WandaVision

Marvel has become known for a perfect recipe of superhero action that has not been matched on screen. The stories and characters that the MCU weave together has often left fans satisfied while still wanting more. As we move the more of the MCU onto the small screen, fans with a narrow expectation of what the MCU looks and feels like may miss out on a ride that is definitely worth taking.

“As the saturation drains from the title card, and the opening notes of WandaVision’s first theme song begins to play, the episodic nature of the series jumps out, and reminds you that this debut Marvel series on Disney’s streaming service isn’t quite trying to conjure up your traditional MCU shock and awe.” — Charles Pulliam-Moore, io9.com

Right from the opening, Kevin Feige and Jac Schaeffer remind fans that this is not their father’s MCU. The black and white tones, period jingles, and costuming immerse viewers in an old school 1950’s American Sitcom. With a cup of I Love Lucy and a teaspoon of Bewitched (a later era comedy with a similar feel), fans immediately realize that we are far from Thanos’ snap.

However, the relationship between Wanda and Visions that we only got a taste of during The Infinity War and the chemistry of Elizabeth Olson and Paul Bettany provides a familiarity that is welcoming to fans and will keep many coming back for more.

“These Disney+ series, though, expand the story of characters we know from the movies in way that the movies simple did not have time to do. It also allows WandaVision creator Jac Schaeffer and director Matt Shakman to put a uniquely stylized and deeply emotional spin on a story that would have (had this been a movie) otherwise been shackled by the mandated aesthetics of the overall MCU.” — Allison Keene, Paste Magazine

However, die hard MCU fans can’t help but look for glimpses from the universe we know and love. As we follow the trail of clues that Feige and Schaeffer masterly lay out for us, we begin to develop our theories and discuss our interpretations and invest more of ourselves into a new world that we may not have even originally understood.

“What’s really going on here, given where movie-goers saw these Avengers last? That’s the fundamental mystery, one the producing team is clearly in no hurry to divulge. Patience becomes a virtue, taking in the sitcom homages while maintaining a watchful eye for sly Marvel references and cleverly placed dollops of color, presenting possible cracks in the black-and-white veneer.” — Brian Lowry, CNN

If the 50’s sitcom isn’t your thing, please keep your hands and legs inside of the car, because I’m pretty sure this ride is just beginning. Maybe the 70’s will be more your style.