Agatha All Along season 1 finale review: All roads end at the Witches Road, sort of

As a longtime fan of the Marvel Universe and someone who has been captivated by the intricate narratives woven within its stories, I must say that “Agatha All Along” has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on me. This series, much like Agatha herself, has managed to weave a spellbinding tale that delves deep into the complexities of its characters and their pasts, all while maintaining a delightful blend of humor and horror.

Oh dear, the first season of “Agatha All Along” has come to an end, and let me tell you, it was quite a magical, mind-bending journey. The revelations, the challenges on the Witches Road, and even Agatha’s past were all unveiled. We certainly weren’t left wanting!

From the start of “Agatha All Along,” I had high expectations for a series centered around Agatha Harkness, and it certainly lived up to them. In contrast, while watching “WandaVision” was enjoyable, some viewers may have allowed their theories to get out of hand. However, with “Agatha All Along,” they delivered on the anticipated revelations without disappointing us in any way. Furthermore, they avoided providing misleading information, which I found refreshing.

In the two-part season 1 finale titled “Follow Me My Friend / To Glory at the End” and “Maiden Mother Crone,” we were given the resolution to the Witches Road storyline, as well as additional information about Agatha’s early life as a power-hungry witch hunter. Furthermore, it provided details on her son, Nicholas Scratch, and the events surrounding his disappearance long ago.

Delving into the rich tapestry of events presented in the thrilling, continuous finale of season 1, let’s dive straight in. Just a friendly reminder: WARNING: Huge plot twists and revelations lie ahead!

The Rio of it all

It’s now common knowledge that Aubrey Plaza plays the character named Rio, who represents Death. The visual effects team did an outstanding job transforming Plaza into Rio/Death, making her portrayal both chilling and terrifying for everyone, even Agatha, played by Kathryn Hahn.

The story begins by Rio accusing Agatha of shielding Billy (Joe Locke) from him, as she’s done so during the trials, making it impossible for Rio to reach Billy. In truth, what Billy did – taking over someone else’s body – was something abominable to a figure like Death, and altogether strange. She desires to seize him.

The predicament Death faces is that Billy is attempting to grant his brother a second opportunity for life through body-swapping, and Death firmly objects to this happening twice under her supervision. However, a compromise is made between the ex-lovers: Agatha agrees to persuade Billy to surrender himself to her (the only way Rio can truly be with her again), and in return, Rio will cease to torment Agatha.

More revelations unravel during the first part of Agatha All Along’s Season 1 finale

I might put it this way: While it’s plausible that the storyline could have been condensed into a single episode, splitting it into two parts does offer its own charm. However, there seems to be a notable absence of other witches in these episodes, as they appear to have departed either through death or other means. Nevertheless, one truly captivating scene occurs when Jennifer Kale (Sasheer Zamata) discovers who enchanted her with magic. The revelation is quite dramatic – it was Agatha all along! Who else could it possibly be?

Following the unbinding by Jennifer, she vanishes as she had acquired what she sought from that path. With no further reason for her presence there, we bid farewell to Jennifer. As if by magic, she emerges from beneath the soil of Westview before flying away with her powers rejuvenated. Until our paths cross again, dear Jennifer Kale!

After Jennifer departs, Agatha and Billy attempt to find a body for Billy’s brother Tommy to use temporarily. This instance is quite distressing for Billy, as he witnessed a young boy almost drowning due to other children forcing him into a lake. The body they are seeking serves as Tommy’s vessel, but it remains uncertain whether the boy would perish regardless or if Billy and Agatha are causing his demise. This uncertainty troubles Billy, yet he manages to acquire what he desired, so he vanishes just as mysteriously.

In this first episode, I find myself moving towards its conclusion, and there’s a heartrending moment between Agatha and Rio that truly takes my breath away. It seems Agatha Harkness is sacrificing herself for Billy, a poignant, perhaps honorable act, yet one we wouldn’t expect from this character. Yet, Rio isn’t pleased to discover Billy is gone. In her anger, she attempts to end Agatha’s life, but just as she does, Billy appears in his enchanted garb, ready to halt her actions. It’s then that Agatha steps in, willingly giving up her own life so Billy won’t have to.

At the end of the first episode, Billy returns to Eastview, a place where it becomes clear that 24 hours have passed since events unfolded. In his own room, a stunning realization hits Billy about the Witches Road. Various items and posters within his room resemble things previously spotted along the Witches Road, while flashbacks to Agatha’s comments about the road further support this connection. It seems clear that Billy was responsible for creating the Witches Road, much like his mother did with Westview. The Maximoffs sure are something else!

Who is Agatha Harkness?

In the second installment of the climactic series, titled “Maiden Mother Crone,” significant focus is given to delving into Agatha’s history. This includes exploring her former self, the circumstances surrounding her son Nicholas’ birth, and the dark acts she committed, such as slaying witches, in order to amass greater power.

As I sit here penning down my thoughts about this captivating film set in the 1700s, I find myself drawn to recount an intriguing scene. It seems our protagonist, Agatha, is on the brink of childbirth when a mysterious entity named Rio makes an appearance, seeking to claim her unborn child.

As Nicholas matures, we observe him and his mother enticing witches towards her with the intention of stripping them of their magical abilities. Meanwhile, throughout this period, Agatha and Nicholas collaborate on composing “The Ballad of the Witches’ Path,” which later turns out to be a ruse for attracting witches seeking power. The ballad was used to allure these witches; if they proved unworthy in Agatha’s eyes, she would belittle them, causing them to become enraged and attack her. In turn, she would seize their magical powers.

It was a scheme that ran for decades until its most recent use, when the coven knew not to let Agatha get to them. They changed the game, and for the first time, a door to the Witches Road opened. Of course, we know know that the Road didn’t appear because of the ballad, but because Billy actually created it.

At some stage during Nicholas and Agatha’s bond as mother and son, Rio reappeared and needed to take him away, as it had been prearranged from the start. He wasn’t destined to live permanently, and he reluctantly consented to go with Rio, despite his affection being deeply rooted in his mother.

Following this background, we return to Billy in his room as Agatha materializes as a spirit. Although she’s deceased, she hasn’t been able to fully transition. Something keeps her here, something that terrifies her, and it’s not hard to guess what that might be: the prospect of encountering Nicholas on the other side.

Billy experiences a sudden wave of terror as he comprehends the fact that constructing the Road had resulted in their coven being destroyed. However, it’s important to acknowledge this: Agatha was planning to kill them regardless. Yet, his creation actually thwarted that from happening. And interestingly, we discover later that Jennifer is not only alive but also has her powers restored.

Towards the end, scenes of heartfelt interactions between Agatha and Billy unfold. Billy assists Agatha in finding solace about Nicholas, which made her feel that Billy was reminiscent of Nicholas in many aspects. They ultimately seal off the Witches’ Path and erect a tribute for the witches who have passed on.

As that door shuts behind them in Agatha’s basement, another one swings open, and they stride through it at the very moment when Agatha utters, “Let’s head off to find Tommy.

Farewell, Agatha All Along…for now

At last, we’ve come to the finale of the Witches Path, where we bid farewell as Agatha and Billy set off on their fresh adventure. This path may be fraught with perils along the way.

Here’s one way to rephrase the text:

It remains unclear if Billy and Agatha’s adventure will continue in another season or on the big screen, but I can’t wait to discover what happens next. This season has been thrilling and eerie, and I’ve truly missed having Agatha Harkness around.

Until next time, folks!

All episodes of Agatha All Along Season 1 are now streaming on Disney+!

Grade: A

2024-10-31 22:42