As a longtime fan of both Marvel and the magical world of Oz, I can’t help but marvel at the delightful Easter eggs hidden within “Agatha All Along.” The parallels between Agatha Harkness’s journey and Dorothy Gale’s are not only intriguing but also a testament to the enduring charm of “The Wizard of Oz.
Contains spoilers for “Agatha All Along” Episodes 1 and 2 — “Seekest Thou the Road” and “Circle Sewn with Fate / Unlock Thy Hidden Gate”
In January 2021, the Marvel Cinematic Universe expanded with the arrival of “WandaVision,” the initial Disney+ series and, arguably, one of the finest and most intriguing MCU offerings on television to date. As fans eagerly followed each episode to uncover the truth behind Wanda Maximoff’s (Elizabeth Olsen) situation in Westview, it was an unexpected character named Agnes (Kathryn Hahn) who truly stole the show. However, it wasn’t until later that we discovered Agnes was none other than the comic book character, Agatha Harkness.
Marvel discovered that Agatha had a more complex side to explore with Hahn’s comedic touch and an outstanding theme song in “Agatha All Along”. This led to the announcement of her solo series, which underwent several name changes such as “Agatha: Coven of Chaos” and “Agatha: Darkhold Diaries”, eventually settling back to its original title, “Agatha All Along”.
Similar to “WandaVision,” “Agatha All Along” opens with the main character embedded in a TV show, however, instead of a humorous sitcom, it’s a dramatic series reminiscent of “True Detective.” In just the first two episodes alone, there is an abundance of intriguing content to keep viewers engaged, hinting at what could be expected from an Agatha Harkness spinoff. From comic book nods to possible hints for future events, here’s a breakdown of the Easter eggs found in “Agatha All Along” Episodes 1 and 2 that fans should know about.
What is the song Agatha sings in the beginning of Episode 1?
In the first episode of “Agatha All Along”, we don’t have to wait long before spotting hidden references. Agnes O’Connor, the character resembling Agatha Harkness from the crime drama genre, starts humming a melody. Initially, this tune might not seem familiar, but as the series unfolds, it becomes clear that this song, titled “The Ballad of the Witches’ Road”, will resurface frequently. This captivating composition is penned by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, who are also responsible for creating the memorable tunes in “WandaVision”.
The tune isn’t merely a joke; it’s also an infectious melody. The first complete listen might seem like a different version—a folk rock rendition suitable for a crime series. However, later on, the authentic spooky chant becomes apparent. Those who were present or kept up with this year’s D23 Expo had already formed an idea about its nature.
In Episode 2, Kathryn Hahn and most of the principal actors performed an eerie rendition of “The Ballad of the Witches’ Road,” a song we were introduced to earlier. This episode is significant because it reveals that Agatha can regain her powers by traversing the Witches’ Road. It seems that a part of Agatha has been yearning to break free from her TV-bound confinement, hinted by her humming this song in the first episode.
Andrew Ugo is a secret Marvel reference
In Episode 1, Agatha adopts her “True Detective” persona. Instead of a typical murder investigation, she’s probing into the death of an unidentified woman (Jane Doe). Interestingly, this woman had borrowed a library book titled “Dialogue and Rhetoric: Known History of Learning and Debate.” Agatha seems to sense something unusual as she discerns that the initial letters in the title spell out “Darkhold,” which sets her on an intriguing trail.
In “WandaVision,” audiences should be aware that the truth about the Darkhold is revealed, as it’s first held by Agatha and enables her to influence Wanda. Later on, in “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” Wanda seeks to harness the power of this magical book for her own purposes – specifically, to navigate through dreams in an attempt to create new children from another dimension.
In addition to marking the author’s name, Agatha has underlined “Andrew Ugo.” This name, when rearranged, spells “Wundagore,” the mountain where Doctor Strange and Wanda engage in a battle. Eventually, Wanda destroys Darkhold Castle atop this mountain, eliminating every copy of the Darkhold throughout the multiverse and giving up her own life. The trailer titled “Agatha All Along” seems to indicate Wanda’s demise, positioning her as the main character in Agatha’s investigation. The intriguing question now is: Will Wanda remain deceased?
Skeleton Crew: Stephen King Easter egg or Marvel deep cut?
