Agatha All Along (USA, 2024)
Is it too much to say that Agatha All Along might be the first genuinely successful live-action TV series from the MCU? Since launching in 2021, Marvel’s Disney+ series have ranged from inconsistent (WandaVision started strong but fizzled) to drawn-out movie-style storytelling (The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Moon Knight), with some outright flops (She-Hulk, Ms. Marvel). But Agatha All Along seems to break the mold, smartly using its weekly release format to unfold an episodic, mystery-driven story that actually benefits from being a series.
Set three years after WandaVision, the series finds Agatha Harkness still bound under Scarlet Witch’s spell—until she’s freed by a goth teen eager to explore the mystical Witches’ Road, which could restore Agatha’s powers. Together, they form a new coven to face mystical trials and battle old enemies, including the Salem Seven. The show’s format feels like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, where each character faces a challenge reflecting their personal struggles.
The show’s driving force is its cast of charismatic actresses who bring personality and chemistry to the coven, echoing Kathryn Hahn’s breakthrough performance in WandaVision that skyrocketed her to A-list status. Even Joe Locke’s character brings an earnestness that fits well with the group. The episodic structure allows the characters’ backstories to emerge naturally, making the character-centric episodes feel justified and engaging.
The Witches’ Road gives the series an adventurous tone, with trials that are genuinely fun. There are clever touches, like costume changes for each trial, that inject personality. Highlights include Lilia Calderu’s (LuPone) trial in episode 7 and a touching reveal in Locke’s character-focused episode 6. The series thankfully avoids to end in a big CGI showdown, staying focused in story and character, a refreshing break from typical MCU spectacles.
Still, there are a few issues. Some mysteries remain unresolved—like the Salem Seven—and Aubrey Plaza’s character feels repetitive, with her typical mannerisms becoming grating. Her relationship with Agatha, too, feels unnecessary and adds little to the series.
Agatha herself remains intriguingly ambiguous, and Kathryn Hahn uses this ambiguity to great effect, leaning into her character’s quirks with her signature overacting, which never overstays its welcome thanks to the weekly format. The reduced budget is noticeable, with some effects and sets looking limited, but that actually adds to the show’s charm, giving it a scrappy, fun energy.
Overall, Agatha All Along captures a lighthearted, adventure-driven spirit that feels surprisingly replayable. With its Halloween-ready charm and episodic structure, I wouldn’t be surprised if it becomes a seasonal favorite.