WandaVision is Dope

The MCU is back, and it takes us back in the past. WandaVision premiered on Disney+ this past Friday and gave us two episodes to chew on until January 22. The series, as the title suggests, reunites us with Wanda and Vision, giving us a glimpse into their black and white world, or rather, what they think is their world. Well, actually, they don’t really know either. But, as we’ve already learned early on in the series, we don’t actually know anything at all. And that's a good thing.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe feels like it’s been around forever. At this point, Iron Man might as well have premiered the same year as Forrest Gump. We’re stuck in the middle of Marvel entertainment supremacy. However with WandaVision, it feels like we’re starting over fresh. Obviously, the series is connected to a larger universe, but already feels like something entirely its own- playful, magical, light, and intentionally corny in the way only early sitcoms can be. Black and white cinematography, vintage advertisements, on the nose jokes, overplayed dialogue, and audience laugh tracks are part of this formula as well. It’s clearly different and it’s honestly quite refreshing. I applaud its creators for how unique the show feels.

Given what we know through the first two episodes, this much can be said- we don’t know anything at all. Wanda and Vision seem to suspect something is slightly off, but never enough to shake them out of their character too long. Little hints and ideas are being peppered in with these episodes but nothing too revealing to make the remaining episodes clear in terms of direction and story. They truly show us nothing. And again, that’s refreshing. The show clearly has some cards tucked in its scarlet sleeve.

What’s most intriguing about the show so far is that the characters know no more than the audience. It’s nice to be on the same plane as the characters- asking the same questions, coming to the same conclusions, and being confused all the way through it. There’s something satisfying about being in on the same mystery and unlocking the story bit by bit with our characters. It's also nice to know I know just as much about the mystery as Vision, who might be the most intelligent thing on Earth. I'll take that victory.

The last time we saw Wanda and Vision together, they were trying to save the world from Thanos’ snap. Now, they’re just trying to make dinner for their demanding boss or do a magic routine in front of the community. The scope shrinks but the story is much more intriguing. WandaVision is different, fun, and its secrets are part of the fun. In essence, it is dope.