Marvel’s Agnes of Westview True Crime Parody Explained
Following in the style parody of WandaVision, Agatha All Along has entered the Marvel Cinematic Universe with an extended sequence titled Agnes of Westview. The show is a clear parody of crime dramas and shows Agatha going around Westview, investigating a murder. After WandaVision successfully jumped to a different era with each episode, it made sense that its successor would try to do the same, especially while Agatha was still under Wanda’s spell. Agatha All Along episode 1 does this effectively, crafting a memorable sequence.
Unfortunately, it does not appear that style parodies will be as inherent to the structure of the show as they were in WandaVision. Agatha All Along wears its references on its sleeve, although future sequences like Agnes of Westview are less likely to appear in the future of the show. Still, with the series showrunner being WandaVision creator Jac Schaeffer, additional connections in style and substance may likely be present in Agatha All Along, which is seen as a partial sequel to WandaVision.
What Agnes Of Westview Is A Parody Of Explained
The Sequence Parodies Multiple Crime Dramas
Like most of the WandaVision parodies, most of the Agnes of Westview sequence is primarily a parody of one series in Mare of Easttown. The setting and feel of the shows align, and Kathryn Hahn even uses an elaborate accent that plays off the voice Kate Winslet used in the show. That series saw the investigation of a murder in a small town, and the beginning of Agatha All Along follows that path with Wanda looking into a dead body by the creek.
Other crime series that have influenced the look and feel of this sequence include True Detective and The Killing, though its clear the show was no doubt also inspired by crime dramas from throughout the years. The sequence is given the gloss of HBO production, with the dark, intense, and somber reflection that comes with it. Agnes of Westview is such an effective parody, it sometimes begins to blur together, and for a moment the audience may believe they are simply watching another crime drama.
Why Did Marvel Use Character Names In The Agnes Of Westview Opening?
Agatha Is Called Agnes In The Series Premiere
Like much of WandaVision before Agatha, the entire Agnes of Westview sequence is a delusion. Inside of this delusion, Agatha has played the character of Agnes, and this does not stop here. Because what is happening is not entirely real, but is instead linked with a parody of HBO-style television, Agatha and the characters around her are playing roles in a show. Robbed of much of her agency, Agatha has little choice but to go along as Agnes once again.
However, this ends shortly after. The Hex is lifted from Agatha, and she is able to be herself once again. While this is fortunate for the character, it also does likely mean that additional sequences like Agnes of Westview are unlikely to occur in the series’ future. With her agency returned to the protagonist, and with her now being Agatha rather than Agnes, the fun parodies of television shows that made WandaVision so effective seem to be concluded for the sequel spinoff.
“Based On The Danish Series WandaVisdysen” Explained
The Title Card Calls To Mind Other Nordic Adaptations
Nordic Noir has become a popular genre in recent years. Shows like The Killing were made in Denmark before finding great popularity in American remakes, and books and films from the genre, including The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo and the Harry Hole series by Jo Nesbo, have found success in the West. These films and novels all have a distinct, dark tone tone that shares much in common with the feel of Agnes of Westview that appears in Agatha All Along.
Claiming that Agnes of Westview is based on a Danish series WandaVisdysen is simply a joke about adaptation and the style that the series is parodying in this sequence. Many popular dark crime dramas have been remade for American audiences while preserving the feel and tone of their Nordic sources, and Agnes of Westview follows the feel of this kind of genre show.
How Much Of Agnes Of Westview Was Real?
Little Of The Series Parody Likely Actually Occurred
In all likelihood, very little of Agnes of Westview was real. Some of it certainly was, as there were references to conversations Agatha had with the townsfolk. In addition to this, she did also take in Teen during this time. However, beyond this, it seems little of how things occurred in Agatha’s head actually occurred. After all, she certainly does not have Wanda’s body stored in her own morgue for herself to review, and the sequence seemed to have played out mostly in her head.
Most cues seem to suggest that Agatha’s delusion took place inside of her own house, though it’s not clear where exactly that delusion ended, and what aspects of it were drawing from real life. Given Agatha was supposed in this state for three years, it will be interesting to see if the series further explores the time she spent in her warped sense of reality, though her neighbors’ reference to her having had a true crime inspired phase suggests the Agnes of Westview period was a relatively new one.
The future of Agatha in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is up in the air. It remains to be seen if the character can retrieve her powers through her quest down the Witches’ Road. However, whatever occurs will likely have some larger impacts on the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The series is unlikely to show any more sequences like Agnes of Westview, but fortunately, the sequence was very strong. Hopefully Agatha All Along continues with those strengths even as it takes the story in new directions.