By: Matt Lauterbach Staff Writer
W
hen I first learned that the Marvel Cinematic Universe was expanding into TV shows alongside its movies, I was initially skeptical of the idea, especially after hearing that the series would be on Disney’s newest streaming platform Disney+. I felt as if Disney was trying to take advantage of its fan base by making movies or shows that people would want to see due to impressive visual effects but did little in terms of story building or characters like they did with the Star Wars sequel trilogy. I was even more skeptical when I saw the trailer for the first MCU television series, WandaVision. It was confusing to me as to how two Avengers, Scarlett Witch and Vision, were living in a 20th century setting.
MCU’s First Television Series
WandaVision was released on January 15, 2021. I came across reviews of the show on Youtube with several people praising the show. After watching the first four episodes of the show, it can be safe to say that the MCU has succeeded in their first television series. WandaVision explains the 20th century sitcom feel of the show with several dark tonal shifts, and unsuspecting plot twists that make you want to watch the next episode to find out why something happened the way it did.
On the weekend its first episode was released, WandaVision had 1.6 million households watching, according to Samba TV. The weekend debut had a higher viewership rating than the season two premiere of The Mandalorian, which had 1.04 million households watching. With the high viewership and praise the series has had so far, many believe that the future of the MCU will take place on Disney+ “I really hope the MCU takes place on Disney+ and I hope they play other characters into the show,” said USF student Jonathan Garcia. WandaVision will continue its season one release until nine episodes on March 5, which is when the MCU will begin its next series, Falcon and Winter Soldier.
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February 26, 2021
Photos courtesy of Disney
As the series leads the audience through the twists, Elizabeth Olsen (Scarlett Witch) and Paul Bettany (Vision) give outstanding performances. The chemistry and character of their relationship from the MCU films is still present in the series and viewers are able to understand their struggle as they try to settle in their new home while trying to hide their superpowers from their neighbors. “It’s very unique and because of that it draws you in with all the plot twists,” said USF student Lizzy Tuck. The first three episodes of the series pay homage to famous 20th century sitcoms such as Leave it to Beaver or The Brady Bunch while incorporating the MCU style into those episodes.
