The “WandaVision” TV series on Disney+ follows Elizabeth Olsen (“Avengers: Endgame”) as Wanda Maximoff and Paul Bettany (“Avengers: Infinity War”) as Vision in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). 

Set days after the events of “Avengers: Endgame,” “WandaVision” shows Wanda and Vision living a peaceful life in the suburbs, with each episode styled after a different decade’s popular television sitcom. Episode one starts in the 1940s, moving up a decade to parody shows like “I Love Lucy,” “Full House” and “Malcom in the Middle.” 

While not the typical style of Marvel shows, which are usually a lot more action-packed like “Daredevil” or “Agents of Shield,” this pays off tremendously for “WandaVision.” Every episode can be combed for tiny details that hint about what’s truly happening, and each character can be meticulously examined as the viewer tries to figure out exactly what’s wrong with Wanda’s world. Characters from the comics could pop up at any time, and because this is the first Disney+ MCU show, these characters can have a real impact on major movies like the next “Avengers.”

“WandaVision” quickly takes a dark turn, setting it apart from other Marvel shows. While keeping it kid-friendly, “WandaVision” looks at the psychological trauma endured after Thanos snapped, temporarily destroying half of all life. In the case of Wanda, “WandaVision” looks at what someone who is crippled with grief would do if they had literal reality-altering superpowers. “WandaVision” blends superheroes with “The Truman Show,” keeping the same paranoia going from episode one to episode nine, with viewers quickly realizing that they might not be the only ones watching Wanda and Vision.

With Disney’s budget, it’s no wonder the challenge of changing styles every episode was easy for “WandaVision.” From the tiniest background details to the way characters spoke, each episode felt like it truly belonged in the decade it was parodying. The style changes are a fun way to distract viewers from some darker themes and ethical problems posed in the show.

Where “WandaVision” really thrives is in its potential for expansion and impact on the rest of the MCU. Old and new characters play major roles in “WandaVision,” and each episode brings just a hint of what’s yet to come and how it could change the MCU. Often touted as the “strongest avenger,” or at least the strongest character, it’s strange to see Wanda at peace, not having to fight someone new every five minutes. The implications of a deeper power besides just raw mystic strength quickly calls to mind comic book arcs like the “House of M” and Wanda’s connection to mutants. The connection to mutants is especially important, with guest star Evan Peters (“American Horror Story”) having a role despite playing the character Quicksilver in Marvel’s X-Men cinematic universe. 

However, “WandaVision” fails in ironic self-imposed containment. Throughout the weekly releases, forums such as Reddit have been buzzing with exciting fan theories about possible involvement from characters like Doctor Strange, Captain Marvel or even comic book characters like Mephisto. “WandaVision” unfortunately follows in the footsteps of other MCU shows and falls a bit short of its true potential. 

The potential for “WandaVision” to hit the next level failed due to demographics as well. Knowing that their younger audiences would consume anything with their favorite superheroes attached, especially on Dinsey+, Marvel couldn’t fully explore the implications posed by Wanda’s actions nor the trauma she inflicted on her victims.

While a fun new format with major implications for the MCU, don’t go into “WandaVision” with hopes of a mind-bending masterpiece or even an action-packed Avengers movie. While the show is well worth the watch, “WandaVision” still falls just a bit short of expectations.

Image from Marvel Entertainment via YouTube