WandaVision - S1E3: Now In Color
DISNEY+
The third episode of WandaVision, and the first episode of the series to debut solo, sees colour taking centre stage. It feels like the first episode not to homage a specific comedic tone, instead the episode focus is on embracing bright yellows, reds and blues - there is a focus on style, here and also one of pushing the character narrative forward.
Picking up from the end of the previous episode, a now very pregnant Wanda (Elizabeth Olsen) and Vision (Paul Bettany) are having to deal with this unexpected and rapid development in their lives. Similar to the first instalment, the majority of this episode takes place in the WandaVision household, which allows time to be spent on furthering their relationship. The duo gets to explore a familial sense of responsibility, as opposed to a world saving kind and it’s nice to see Olsen and Bettany inject real character into the roles they play. With the focus of the show being on mostly them, it only emphasises the talent that the Marvel movies missed out on by having them in supporting roles.
The household focus also offers time to hone their comedic banter. Wanda and Vision get some quality time to explore typical pregnancy related tropes, including practising how to change diapers and birthing breathing exercises. Both are hilarious examples of how Olsen and Bettany bounce off each other and, by this point, they work together like a well-oiled machine.
Despite the episode focusing on the pregnancy, however, other elements come unexpectedly into play. Teyonah Parris’ Geraldine takes on a smaller role than previous episode, coming to the aid of Wanda during her childbirth. Not only does this give Olsen some time to shine (after Bettany had stolen the spotlight in the previous two episodes), but some truths come to light which allows a darker side of Wanda to make an appearance. In such a comedic setting, it’s truly jarring, but serves to lay down the fact that there is something much larger going on here. A later interaction between Vision and his neighbours (Kathryn Hahn and David Payton) also hints at the townspeople’s perspective on the ever-shifting world they live in.
WandaVision’s third episode allows for Olsen’s best performance so far but is also the first of the series to end on a sense of true unease and eeriness, which suggests that things will be moving forward at an interesting speed. The comedy still works, but now feels it will be used to juxtapose with the drama that is becoming increasingly present.