Agatha All Along and the Salem Seven, Explained

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  • The Salem Seven Take Center Stage in Avengers: United They Stand
  • Agatha’s Son Has the Upper Hand
  • Vision’s Love Conquers All in Avengers: United They Stand

As a lifelong Marvel enthusiast who has seen my fair share of animated adventures, I must say that revisiting “Avengers: United They Stand” was like stepping into a time machine. The episode featuring Agatha Harkness and the Salem Seven was a refreshing dive back into comic lore, albeit with an animation style different from the newer cartoons.

In addition to escaping Wanda’s enchantment after spending three years in captivity and embarking on the Witch’s Path to regain her powers, the latest Marvel series on Disney+, Agatha All Along, also reveals Agatha Harkness being pursued by an eerie group known as the Salem Seven. The fact that they are present doesn’t seem promising for Agatha and her new coven. Despite brief cameos in the first two episodes, these robed, ghostly figures have sparked excitement among fans, with each person in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) community eager to identify them and understand their abilities.

Initially, we find that these individuals are grandchildren of Agatha, who at one point attempted to burn her alive and also aided in summoning the terrifying cosmic entity known as Shuma-Gorath. However, what makes this revelation particularly startling is that this band of supervillains has previously appeared on a Marvel television production – an unusual Avengers spin-off series set in the future.

Following Marvel’s bankruptcy in 1996 and the cancellation of initial plans for both an Avengers and Captain America cartoon, the first project was initiated once financial issues were resolved. The story editors from the X-Men series were called upon. Eric Lewald and his wife Julia decided to incorporate characters from the Avengers: West Coast lineup to create a more balanced team instead of relying on a single strong character. Adhering to this philosophy, the show was then named — Avengers: United They Stand.

The Salem Seven Take Center Stage in Avengers: United They Stand

In a span of 13 episodes, characters such as Ant-Man, The Wasp, Wonder-Man (unfortunately in a coma due to Vision’s attack), Tigra, Hawkeye, Falcon, Scarlet Witch, and Vision themselves were the main focus. They battled recurring foes, rescued the day, and somehow got Agatha Harkness, Nicholas Scratch, and the Salem Seven involved, though you may have already deduced that. In the 11th episode titled “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,” Wanda and a reprogrammed Vision, in search of help, turned to Agatha Harkness.

Wanda believes that magic is more powerful than science. However, an older version of Harkness cautions that something wicked is on its way. Without delay, Nicholas Scratch, along with Vertigo and Thornn from the Salem Seven, materialize through a gateway, harboring a sinister plan. They swiftly defeat The Scarlet Witch and The Vision, then kidnap Wanda and disappear back to New Salem.

Agatha’s Son Has the Upper Hand

For novice Marvel fans who might be perplexed about the team’s appearance due to their lack of full-body cloaks and masks, it’s worth noting that this version remains quite faithful to the comic book characters. As her name suggests, Vertigo possesses the ability to disrupt balance, while Thornn shoots needle-like spines, which cover his entire body.

Following a short break where the rest of the Avengers engaged the Grim Reaper in the city, the narrative shifts back to the android and the witch, who are now descending towards New Salem. Wanda then employs a spell to pierce the barrier concealing the ancient town. Despite its animation style differing significantly from modern Marvel animated series, this episode serves as a comprehensive recap of comic book history.

Shortly, Reptilla, Vakume, and Brutacus, accompanied by Thornn, will enter the scene to confront the Avengers’ members. Although it hasn’t been shown in “Agatha All Along” so far, here we witness the full extent of the Salem Seven’s abilities as they engage in a battle with Wanda and Vision. Reptilla nearly takes a chunk out of Wanda with her arm-snakes, Vakume disables Vision’s AI arsenal, and Brutacus violently flings Agatha’s magical cat Ebony against a wall, immobilizing the feline.

Vision’s Love Conquers All in Avengers: United They Stand

In New Salem’s courthouse, Nicholas Scratch accuses his own mother of instructing someone else (Wanda) rather than him in the art of magic. This scenario is reminiscent of a soap opera, but often Marvel surpasses such dramas! Taking on the role as jurors, the Salem Seven – with their notorious villainy – clearly declare Agatha guilty. Scratch and his allies then attempt to incinerate our heroes using flames from a colossal skull-shaped mountain, which seems to be a blend of metalwork and fantasy, and may not have direct ties to the Marvel comics.

In a surprising turn of events, Vision is mysteriously revived when Wanda speaks her final words to him, causing him to halt the ritual. This scene underscores the idea that evil can linger, as Wanda (now empowered by Agatha’s abilities) confines Scratch and his entire troupe within the same mountain that was about to obliterate them. However, Agatha clarifies that this isn’t a permanent entrapment.

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2024-09-28 22:31