In the upcoming Easter egg, there are several possible meanings. In Episode 1, we see a large hardcover book of Stephen King’s “Skeleton Crew.” While it could simply be a nod to the renowned horror writer, one story in that collection, “Gramma,” features a witch grandmother character who desires to inhabit her grandson’s body after death. Given the eerie nature of “Agatha All Along,” this particular story seems fitting for its reference.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that the Skeleton Crew is not only the name of a Marvel Comics team of antagonists, but one founded by the Red Skull. Throughout its history, members have included Crossbones, Blackwing, and Mother Night among others. Since the Red Skull is irrelevant in “Agatha All Along,” it’s improbable that this group would appear here. However, for dedicated Marvel enthusiasts, this could be a delightful Easter egg reference.
As a passionate gamer and Star Wars enthusiast, I’ve recently learned that “Skeleton Crew,” an upcoming series, will grace our screens later this year. While my inner cynic whispers, it might be a clever marketing tactic to tie in with other Disney+ projects like “Agatha All Along,” I’m choosing to keep faith in the Force and enjoy the exciting prospect of new adventures!
Who is Nicholas Scratch in Agatha All Along?
In “WandaVision,” there was much speculation about whether the character Nicholas Scratch from the comics would be introduced. This was suggested through Agatha’s pet rabbit being named Señor Scratchy, but it didn’t go much further at that time. However, the episode “Agatha All Along” is now hinting more strongly at the possibility of introducing Agatha’s son. In the latest episode “Seekest Thou the Road,” Agatha is seen entering a child’s room while she’s still investigating. This room contains trophies for a missing child, Nicholas Scratch, as well as a rabbit statue, which could indicate a link between the pet and her son, further strengthening the theory that Señor Scratchy might be related to Agatha’s son in some way.
In the comics, Scratch is indeed Agatha’s son. He’s a proficient magic user and manages the community of New Salem, Colorado. Later, Agatha attempts to live a normal life and becomes a nanny to Franklin Richards, the son of Reed and Sue Richards. However, Scratch dispatches witches in an attempt to bring Agatha back for trial. As a result of his actions, the town exiles him to the Dark Realm instead.
It seems quite plausible that if Nick Scratch appears in the MCU, his background will need some adjustments. As of now, the character who most closely fits Scratch is the unnamed Teen (Joe Locke). He can’t reveal anything about himself to Agatha and has mentioned that his mother has passed away. Given that Agatha mourns for a lost son and Teen believes his mother is deceased, it could be logical for them to share information about their pasts.
Who is the Teen in Agatha All Along, really?
While Nicholas Scratch is a potential candidate for the Teen’s true identity, it should be noted that this theory might stretch credulity somewhat. It appears that some unknown factors are at work, causing the Teen to withhold his name and personal history from Agatha. At present, there’s a popular belief that the Teen could turn out to be Billy Maximoff, who is known by the superhero alias Wiccan.
In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Billy, who was initially introduced as Wanda’s fictitious son in “WandaVision,” reappears as a young child in “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.” Fans anticipate that he might reemerge, possibly as part of the Young Avengers team. This team was hinted at in “The Marvels” when Ms. Marvel (Kamala Khan) approached Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld) for a new squad. Since Wiccan is a member of this group in the comics, it’s reasonable to expect him to join the action at some point.
In the realm of multiverse and magic, anything can happen, which means there are numerous ways for the Teen to be Billy. Furthermore, the comics reveal that Billy has a boyfriend, and in Episode 2, we witness the Teen’s boyfriend attempting to contact him. However, these indications could merely be misleading hints designed to confuse viewers, as the Teen might actually be Wiccan.
The time 3:33 in Episode 1, explained
In the initial episode, while Agatha questions the Teen, a clock is consistently frozen at 3:33 within the room. This recurring time pattern might be hinting towards numerology, where the sequence 333 is known as an “Angel number.” These numbers are believed to be messages from the spiritual realm, suggesting that someone is looking out for you.
