Jan.15, Marvel Studios’ new television series, WandaVision premiered on Disney+. The show focused on Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) as she lived in a fantasy world with her deceased partner Vision (Paul Bettany) while paying homage to the classics of television entertainment.

The show sets itself apart from other Marvel properties with its unconventional style. 

The first episode utilized a square aspect ratio reminiscent of comedies like The Dick Van Dyke Show. Filmed with a live studio audience and a black and white visual style, the episode fits this unique middle ground between parody and artistic experimentation. It instantly sets the show on a different level than anything Marvel has done. 

As the show progresses, the styles change. Paying homage to shows like Bewitched, Family Ties, Malcolm in the Middle, and Modern Family. The production designers take expert preciseness into account when creating each set as to make it nearly identical with the shows they represent.

The cast also excels with their range as Olsen, Bettany, and Kathryn Hahn all give fantastic dramatic and comedic performances. Randall Park also steals the show as the fan-favorite, Jimmy Woo. This is exemplified by the intense fan support he has gotten on platforms like TikTok. 

The story and pacing also works well at building up tension slowly but surely. It takes risks with many fourth wall breaks and clever jokes against the audience. WandaVision is a thrill from start to finish and proves that even after Avengers: Endgame, Marvel still has some unexpected cards left up their sleeve.