Episode 8 of WandaVision unfolds a gripping 40-minute drama, elevating this series from the ordinary Marvel frenzy to a sublime spectacle. Brimming with stellar performances and earth-shattering revelations, it launches Phase 4 with a resounding thud.
We are transported to Salem, 1695, where Agatha Harkness, a witch, stands accused of dark sorcery. Under the leadership of her Mother, the witches unite in a volley of energy aimed squarely at Agatha. However, a mysterious shift occurs, as the energy transforms into a purple hue, enabling Agatha to harness its power, shatter her bonds, and eliminate every witch in the coven.
The scene shifts to the present, where Wanda finds herself ensnared in Agatha's grasp. A protective spell restrains Wanda's might, allowing Agatha to confess her dabbling in necromancy—the reason behind Pietro's uniqueness. Fascinated by Wanda's abilities, Agatha is eager to uncover the secrets behind her potent spells, which she herself has struggled to master even the simplest of.
With a mere tug of Wanda's hair, Agatha lures her into a new vision. We are transported to the past, witnessing a young Wanda spending a family TV night amidst the barrage of bullets outside. They decide to choose their favorite sitcoms, a cherished tradition for the family. This revelation sheds light on the reason behind the diverse sitcoms, as we glimpse fleeting moments from across the season. The narrative culminates in a shocking climax, as an explosion tears the family apart, with a Stark Industries bomb plummeting from the sky.
The faulty bomb left Wanda and Pietro stranded for two days. Agatha remains bewildered about how her abilities manifested in such a manner, which segues us into a series of flashbacks. We see Wanda thrown into isolation after her encounter with an Infinity Stone, which amplified her power and unleashed her formidable spells.
The interconnected doorways transport us to the Avengers compound, where "Malcolm in the Middle" is on TV, and Vision tries to console Wanda after Pietro's demise. This heartfelt moment is surprisingly profound and emotional, as the two share their thoughts and grow closer.
Next, we delve into the anomaly's origins. A flashback reveals Wanda mourning Vision's loss, storming into Director Hayward's office, and demanding to see Vision. Hayward, in turn, shows her Vision's dismantled body, being experimented on. He intends to utilize Vision and harvest his innards, transforming the Avenger into a weapon. Hayward goads Wanda, asserting that Vision doesn't belong to her.
Overwhelmed with grief, Wanda leaves the facility and retreats to Westview, a dilapidated town that exudes a suburban charm from a bygone era. With a property deed in hand, Wanda's sorrow manifests in a devastating wave of power, creating the reality we find her in, with Vision reborn.
Finally, Agatha brings us back to the present timeline within the anomaly, holding Wanda's children hostage outside the house. She reveals that Wanda wields chaos magic and boldly labels her the Scarlet Witch. But wait, don't rush to turn off the episode, as an epilogue awaits. We cut to the outskirts of the anomaly, where Hayward receives word that the crew is prepared for launch. And that launch originates from a Stark Industries drone, seemingly controlling a new prototype model of Vision.
