Magic, witches, and artificial intelligence live at the heart of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s “WandaVision” trilogy, but it’s their grounded, character-driven storytelling that makes the shows so outstanding.
The 2021 limited series “WandaVision” began by focusing on Wanda Maximoff’s (Elizabeth Olsen) and Vision’s (Paul Bettany) fates after “Avengers: Endgame”. In 2024, “Agatha All Along” arrived as the follow-up show Marvel fans didn’t know they needed, bringing Agatha Harkness (Kathryn Hahn) to the forefront of the MCU’s supernatural side. The trilogy is complete with 2026’s “VisionQuest,” which sees the titular synthezoid re-establish his place in the MCU.
Without straying too far from the action and excitement superhero fans enjoy, all three shows delve deeply into their characters’ experiences with grief and love while chronicling the struggle to find oneself amid it all. “WandaVision,” “Agatha All Along,” and “VisionQuest” blur the lines between heroes and villains and prove that an emotional epiphany can be just as enthralling as a heart-pounding battle. Ranked from worst to best below, each show from the MCU’s “WandaVision” trilogy offers plenty of moments to remember.
3. VisionQuest
“VisionQuest” might be the weakest of the MCU’s “WandaVision” trilogy, but it remains a standout installment in the franchise’s TV library. Bereft of an identity following the events of “WandaVision,” Vision embarks on the path to regaining his humanity as his son Tommy (Ruaridh Mollica), now in a new body, emerges. It’s heartwarming to watch the estranged father and son grow closer as the eight-episode series progresses. Meanwhile, the cohort of AI personalities inhabiting Vision’s intricately crafted subconscious adds some levity to the complicated narrative.
Aside from its familiar elements, “VisionQuest” impresses through the introduction of Jocasta (T’Nia Miller), who has an intriguing dynamic with Ultron (James Spader). Redefining Marvel’s AI history through Vision, Ultron, and others’ backstories, “VisionQuest” keeps viewers engaged — even though its central mystery doesn’t quite stack up to “WandaVision” and “Agatha All Along.”
“VisionQuest” is held back from an excess of expository dialogue and doesn’t pack as much of an emotional punch as the other two shows. However, Paul Bettany delivers a nuanced performance in his first Marvel solo project, while Mollica, Miller, and Spader also shine in their roles. “VisionQuest” thoughtfully ponders what makes an individual human, and despite some flaws, its themes about grief and family provide a fitting conclusion to the “WandaVision” trilogy.
2. Agatha All Along
Marvel hasn’t made many better decisions than giving Agatha Harkness her own TV show. Following her standout debut in “WandaVision,” the centuries-old witch returns in “Agatha All Along” on a quest to regain her powers after being freed from the Scarlet Witch’s spell. Unraveling an absorbing plot over nine episodes, “Agatha All Along” sees its main character assemble a seven-member coven and walk the Witches’ Road — where thrilling trials and revelations await.
From Jennifer Kale (Sasheer Zamata) to Lilia Calderu (Patti LuPone), each of the magic-wielders has their own troubled past, but Agatha’s romantic history with Rio Vidal/Death (Aubrey Plaza) ends up the most riveting part of the show. Their electric chemistry and unresolved conflict produce several memorable scenes, and the unveiling of Billy Maximoff (Joe Locke) adds another layer of friction to their journey. Beyond its multifaceted characters, “Agatha All Along” is rendered even more entertaining by strong comedic and musical elements. Humor is abundant, but it never gets in the way of a heartrending moment. “Agatha All Along” is just as mystifying and rewatchable as “WandaVision,” though it also distinguishes itself through a remarkable finale detailing Agatha’s tragic experience with motherhood.
Kathryn Hahn was a total scene-stealer in “WandaVision,” but the star surpasses that performance as the lead of “Agatha All Along.” Brilliantly summoning Agatha’s deep-seated fear, pain, and vulnerabilities, Hahn’s portrayal cements the character among the MCU’s best villains.
1. WandaVision
Despite the excellence of “Agatha All Along,” “WandaVision” still stands unparalleled in the realm of Marvel TV shows. The MCU’s first Disney+ original series follows Wanda Maximoff in a phase of mourning as she conjures a fake reality in the town of Westview to create the life of her dreams with Vision and their two sons. “WandaVision” excels by daring to be different from typical superhero fare, dressing up Wanda’s grief-driven fantasy in various eras of TV sitcoms and presenting her circumstances as an intricately woven mystery that gradually reveals its secrets.
The show also succeeds through its supporting characters, as Agatha, Vision, Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris), and more all meaningfully contribute to the story. Furthermore, the satisfying moment Wanda transforms into the all-powerful Scarlet Witch makes the nine-episode story arc well worth revisiting again and again. Wanda finally gets the spotlight she deserves, and Elizabeth Olsen is at the top of her game. Nailing the tone of each sitcom-themed episode before illustrating Wanda’s complex state of mind as she reckons with her past and her choices, the longtime Marvel actress gives an unforgettable performance in “WandaVision.”
In hindsight, “WandaVision” was the perfect show to spearhead a magical new era of Marvel TV. Brimming with humor and sincerity, the story proves an effective examination of love and loss.
