In comparison to episode 1 of Agatha All Along, I feel like episode 2 is where the show really finds its stride. So much so that I didn’t look at my phone once while watching this episode because I was so locked into everything that was happening. A lot of it is due to Kathryn Hahn. I couldn’t keep my eyes off of her and everything that she said had me hooked. I haven’t felt like that for a single specific character, especially in the Marvel Universe, in years. In fact, I think the last time I might have been this into a Marvel TV show, is when I was watching WandaVision. Wanda herself was the star of that show. But Agatha was so deliciously twisted and evil, that it’s easy to see why she got her own show.
Episode 2 was made even better because it allowed each of the additional coven members to have plot development outside of Agatha. The divination witch LIlia, who was proud and not afraid to tell Agatha no. The potions witch, who was self-assured without a single detail out of line, showing how much she loves the control. And the protection witch Alice, who was like a pillar, unshakable but also knows when to bounce. The only slight problem I have when it comes to the new coven, is the pink hair that they gave Alice. It once again falls into the stereotype of the “badass Asian character.” One where instead of showing that the character is highly skilled, edgy, or different through her actions, they do it through her hair. And oftentimes, she’s Asian as well. And it’s dated and ignorant.
Then there’s my new bestie, Joe Locke aka Teen, or who we assume is Wiccan. No matter what he says, Agatha can’t hear his name or learn more about him. And she’s keeping her cards close to her chest because only someone significant to her story would have a spell like this to keep their identity hidden. And if he was the one to free her from Wanda’s spell, then she needs to keep him close. Agatha and us the viewer know that he has secrets and we hope that it’s him who is connected to our favorite Wanda Maximoff. But maybe it was a little bit too obvious from the very start and this show will throw us a twist, where he is someone else or connected to Nicholas Scratch and the Salem’s Seven.
And finally there is Agatha’s “dark heart.” As a queer woman, I see the LGBTQ+ under and overtones. Agatha cares for this Green Witch. And for someone like Agatha, caring or having that love within your heart is weakness. That leads to pain, misunderstandings, and hearts being broken. That’s why that throw away line in episode 1 happened, the one where Aubrey Plaza’s Rio said that she has a black heart that only beats four Agatha, that’s not something you say to your bestie. That’s something you say to a lover. Knowing how long they live, and the way they fought in episode 2, there’s love there but oh so much hate, resentment, and pain as well.
Ultimately, Agatha All Along season 1 episode 2 hit its stride while bringing a whole cast of characters in that don’t get swallowed up by Hahn’s greatness or Plaza’s intensity. And if I can feel this in two episodes, I really can’t imagine what else is in store next.
Watch the cast of Agatha All Along sing “The Ballad of the Witches Road” live at D23 below.
The first two episodes of Agatha All Along are now available with new episodes each Thursday on Disney+.
Need more? Read our other reviews below:
- Agatha All Along Season 1 Episode 1 Review: ‘Seekest Thou The Road’
- Agatha All Along Season 1 Episode 2 Review: ‘Circle Sewn with Fate Unlock Thy Hidden Gate’
- Agatha All Along Season 1 Episode 3 Review: ‘Through Many Miles and Tricks’
- Agatha All Along Season 1 Episode 4 Review: ‘If I Can’t Reach You Let My Song Teach You’
- Agatha All Along Season 1 Episode 5 Review: ‘Darkest Hour, Wake Thy Power’
- Agatha All Along Season 1 Episode 6 Review: ‘Familiar by Thy Side’
- Agatha All Along Season 1 Episode 7 Review: ‘Death’s Hand in Mine’
- Agatha All Along Season 1 Episode 8 & 9 Review: ‘Follow Me My Friend/To Glory at the End & Maiden Mother Crone’