In simpler terms, “Agatha All Along” may imply that Agatha has some sort of guardian looking out for her, though whether this presence is helpful or harmful isn’t yet clear. As for the number 333, it often signifies creativity and femininity, which are certainly evident in “Agatha All Along,” given Agatha’s role as a central character who gathers a group of powerful witches to support her journey on the Witches’ Road. Additionally, the number 3 is frequently associated with good fortune, such as the saying “The third time’s the charm.
333 shares the same value as half of 666, known in the Bible as “the Beast’s number” and often linked to the Devil in popular culture. During the series “WandaVision”, it was speculated that Mephisto, Marvel’s depiction of Satan (different from Lucifer), might make an appearance, although this did not happen. However, given the increasing occult themes in “Agatha All Along”, it’s possible that number 333 could hold some relevance in future episodes.
The dates in Episode 1 might mean more than you think
The key piece of evidence in Agatha’s Jane Doe case is at first a library card showing that “Dialogue and Rhetoric: A Known History of Learning and Debate” was borrowed from the New Jersey library on a specific date. This date, October 13th, has Wanda’s name associated with it, but there are several empty spots above this date on the card as well. These blanks might be just random entries or could be subtle hints pointing to significant dates related to “Agatha All Along.
16th of February marks the birthday for Elizabeth Olsen, famously known as Wanda/Scarlet Witch in Marvel movies. Coincidentally, Jack Kirby, who collaborated with Stan Lee to create Scarlet Witch, celebrates his birthday on August 28th. Moving forward, June 2nd holds several possibilities. The head of Marvel Studios, Kevin Feige, was born on this day, and in the series “WandaVision”, Agnes hints at her wedding anniversary with Ralph being the same date. Remarkably, Bridget Bishop, the first woman tried during the Salem witch trials, faced trial on June 2nd, 1692.
12/28 marks Stan Lee’s birthday, which is also known as Marvel Day. While it can be tricky to pinpoint exactly, January 21 could be a reference to the month and year when “WandaVision” was released (even though the show premiered on January 15). Lastly, the mention of October 13 likely refers to the day when Wanda gained control over the Darkhold.
Who is Lilia Calderu? The dead Marvel witch, explained
For Agatha and the Teen to gain entry to the Witches’ Path, they require a complete coven. Following witch tradition, there must always be fellow witches in close proximity, and Lilia Calderu (Patti LuPone), a proficient diviner, is the first they encounter. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly after her research, LuPone described her character as “extremely attractive” and boasting “an impressive physique and hair”.
She’s undeniably attractive throughout her short stint in Marvel’s universe, making her debut in “Marvel Premiere” #12 published in 1973, penned by Steve Englehart and Mike Friedrich and illustrated by Frank Brunner, Gaspar Saladino, and Glynis Wein. In this issue, we meet Lilia, who is quickly dispatched by a living gargoyle when she encounters Doctor Strange. Despite having limited appearances in the comic books, she isn’t one of the more well-known sorceresses that “Agatha All Along” might draw from.
But Lilia does have a comics connection to the Book of Cagliostro, and seduces Doctor Strange to retrieve it from Mordo. In 2007’s “Mystic Arcana Scarlet Witch” #1 from Jeff Parker and Juan Santacruz, Lilia says her family has been tasked with protecting the Book of Cagliostro, and it’s also here that she meets Wanda as a child and can already tell she’s going to become a powerful witch one day. The Book of Cagliostro appears in the first “Doctor Strange” movie, where it’s stolen by Kaecilius (Mads Mikkelsen), so her inclusion could be yet another reference to the MCU’s previous explorations of magic.
Who is Jennifer Kale in Episode 2?
Jennifer Kale, portrayed by Sasheer Zamata, was among the Marvel characters we were hoping to feature in “Agatha All Along.” Unlike Lilia Calderu, she has a richer backstory in the comics. Her debut appears in the 1972 issue #11 of “Fear,” written by Steve Gerber and Rich Buckler. In this story, Jennifer and her brother Andy perform a magic spell that unintentionally summons the Nether-Spawn. Unaware they are now being pursued, Man-Thing intervenes to safeguard them. By the end of the tale, they forge a bond with the swamp creature.
Jennifer continues to embark on more escapades alongside Man-Thing, subsequently involving herself in narratives featuring Doctor Strange, Ghost Rider, and X-Force. In the “New Avengers” #31, penned by Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Gaydos, Jennifer is killed by Daniel Drumm. However, she is later brought back to life, though this revival results in her losing half of her face.
