Which Witches Are Bringing the Most to Agatha All Along’s Coven?

As a seasoned observer of the enchanting world of television and cinema, I must say that each of these extraordinary actresses brings a unique magic to their roles in “Agatha: House of Harkness.

An intriguing force has attracted a group of actresses to a tranquil Disney+ cul-de-sac. Is it enchantment or a passion for artistry? Perhaps just a paycheck? Regardless of the motives, they’ve all gathered to socialize with Kathryn Hahn and portray witches in the sequel series Agatha All Along, which follows Disney+’s first and undeniably best venture into Marvel television, WandaVision.

The story primarily revolves around Agatha Harkness, portrayed as a scheming antagonist by Hahn. At the beginning of “Agatha,” she is powerless and confined within a TV show imitating true-crime procedurals, similar to the genre parodies in “WandaVision.” Agatha’s performance includes a deliberate poor imitation of an Easttown, Pennsylvania accent, and a humorous reference to international licensing, suggesting that this series is based on the Danish version of “WandaVision.” However, she eventually escapes this enchantment, which appears to be a residual effect of Wanda’s magic (she became all-powerful, went mad, and died in “Multiverse of Madness”). Subsequently, Agatha embarks on a mission to regain her powers with the assistance of a teenage boy, Joe Locke from “Heartstopper,” who adopts a Limited Too persona, a coven of marginalized witches who are notable in their own right, and a malevolent rival witch played by Aubrey Plaza.

The newly established team embarks on a journey called “The Witches’ Path,” which is like a spiritual journey on a cosmic level that fulfills your heartfelt wishes, but you must pass tests reminiscent of “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” as you go. These tests serve as opportunities for Agatha to carry on the tradition of genre parodies started by WandaVision, as seen in the four episodes provided to critics. The first two tests feature the luxurious, wine-soaked atmosphere of Nancy Meyers’ films and Big Little Lies, and the laid-back ’70s ambiance of a contentious rock band that resembles Fleetwood Mac. Overall, the tone is light-hearted yet engaging; it’s impressive how much creative freedom Jac Schaeffer, who also created WandaVision, has been given in her portion of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

It appears that the cast members seem to understand that they’re mainly there for enjoyment and to give it their all in their performances, resulting in varying degrees of dedication. Some are deeply engrossed in their witchcraft, while others seem to have only glanced over their lines before filming began. However, given that Agatha thrives on a light-hearted approach, sometimes too much commitment from the actors can lead to less effective performances within the context of the series. Thus, as the series debuts, we’re offering an initial evaluation: Which witches are most dedicated to their roles in Agatha? And are their (generally extravagant) choices paying off?

Kathryn Hahn (Agatha Harkness)

Which Witches Are Bringing the Most to Agatha All Along’s Coven?

Witch skills: Currently powerless, but can absorb others’ powers if attacked

Acting skills: Chameleonic, but always with an edge of camp

Level of commitment: She’s committed, but she’s winking.

Is it significant or not that… After a distinguished career as a supporting character and confidante, Hahn moved on to star in series such as “I Love Dick” and “Mrs. Fletcher”. Yet, even though Agatha has evolved from the meddlesome neighbor into the central figure, Hahn effortlessly portrays her role. She gives Agatha a touch of the absurd yet unforeseeable, filled with both suffering and grandiose illusions – a secondary character who blundered by attempting to challenge a witch stronger than herself.

Patti LuPone (Lilia Calderu)

Witch skills: Fortune telling

Acting skills: Gravitas, ability to hit hard consonants, refusal to blend in group singing numbers

Level of commitment: Minimal

Does it matter? A legend of the stage, Patti LuPone has, by her own admission, never seen a Marvel film and seems to only barely comprehend what is happening in Agatha. This, however, is a good thing! A delightful thing! I would not want her to bother learning about any of this. I love her playing this character as if she is just Patti LuPone herself, except 450 years old and with an implied dark past in early modern Europe. (Personally, I’m praying we get a flashback to Lilia’s life in, say, rural Sicily.) In every one of her scenes in Agatha, you see her react to exposition as if she is, herself, discovering how silly all this is in real time. Bellissima.

Debra Jo Rupp (Mrs. Hart)

Is it questionable if Agatha possesses the necessary skills? Despite leading Mrs. Hart on the Witches Path and gathering her coven, the series hints that Agatha might be feigning the magical abilities of Rupp’s character.

Acting skills: Deadpan whimsy, sitcom-veteran timing

Level of commitment: Happy, if confused, to be here.

As a film enthusiast, I can’t help but notice that the inclusion of Rupp in “WandaVision” added to the realistic feel of a sitcom, but Agatha seems to deviate from this pattern quite significantly. This leads me to wonder if Rupp is back in “Agatha” merely because her quirky antics would be enjoyable to see more of on screen. (I couldn’t agree more!) Initially, Rupp’s role seems minor in the early episodes, but oh, wouldn’t it be thrilling if she turned out to be the main antagonist?

Sasheer Zamata (Jennifer Kale)

Witch skills: Brewing potions and ointments (other magic abilities currently blocked)

Acting skills: SNL-level grandiosity.

Level of commitment: Has found one good angle to work.

In simpler terms, the question “Does it matter?” can be rephrased as “Is it significant?” or “Does it make a difference?

Ali Ahn (Alice Wu-Gulliver)

Witch skills: Protection spells, being a nepo witch

Acting skills: Seething anger, delivering much of the exposition.

Level of commitment: Asked to work hard, maybe too hard.

In the initial episodes, a significant portion of the character’s emotional burden in “Agatha” is carried by Alice. Her mother was a renowned witch and rock musician, reminiscent of Stevie Nicks, who penned a rendition of the Witches Road song. However, Alice also harbors complex feelings towards her mother, adding layers to her character that require exploration. Consequently, Ahn, the actress portraying Alice, doesn’t get as much opportunity for light-hearted performances due to the need to convey the underlying tension about motherhood that forms the emotional foundation of the series. While this thematic approach is intriguing, it results in challenging material for the actress to deliver effectively.

Aubrey Plaza (Rio Vidal)

As a cinephile, I’d put it like this: With my versatile warlock abilities, I can hurl characters across a room in an instant, and when it comes to hand-to-hand combat, I excel particularly with the use of daggers.

Acting skills: That deadpan sneer you know all too well.

Level of locked in: Maybe too committed.

Is it significant or not that Aubrey Plaza has frequently expressed her fascination with witchcraft throughout her professional journey? For instance, she attended a morning talk show dressed as a “Christmas Witch” to publicize a book. While her character Agatha essentially embodies Aubrey Plaza’s witchy side, there is an intriguing undercurrent of sapphic chemistry between them that has yet to be fully explored. It would be captivating to witness Aubrey Plaza delve deeper into uncharted territory with this role, but at present, it appears she is merely expanding on a persona we are already acquainted with.

Joe Locke (Teen)

Character abilities:

Acting skills: Extreme enthusiasm for the actresses around him.

Level of commitment: Having the time of his life.

Is it significant or not? Given the enigma surrounding his persona, Locke appears primed for greater opportunities within the MCU, and you can sense him exerting tremendous effort to leave a positive impact. However, being a youthful gay character amidst seasoned actresses, Locke also seems ecstatic to be in the presence of these witches, which undeniably adds an endearing charm to Agatha. Bravo to him for landing a role that includes spending time with Patti LuPone!

2024-09-19 05:54