Agatha All Along review: "Wacky, Wizard of Oz-esque series is hex-actly what Marvel needs"

GamesRadar+ Verdict GamesRadar+ Verdict Why you can trust GamesRadar+Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about our reviews policy. Why you can trust GamesRadar+Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about our reviews policy. “I’m exceptional,” Kathryn Hahn’s titular lead tells her new pal Teen in Marvel series Agatha All Along, after he insists that the notorious Witches' Road can’t bethatperilous if she’s walked it before. It’s one of many giggle-inducing glimpses at the sorceress’s campy confidence in the moment, but she could just as easily be talking about the show itself. To put it plainly, the latestDisney Plusouting, which is a follow-up toMarvel’s acclaimed series WandaVision, is dark, fizzing with energy, and rather remarkable, as it sees Agatha break free from Wanda’s glamour and set off on a dangerous journey to regain her power. Much like how The Wizard of Oz’s Dorothy rounds up the Tin Man, Lion, and Scarecrow to accompany her as she skips over those famous yellow bricks, Agatha finds herself having to rustle up a coven in order to walk the Witches' Road, a mythical path that puts those who traverse it through several increasingly difficult trials. (The writers and showrunner Jac Schaeffer are acutely aware of the similarities, clearly, with Agatha referring to Teen as ‘Toto’ in one scene and the Road looking suspiciously like the one that leads Judy Garland away from Munchkinland.) If you make it through the lot, “what’s missing awaits you at the end”; be it power, freedom from a binding spell, a fortune-related do-over, or answers to your mother’s disappearance – Agatha’s rag-tag teammates Jennifer (Sasheer Zamata), Lilia (Patti LuPone), and Alice (Ali Ahn) hope, anyway. Unfamiliar territory (Image credit: Marvel Studios) “Burn and brew with coven true, and glory shall be thine,” is a line from the first number, and well, you can say that again. The ensemble’s chemistry is off the chart, the fun they had making this series practically vibrating out of the screen.Joe Locke’s Teenand Ahn’s Alice are the group’s sweet centers (a cute upending of their punky, “don’t f*** with me” exteriors), while Jen and Lilia are the perfect straight men for Hahn’s larger-than-life Agatha to bounce off of. Each character is distinctly drawn and given fair screentime to showcase that, too, as they’re forced to face up to unique traumas from their pasts during the Road’s wildly inventive tests. Learning from WandaVision’s successes, the show embraces an episodic format – think Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s ‘monster of the week’ thing, but with trials – which enables each installment to explore new tones and aesthetics. The sets,all of which are practical, and costumes are ambitious and exquisite. One week, our heroes are guzzling never-ending wine while wearing camel blazers and cable-knit pullovers, and stirring up potions in a butler’s sink. The next? They’re rocking out in a ’70s-style recording studio in outfits that wouldn’t look out of place in Aerosmith or ABBA’s dressing rooms. Perfect casting (Image credit: Marvel Studios) A huge part of Hahn’s comedy genius is her physicality, and Agatha All Along sees her almost constantly offering up ticks and facial expressions that give the likes of Jim Carrey or Lucille Ball a run for their money. A sulky pout, a flick of the wrist, a well-placed eyebrow wriggle – she’s soin control of her head-to-toe performance and it really is a treat to watch. She was already brilliant in WandaVision, but with this Hahn proves she’s one of the best casting decisions Marvel has ever made. Divine divination (Image credit: Marvel Studios) While the first four episodes lack real weight for Wanda Maximoff’s former enemy, the show’s official trailer promises much more emotional material lies ahead. For now, we can assume we’ll see her wrestle with the truth about her son Nicholas Scratch, a so-far off-screen relationship that draws inspiration from the comics, and the betrayal of her Salem sisters back in the late 1600s. The final five chapters, which’ll take us right up to Halloween, will likely see more revealed abouther seemingly romantic history with the antagonistic Rio Vidal(a charismatic, welcomely off-kilter Aubrey Plaza), as well. They can’t come soon enough. Living up to WandaVision was always going to be a challenge but somehow, Agatha All Along never puts a lace-up, leather-booted foot wrong. It’s got humor, mystery, demons, friendship, romance, and more. It feels fresh in ways that many MCU titles haven’t of late, as it concerns itself more with witchcraft lore than it does connectivity and wink-wink references. It’s hard to imagine a more perfect way to usher in the spooky season. Ding dong, the witch has us fed. Agatha All Along episodes 1 and 2 are streaming now. For more, check out our list of thebest new TV showsin 2024 and beyond, or, check out our guide to the most excitingupcoming Marvel movies and shows. CATEGORIESDisney PlusStreaming Services CATEGORIES More about agatha all along Agatha All Along creator says the finale was never about killing Agatha, but her “next phase” in the MCU: “There’s more to explore with Agatha as a ghost. Get ready” Agatha All Along creator says the finale was never about killing Agatha, but her “next phase” in the MCU: “There’s more to explore with Agatha as a ghost. 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punching with the flagships”Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"Bouiles Elite Series review: “The longer I sat in it, the more comfortable I became"Azeron Cyborg II review: “One of the best gaming peripherals I’ve ever used”Atari 7800+ review: “a retro console remake for the ‘80s kids” Most Popular Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” Anbernic RG28XX review: “a tiny budget handheld that fits in my weird tiny jeans pocket” Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” Razer Kraken V4 review: “an iconic headset, all grown up” Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” Meta Quest 3S review: “Maybe the best entry-level VR device ever created” Glorious Series 2 Pro review: “comfortable and nimble, but not quite punching with the flagships” Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” Bouiles Elite Series review: “The longer I sat in 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Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS 1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 1 Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 2 Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 3 Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 4 Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 5 Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 1 Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 2 Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 3 Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4 The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5 Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 1 Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 2 Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 3 Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 4 Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 5 Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”