On Jan. 15, Disney+ released a brand new addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe: “WandaVision”. The sitcom imitates television of decades past, reminiscent of shows such as “The Dick Van Dyke Show” and “I Love Lucy”. The storyline follows housewife, Wanda, better known as the Scarlet Witch, and her husband, Vision. Marvel fans were quick to find it strange that Vision was on the show, as his character died at the end of “Avengers: Endgame”. However, that’s not the only strange aspect of the show. While it follows Wanda and Vision trying to mask their powers in the picture-perfect suburbia of Westview, there’s something off about the entire town and its residents. 

While the overall tone of the show is upbeat and rather cheesy, there are hints at a darker, more Marvel-like experience. As the show progresses, it increasingly seems as though Wanda and Vision are trapped in a series of simulations of comedies from decades past. There are brief moments of uncertainty, as though sinister outside forces are controlling the fate of the protagonists. I personally found this twist to be perfectly, well, Marvel-ous. I enjoyed the wholesome beginning of “WandaVision”, but the mysterious element is very alluring, keeping you on the edge of your seat. TV-screen glitches appear throughout the show, as well as odd behavior from Wanda’s supposed friends. In the second episode, after Wanda has an intense conversation with one of the townspeople, a radio nearby glitches and a voice calls out to her, saying “Wanda! Wanda! Wanda! Who’s doing this to you, Wanda?” Wanda and her friend both look confused, as if they’re waking up from a dream. However, her friend breaks a glass and they snap back into their happy housewife routine. Marvel fans theorized that the voice belongs to FBI Agent Jimmy Woo, who was an ally to the Avengers in other Marvel movies. 

Eagle-eyed fans were also quick to catch symbols throughout the show, hinting at familiar organizations such as S.W.O.R.D. (a branch of S.H.I.E.L.D.) and Hydra. Even someone like me, who has only seen a few other Marvel movies, could have fun searching for the Easter eggs. “Commercials” are sprinkled throughout the show as well, where clues are given as to who is behind Wanda’s strange new life. I recognized one symbol on a watch “commercial” belonging to Hydra, which drew me in even further. “WandaVision” has pulled well-known Marvel staples into its plot, such as Hydra and familiar characters, which kept me intrigued.  Hydra, a villainous organization in the Marvel cinematic universe, appears to be the master puppeteer, controlling Wanda’s surroundings and trapping her in Westview. So, how did this happen? How will Wanda get out? Is Vision back from the dead? Or is it all an illusion? All these questions remain unanswered as the inner story of Wanda unfolds, with a new episode airing tonight, January 29. 

While there are many questions, the only certain thing is that “WandaVision” is a wonderful addition to the Marvel universe. Even casual Marvel fans, such as myself, can enjoy the fun and sinister elements of this new show. If you need something to do this weekend, I highly recommend giving “WandaVision” a chance to grace your screens.