WandaVision: The Beginning of Phase Four

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The Marvel Cinematic Universe has dominated entertainment media for over a decade now, and it is only growing stronger. Now that it is a part of Disney and the Infinity War Saga has concluded with Avengers: Endgame, The MCU’s Phase Four has a unique opportunity to create TV shows that tie into the cinematic universe as a whole. Previous Marvel shows such as Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Daredevil, The Defenders, and more referenced the movies’ events, but now with the Disney+ originals, the TV shows can also influence upcoming films and television series. WandaVision certainly started this off with a bang. (SPOILERS AHEAD)

Marvel’s WandaVision takes place only a few weeks after Endgame and follows Wanda’s story as she copes with her grief from losing Vision in the fight against Thanos before finally becoming the Scarlet Witch. Not only does the show do a fantastic job of exploring her character and her trauma—rather than focusing on the action as the movies tend to do—it sets the stage magnificently for Wanda’s upcoming appearance in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and perhaps even hints at the introduction of mutants to the MCU, now that the studio has the rights.

Additionally, WandaVision addresses questions remaining from Endgame and even explores other unseen iconic Marvel characters, such as White Vision, Wanda and Vision’s children Billy and Tommy, and Agatha Harkness.

The show also elaborates on previously introduced characters, such as Monica Rambeau, Darcy Lewis, and Jimmy Woo. Monica, who first appeared as a child in Captain Marvel, plays a significant role in WandaVision to help Wanda. She also gains her powers from the comics, and scenes from the finale appear to be setting up her next adventure in Captain Marvel 2. Darcy began as a quirky side character in the first two Thor films and now seems important enough for S.W.O.R.D. to recruit her while investigating the Westview anomaly. Jimmy Woo, originally a well-meaning and funny FBI agent in Ant-Man and the Wasp, joins the WandaVision crew as a well-meaning and funny FBI agent intent on helping Wanda and taking down corrupt officials.

If you call yourself a Marvel fan, do not skip WandaVision. It has everything: character development, action, drama, continuity, exciting costumes, and catchy theme songs. Marvel television—and Phase Four itself—is off to a great start.