Agatha All Along starts off slow, with the first two episodes being weighed down by overbearing comedy. The show takes on a neo-noir Agatha Christie style but struggles to find its rhythm until we begin to understand what's happening. Kathryn Hahn is great, her flamboyant energy shining through, and at times she showcases her acting chops. However, the standout performance comes from Aubrey Plaza, who elevates the show to another level. She nails the balance between being evil and funny, carrying many scenes with her dynamic portrayal.
Unfortunately, the rest of the characters feel underdeveloped and lack the depth needed to keep the audience engaged. This is one of the show's major downfalls. In episodes 1 and 2, Agatha forms a coven to recover her powers and takes the path of the road. While the comedy lessens and the show grows darker—which is a welcome change—it doesn’t go far enough in this direction, leaving the viewer wanting more.
By episodes 3 and 4, the series leans further into the dark witchcraft vibe, with Agatha and her coven journeying deeper into their search for her powers. Once again, the dynamic between Aubrey Plaza and Kathryn Hahn is electric, carrying much of the narrative. Joe Locke’s character improves in these episodes, though the writing remains a significant weakness. The plot feels bland and lacks the wicked, twisted edge promised by the trailers. What could have been a sharper, more daring storyline is disappointingly toned down.
Despite these shortcomings, there are redeeming qualities. The original songs capture the Halloween spirit and help set the tone, and the soundtrack overall is solid. The set design also stands out, evoking The Wizard of Oz with its colorful, magical atmosphere. While the comedy is dialed back somewhat, it still feels overbearing at times.
The show has moments that delve into darker elements rarely seen in Marvel productions, but it struggles to balance comedy and seriousness. The lack of focus on character development makes it hard to stay invested in the story. One highlight of the comedic relief is Mrs. Hart, who is funny, clueless, and provides a refreshing non-witch perspective as she stumbles through the bizarre world of witchcraft.
Overall, Agatha All Along progresses from Wandavision in an intriguing way, offering a unique continuation of the storyline. However, it falters in execution, with weak writing and underdeveloped characters holding it back from its full potential. Despite its fun moments and a few standout performances, the show struggles to deliver the wickedness it promises.
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