Agatha All Along episode 2: a witch show for non-fans

The second episode of Agatha All Along made a convert in my house. My wife, who gave up on WandaVision, came out of it saying she's invested. Our shared takeaway was that the series works because it doesn't lean on you being a Marvel fan. Agatha All Along (2024) stars Kathryn Hahn, and it's built around Agatha's attempt to walk the Witches' Road.

Agatha All Along works as a witch show first

Episode 2 is about Agatha gathering a coven. She needs one to attempt the road, which promises to give you the thing you want most. From the opening chant it felt very Halloween, the kind of thing you'd put on for the season. My wife admitted she hated WandaVision. She didn't like the vibe and couldn't sink into it. She could with this.

The discussion kept coming back to one point: you don't need to be a Marvel fan to get into it. It doesn't feel very Marvel while you watch. It feels like a new show, and I think that's the smart way to go. I don't know how it will connect to the wider MCU, and I don't think it needs to.

Kathryn Hahn and the coven recruitment

Kathryn Hahn is what keeps my wife watching. She thinks Hahn is hilarious and really good. There's a sense that the show switches quickly to make you like Agatha, even though she was the villain of WandaVision. She stays manipulative, though, which is good. The episode plays like she's putting together the Avengers of witches. She picks up a fortune teller doing divination, Jennifer Kale for potions, and Alice. We kept saying the cast is really good.

The relationship between Agatha and the teenager who wants to reach the road is a good dynamic. It plays like a mentor and apprentice pairing. The show doesn't rest everything on it, though, because the recruiting of the other witches gives it more to do. I'm sure the villain is going to come back in for a big blowout.

One detail stood out. Every time the kid tries to say his name or where he's from, it's blocked. That felt very original, like someone's information being muted from you, and nothing similar came to mind.

Why this one could reach beyond Marvel fans

The comparison to The Acolyte came up: that Star Wars show was "not written well," while "this Show's written well." Kathryn Hahn is so good that "she carries the whole thing." I think the tone and music are definitely appealing more to a female audience, and "it's not a dude show," which was a plus.

We thought our 13 year old would like it, and that it could be for any age. If you tell her it's a Marvel show, she'll tune out. If you tell her it's a witch show for Halloween, she'll want to know more. I think that's what's appealing here. My wife summed up the episode simply: "I'm invested now." I think it's a well-made show, and so far, so good.