I Need To Talk About Why Agatha All Along’s Nicholas Scratch Backstory Doesn’t Quite Add Up For Me

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As a seasoned WandaVision enthusiast and student of character dynamics, I must say that Agatha Harkness’ complex journey has left me both intrigued and somewhat disappointed at times. The writers have done an exceptional job of exploring her depths, revealing layers that challenge our preconceived notions about the characters we root for.

Spoilers below for anyone who hasn’t yet watched Agatha All Along’s two-episode finale via Disney+ subscription, so be warned!

In simpler terms, the Scarecrow from “The Wizard of Oz” doesn’t need intelligence to realize that “Agatha All Along” is a highly anticipated TV series in 2024 for fans who love theories and re-watching shows. Following the pattern of significant stories within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the Disney+ miniseries concluded with major twists and revelations, paving the way for the next installment featuring the wicked witch. However, this analysis will concentrate on the life and demise of Nicholas Scratch, while leaving other unanswered questions about Billy, Jen, and so on aside.

From the moment Nicholas Scratch’s name appeared on the imagined award plaque (or since we were introduced to pet rabbit Señor Scratchy), he has been a significant focus for discussions about Agatha’s intentions, her journey on the Witches’ Road, and her complicated relationship with Aubrey Plaza’s character, Rio (later revealed as Death herself). In many ways, Nicholas’ past offered a deeper emotional perspective than expected, but there are some tangled plot threads that require untangling.

I Still Don’t Know If Nicholas Scratch Has A Father Or Not

Since the moment Nicholas Scratch’s name appeared on the imagined award plaque – or rather, since we were introduced to pet rabbit Señor Scratchy – Nicholas Scratch has been a significant point of discussion regarding Agatha’s intentions, her journey on the Witches’ Road, and her complex relationship with Aubrey Plaza’s character Rio (later revealed as Death herself). In many ways, the young boy’s past offered an unexpectedly deep emotional layer. However, there are a few tangled narrative threads that need to be untangled.

Despite Marvel Comics meticulously exploring the backstories of various characters, Nicholas Scratch’s early life continues to be shrouded in mystery on both the comic pages and the TV show, leaving gaps unanswered. In “Mother, Maiden, Crone”, we are introduced to Kathryn Hahn’s character at the brink of childbirth, but we lack insight into her life during the six to twelve months leading up to this point, as well as many years following her initial actions against the coven.

As a gamer diving into this mysterious world, it’s unclear if Agatha was in a relationship filled with love or one shrouded in coldness when little Nicholas came to be. Some theories even suggest that Death might have played a role in his conception, but these are just speculations throughout the season. What we do know for sure is that the baby wasn’t born through Agatha’s own magical abilities, but since she said so, I can’t help but take that information with a pinch of skepticism.

I spoke no spell. I said no incantation. You were made from scratch.

Is it proposed that Nicky’s conception was as miraculous as Jesus’, occurring in Mary’s womb, but orchestrated by an entity much less benevolent than traditionally believed? Was Agatha’s wicked behavior a factor that made her susceptible to impregnation and manipulation by an evil force?

Could it be that Agatha manipulated her charms, typically human ones, to entice a man and thereby gain influence over him through pregnancy, metaphorically speaking? It seems plausible that she would abandon the man (or men) later in a similar manner to how she deals with other witches.

I Don’t Fully Get Why Agatha Wouldn’t Want To See Her Son In The Afterlife

As the climax of the game unfolded, I realized a major motive behind Agatha’s evasion of death – it was her son Nicholas she couldn’t confront! The intensity in Hahn’s delivery, coupled with Agatha’s spectral figure sending Billy’s brooch flying, made this revelation feel authentic and heart-wrenching.

Subsequently, I found myself oscillating between various theories as to why Agatha might not wish to meet her child in the afterlife, given it doesn’t align perfectly with her other behaviors. If he is indeed the primary focus of her centuries-long grudges, to the point that she appeared to nurture dreams of Billy housing Nicholas’ spirit, then it seems plausible that reconnecting with him, in any form, would have been a lifelong ambition for her.

Could there be any reasons preventing her from confronting him? A possible explanation might be that she feels too ashamed or burdened by guilt for having murdered countless witches over the years with a song that held great significance to their relationship. However, this behavior seems to have started before he passed away, and Agatha is not typically one to carry around such emotions. So while it’s the most plausible explanation, it doesn’t fully account for her complex character.

An alternative interpretation might be that she experiences a sense of maternal remorse for being unable to shield him from Death’s grasp. However, considering her propensity to shift responsibility onto others rather than taking it upon herself, I’m hesitant to fully agree with this perspective.

An intriguing alternative could describe Nicholas Scratch as a son born without a father, whose very existence defied Death’s laws, transforming him into an increasingly vengeful and malevolent demonic force. Agatha may be terrified of witnessing the man her boy has grown into, fearing the destructive powers he might wield against her and others. Mephisto, the embodiment of evil, could potentially serve as his constant temptation.

I Wanted Agatha’s Hatred For Rio To Be Justified Instead Of Selfish Toxicity

After seeing the entire season, Agatha and Rio’s interactions from the first episode take on a whole new perspective. However, I had been hoping the showrunners, Jac Schaeffer and team, would provide a clear and comprehensible reason for Agatha’s hostility towards Rio, maybe even linking it to the speculation that Agatha gave up her son in exchange for the Darkhold.

In the end, though, Rio proved herself to be a bastion of empathy who, despite oozing inherent glee about scooping up those bodies, largely did not harbor malice for others while doing her reaperly job. She broke the laws of nature to give Agatha and Nicholas six years that they weren’t fated for, and seemed truly somber about having to eventually take his soul.

For the next 275 years, Agatha shows no mercy towards Rio, harboring intense resentment, malice, and animosity towards her former partner. Despite Rio faithfully carrying out their request and providing Agatha with enough time to cultivate her profound love for Nicholas, it seems that Agatha cannot help but direct her anger at Rio, even though she recognizes deep down that the death of her son was an accident without blame.

Given that viewers don’t witness the direct interaction between Agatha and the witch/Death, it remains ambiguous what their relationship dynamics were. However, given Agatha’s character traits, it seems likely she displayed similarly manipulative or harmful behaviors during that period. It’s interesting to note that a cherished figure like Agatha Harkness can be depicted as cruel and vengeful without causing audiences to dislike her too much.

Despite not wanting it to be so, I had become emotionally attached to Agatha and Rio’s backstory to such an extent that I felt compelled to believe Rio was malicious about Nicholas’ death. I desired a character in the series to surpass Kathryn Hahn’s villainy. Unfortunately, it turned out that Agatha’s actions were driven by toxic grief rather than true malevolence.

I eagerly anticipate the possibility that the character Nicholas Scratch could make a comeback in a future Marvel film, potentially leaving hints along the way in Matt Shakman’s upcoming ‘Fantastic Four: First Steps’. These breadcrumbs might lead to his full appearance in any forthcoming Young Avengers project featuring Joe Locke’s Billy. (Should Patti LuPone’s remarks about Lilia’s destiny prove accurate, I’d be thrilled to see her reprise her role as well.)

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2024-11-04 00:37