“WandaVision” comes to an underwhelming yet acceptable end

Before reading, please note that the following article contains some spoilers to Marvel’s WandaVision.

After seven long weeks of cycling through the decades with different styled sit-coms while also witnessing humorous interactions among characters, reacting to both exciting and mind-blowing transformations and turning points and exploring the backgrounds of those previously sidelined, other viewers and I got to finally watch the finale of WandaVision

“I really loved the finale because we finally got a glimpse of how powerful Wanda really is,” senior Jessica Vo said. “Personally, I thought the build-up was worth it as it led to an action-packed viewing that tied everything together.”

Others felt a bit more bummed out. 

“The finale was fun,” English teacher Sasha Duran said, “but a little underwhelming and left me with more unanswered questions.” 

Having premiered on Fri., March 5, 2021, WandaVision’s ninth episode, titled “The Series Finale,” wraps up the stories of Wanda Maximoff and Vision as they face off against their foes in an attempt to defend one another and their home. 

So far, reviews for the finale and show overall have been mixed, with some disappointed by the lack of answers to their speculations and others satisfied by the background provided and the foundations laid forth for future projects. 

“I enjoyed learning about Wanda’s backstory because it allowed me and other fans to understand her character more,” Vo said. “It helped transition her from being a supporting character to a main character in Marvel’s next phase.” 

Senior Andrew O’Riley, too, believed that learning more about Wanda’s history and emotional responses was necessary.

“It really adds more ‘feeling’ to her character,” O’Riley said, “and showcases how her childhood and the events since Age of Ultron have taken a toll upon her.” 

While I did appreciate the large amount of time that WandaVision designated to fully flesh out Wanda’s character, which seemingly related her more to her comic-book roots, I would have preferred more screen-time and direction from the finale on what lies in store for each of the characters.

“I wish the finale gave us some more concrete answers on where certain characters ended up and how their lives were affected by the Hex,” O’Riley said. 

Given that episodes prior had basically hyped up the trio of Monica Rambeau, Darcy Lewis, and Jimmy Woo, we were let down by their lack of involvement in the show’s conclusion.

“I was disappointed that Monica’s character didn’t do much,” Duran said, “and that Darcy only made a brief appearance.” 

Furthermore, I wish the final episode had a much larger-scaled consequence that possibly would have introduced “never-before-seen” mutants and suggested some elements of the multiverse. After all, WandaVision supposedly sets the stage for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and Spider-Man: No Way Home.  

Nevertheless, I understand that these desires are overreaching, especially since they derived from the many fan theories for the show. They would not have been sensible given that Wanda and Vision were meant to be prioritized.

Even without these elements, the finale was still reasonable and well-produced. It presented incredible showdowns between Wanda and a magical opponent as well as between Vision and another synthezoid. Moreover, it tied up loose ends regarding the main characters and, at the same time, left the doors open for both of them to be involved in the future. 

“I think the events of WandaVision will mostly influence the potential [Wanda] has and the many possibilities that come with her character,” Vo said.

Perhaps what was most exciting for other viewers was Wanda’s “evolution” into or underlying acceptance of her identity as the Scarlet Witch. 

“I was really excited to finally see [Wanda] become the Scarlet Witch and have her own adaptation of the comic character’s costume, crown and all,” Vo said. 

Of course, the finale was further made thrilling by the glimpses that viewers had into the potential of some other characters. Some characters’ abilities shown included telekinesis, speed and energy manipulation.  

Overall, WandaVision’s finale was pretty satisfactory. While it did not provide a conclusion that was akin to Avengers: Endgame, it still delivered for me and others in that it essentially placed Wanda and Vision in direct confrontation with reality and concluded their stories of love, perseverance, and grief.

“I [liked] the emotional goodbyes between Wanda and her family,” Duran said, “and finally feeling like she’s been able to heal a little. She’s had so much trauma to unpack.” 

With this new phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe only just beginning, fans cannot wait to see what’s next for the age of superheroes. As for me, I’m keeping my fingers crossed that those explored within WandaVision will still play major roles in the confirmed films of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and Captain Marvel 2 as well as the potential adaptation of The Young Avengers

“This show definitely gave me a greater appreciation for Wanda [and] Vision,” Duran said. “I would like to see more of both of them, especially Wanda in her kick-ass costume.”