this show completely turns that around. Olsen and Bettany’s acting, along with supporting actress Kathryn Hann as Agnes, is so charming, genuine, and cheesy at just the right moments to endear us to all of the characters yet, when tensions rise they are able to give the audience goosebumps, heightening the mystery. I look forward to seeing where the cast takes their characters.

What really sets “WandaVision” over the edge is the overlying feeling of uneasiness that looms over the whole show. You know it is all just too perfect to be true and with little to no explanation of anything in the series, with each clue, we are coming closer to the explanation of how and why we are here. With the 50s setting and black and white aesthetic, the show has an overwhelming “Twilight Zone” vibe, which is greatly beneficial to furthering the mystery and the tone of the show. While watching this seemingly perfect couple, I guarantee you will be on the edge of your seat.

However, while I understand that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has caused Marvel to delay all of their movies and the tv show “Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” which was supposed to be released before “WandaVision,” and I do find the break in the MCU’s formula to be refreshing, “WandaVision” is such a stark difference from the rest of media the MCU has put out, that I don’t know if it was the best introduction back into universe after almost a year and a half of content. It is just the slightest bit jarring, but it is not enough to taint this great show.

“WandaVision,” despite being very reminiscent of other great properties, is a show unlike anything I have ever seen before. It is unique in its tone, acting, and style, and with so many questions raised, I can’t wait to see how the story evolves and expands the Marvel Cinematic Universe. If you love Marvel, sitcoms, mysteries, or even all three, I highly recommend you watch it. “WandaVision” wonderfully represents the future of the MCU while diving into the history of TV.