Keeping Us Entertained

WEEKLY INSTALLMENTS

The first review I read for WandaVision was a writer from the New York Times New York Times complaining that this was not the next Mandalorian. The person writing the review had not read years Mandalorian of Marvel comics. They simply wanted a moment at the end of of Marvel comics. They simply wanted a moment at the end of the pilot with the reveal of Baby Yoda to seal the deal on why the pilot with the reveal of Baby Yoda to seal the deal on why non-fans should care. I have not read Marvel comics for years, non-fans should care. I have not read Marvel comics for years, so I also am not going to catch all the Easter eggs but that’s so I also am not going to catch all the Easter eggs but that’s what been so fun about the series—having a week between what been so fun about the series—having a week between episodes to learn everyone else’s theories for who some episodes to learn everyone else’s theories for who some characters might be and where the stories might be going. The characters might be and where the stories might be going. The Times writer complained the show is too smart, but that’s what Times writer complained the show is too smart, but that’s what I love. Every last number that appears on screen from license I love. Every last number that appears on screen from license plates to room numbers could be references to specifi c issues. plates to room numbers could be references to specifi c issues. The people who go through the episodes frame by frame are The people who go through the episodes frame by frame are noticing posters for Bova’s milk and Grim Reaper’s helmet buried in the backyard. “Too smart” is crazy entertaining.

The WandaVision review from the Times had access to only three episodes as the writer lamented. To the writer, all the secrecy meant no one could be sure the show was going anywhere, but I think the fact that supporting characters who fi ll in some blanks for non-readers created impatience. Monica, Darcy, and Jimmy are operating on a more accessible level.

While Netfl ix might have taught us to binge a whole season in one night, the way WandaVision viewers have to wait for one episode each week is not so much like old TV as it is like having to wait for the next issue. Everyone’s in danger! How are they going to get out of this? We’ll just have to let our imaginations run wild and create some fan art while we wait. —MV

MINIMIZING MEMORY LANE

We’ve watched and deleted so many old TV episodes and movies from our DVR’s list, I couldn’t understand why it said I couldn’t record more series. Going through the list of a hundred series included a lot of shows that ended forever ago, like Game of Thrones and Modern Family. Then every time The Circus and Beyblade Burst change their names. I could probably keep going... —MV

CARL EVERYWHERE

The way we’re watching TV in quarantine, Carl Weathers showed up on our TV on The Mandalorian and then Toy Story of Terror after Arrested Development. It was a joke that Tobias was paying Weathers to teach him his craft, but maybe Tobias was right.

Madeline Strum Photography

CON SEASON

After I finished ADW’s con issues, Toy Fair was the only convention on my mind for 2021 because manufacturers still need to showcase upcoming toys. Seeing Kamui Cosplay (below) ask if anyone else is excited for BLIZZCONLINE reminded me other industries still need cons. Blizzard Entertainment usually holds its convention in November in Anaheim, Calif., so there was no BlizzCon in 2020. If we’d been paying attention, Kal could have witnessed a deep dive into the ongoing development of Overwatch 2 as well as a battle between reigning Overwatch League champions and a dream team of pros and community fi gures. BlizzConline tried to channel the spirit of the live show with musical guests, cosplayers, and artists to celebrate all the creativity. https://youtu.be/9bJs6AlKfBY Check fancons.com for updates on 2021 cons. —MV