5 Reasons To Stick With ‘WandaVision:’ No. 4 Is a Game-Changer

The irritating laugh track alone was reason enough to want to tune out after the first episode of WandaVision, one of four new Marvel series premiering on Disney+ this year.

In the first three episodes of the series, the two titular characters, Avengers Wanda and Vision, appear to be starring in takeoffs of typical sitcoms from the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s. Some of the conceits are clever, for those old enough to remember I Dream of Jeannie (or catch the reruns on Nick at Nite).

But those who prefer their action series to have actual action, and who were confused by the lack of explanation for the setup, were vocal online about not wanting to wait for the payoff. Was it worth sticking with the series? The question was especially critical given the Disney+ model for releasing the show weekly vs. dropping all the episodes at once. Our culture is not, generally speaking, so hot on patience and waiting for a buildup to pay off.

Yet boy did it ever with episode four of WandaVision, which dropped Friday (warning: major spoilers ahead).

After some major hints of an outside world trying to get in to Wanda and Vision’s sitcom-verse in episode three, episode four provided context that put the first three episodes in a whole new light — and brought in some Marvel background characters whose presence delivered on the promise of MCU connections that the series was sold on.

If you just started on WandaVision or are waffling on sticking with the series after episodes one and two, here are five reasons to stay tuned.

1. You Start to Get Answers

In episode one, it’s hard to tell if Wanda and Vision are even aware of the bizarre circumstances surrounding them. You wonder if perhaps the Marvel team has lost its mind, as there’s so little big-picture acknowledgement of the weirdness of the situation.

But rest assured, they have a plan. It just takes until episode four for things to begin to fall into place.

2. You Meet Old Friends

Part of the joy of the MCU is seeing characters pop in and out, and the ones in the show come from lots of different movies. Plus, anytime Randall Park makes an appearance in anything is something to celebrate.

3. You See Comics Connections

MCU has always taken inspiration from the comics, using some artistic license to change plot points or character introductions. That seemed to be forgotten in the first episode, but as the series unfolds, some of the connections become clear. And more are coming.

4. You Get Major Female Firepower

Wanda has always been one of the most powerful characters in the MCU, but she had to take a backseat to IronMan, Captain America, Thor, et. al., in the movies. WandaVision is Wanda’s chance to shine — and we’re apparently set up for a major showdown with Monica Rambeau (whose origin story also has some serious female empowerment).

5. You May See an Avenger Villain

While in episodes one and two, Wanda seems like a Stepford-style wife, in episode three we see the potential dark side she harbors. Given her background, it’s not hard to envision a Willow-style big-bad conversion for Wanda.