The Hollywood Elite discussed with Zamata about what viewers might see from Jennifer in this series, and she hinted at some major developments. Zamata stated, “There’s quite a character arc for me.” Jennifer Kale’s storyline is centered around learning to trust others, including other witches. It’s possible that her journey may include elements like death and resurrection. Unfortunately, a joint appearance with Man-Thing, who was introduced in “Werewolf by Night,” might be beyond the scope of the show.
Who is Lorna Wu based on in the Marvel universe?
In essence, character Alice Wu-Gulliver (Ali Ahn) is the third witch that Agatha wants as part of her group. Previously, she served in the Hong Kong Police Force, which might be why she refers to herself as an ex-cop. What motivates Alice to join the coven is her desire to uncover the truth behind her mother’s disappearance, Lorna Wu, who was a member of the rock band Lorna Wu and the Coral Shore.
Lorna Wu, as the character is portrayed in the series, is inspired by August Wu from the comic books. It remains undecided whether she will be referred to as August in future episodes, but August Wu of Coral Shore is a formidable witch and protector of Hong Kong with supernatural powers. She shares a daughter, Alice Gulliver, with her human husband, Adam Gulliver. Tragically, August is slain by a malevolent spirit. Later on, as Alice becomes a police officer, she embarks on a quest to uncover her mother’s murderer, even collaborating with Scarlet Witch at one point.
In the series, what was once driving the story forward is now primarily focused on “Agatha All Along.” However, a character named Lorna Wu disappears in the show after venturing down the Witches’ Road. As the season unfolds, Alice might uncover the solutions she seeks.
Salem’s Seven are actually Agatha’s… grandchildren?
Rio Vidal (Aubrey Plaza) cautions Agatha that the Salem’s Seven will approach her by sunset, which explains why she’s rushing to gather her coven and reach the Witches’ Road. True enough, at sunset, the Seven appeared, only visible as seven hooded figures. We don’t get a clear view of them except for one member who has a burnt face, possibly symbolizing the victims of the Salem witch trials.
However, these characters might not simply be antagonists, as they are technically Agatha’s grandchildren from the comics. Nicholas Scratch dispatches Salem’s Seven to retrieve Agatha once she begins caring for Franklin Richards. This lends credence to the theory that Scratch will make an appearance in “Agatha All Along.” Throughout Episode 2, Agatha seems aware of their approach, as she encounters various animals such as a crow and rat before their official introduction – a clear indication that their arrival is imminent.
In their fleeting moments on screen, the specters have demonstrated their strength, coming close to vanquishing the Teen. However, the Coven now faces escalating concerns, as the Witches’ Path has been shown to be extremely perilous.
Agatha All Along is haunted by The Wizard of Oz
In the movie “Deadpool and Wolverine,” Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) notes that “The Wizard of Oz” has portrayed the concept of the multiverse most effectively, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to draw inspiration from this timeless tale. For instance, much like the Yellow Brick Road in “The Wizard of Oz,” certain characters must traverse a specific path. Furthermore, in Episode 2, Agatha refers to the young character as “Toto,” which is the name of Dorothy’s dog in “The Wizard of Oz.” This classic story deals with parallel realities, a key aspect of the MCU’s Multiverse Saga, and given its focus on witches, it’s fitting that the character “Agatha All Along” evokes thoughts of “Oz.
It’s not just a random occurrence that elements from “The Wizard of Oz,” such as “Over the Rainbow” and the yellow brick road, are showing up in various Marvel productions like “Deadpool and Wolverine,” “Agatha All Along,” “Werewolf by Night,” and “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.” In fact, it was recently revealed that the working title for the upcoming “Vision Quest” series is “Tin Man.” This suggests a deliberate connection between these stories within the Marvel Universe.
It seems that Deadpool may have had a keen insight. The Wizard of Oz indeed set a high standard for portraying the multiverse, which explains why Marvel keeps referencing it. If this trend continues, it wouldn’t be unexpected if someone in “Avengers: Secret Wars” were to call Doctor Doom “the one pulling the strings,” a nod to the man behind the curtain.
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2024-09-20 02:01