WandaVision Review: Previously On (Season 1 Episode 8)
WandaVision Season 1 Episode 8, “Previously On,” fills in the gaps as to how Wanda’s sitcom reality came to be, while also giving us insights into Agatha and confirming that Hayward is the absolute worst.
For the penultimate episode, it doesn’t have the standard ramp-up in intensity that we’ve come to expect with TV shows. While WandaVision isn’t a typical show by any means, it does take a minute to adjust to the fact that we’re revisiting the past for the majority of the episode.
“Previously On” takes its time walking us through Agatha’s and Wanda’s history, letting us get to know both women and how they ended up in Westview. The show’s focus is more on arming us with all the knowledge we’ve been missing rather than delivering a fast-paced episode that leads into an insane finale.
It is important to look to the past, both in terms of how Agatha stumbled into Westview and how Wanda concocted her sitcom reality there.
While “Previously On” is a lot darker than previous episodes, Agatha is still there with her sharp commentary to lighten the mood at times. However, WandaVision is finally focusing on the emotional turmoil both women, primarily Wanda, have endured.
Wanda’s pain and her grief are responsible for WandaVision (both the sitcom and the events of this show), and so it has to be experienced without a sitcom element lightening it up and making it more palatable. Before the season ends, we have to truly understand this deep sense of grief that both Wanda and Monica have referenced in prior episodes.
It’s fascinating (and smart) that the episode focuses solely on Wanda and Agatha’s storyline.
We don’t switch over to Monica and fake Pietro, who are lurking around somewhere outside, nor do we check in with Vision and Darcy. Any of them could’ve barged in, or we could have seen them try to barge in, but we don’t. Our sole focus is Agatha’s walk down memory lane that she forces Wanda on.
By staying with Agatha and Wanda, we aren’t allowed to escape Wanda’s grief, which is what Wanda’s been doing ever since the sitcom began. Like Wanda, we have to acknowledge its presence, feel every ounce of it, and see it through. We can’t focus on anything else, even for a second.
The sitcom aspect of the show is finally explained, and it’s more devastating and relatable than previously imagined.
Sitcoms have always been an escape from the cruel world and pain it has brought her. It’s fascinating to see when her obsession with them began and to watch how they’ve been there for Wanda throughout her life. So, when facing insurmountable grief, Wanda’s chaos magic put herself in one, in order to feel safe, happy, and loved.
Stray Thoughts
- I’m not ready for this show to be over.
- SCARLET WITCH!!!
- Agatha scolding Wanda for her lack of witchcraft knowledge is cute.
- Vision buying a house for him and Wanda is sweet and devastating.
- “What is grief if not love persevering?” is such a beautiful sentiment.
- I miss Darcy.
What did you think of this episode of WandaVision? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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New episodes of WandaVision premiere Fridays on Disney+.
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Allison Nichols
Allison is in a love affair with television that doesn't seem to be letting up anytime soon. Slightly damaged fictional characters are her weakness. She loves to spend her free time curled up with a cat and a show to binge-watch. Allison is a Tomatometer-approved critic (Rotten Tomatoes).