If Aubrey Plaza’s Rio Really Is [SPOILER] Why Can’t She Kill Agatha?

As a long-time Marvel enthusiast and aficionado of supernatural lore, I find myself intrigued by these theories surrounding Agatha Harkness and her enigmatic companion, Rio. My personal favorite is Theory 3: Aubrey Plaza’s Rio is in love with Agatha and refuses to kill her.

Warning: This discussion might reveal plot points from the fourth episode of Season 1 in “Agatha All Along,” titled “If I Can’t Reach You / Let My Song Teach You.

In the enigmatic series “Agatha All Along,” Kathryn Hahn’s captivatingly malevolent character from “WandaVision” takes center stage, but the show also introduces a host of intriguing characters. Among them, Rio Vidal (Aubrey Plaza), who could potentially become either Agatha Harkness’ closest ally or her most formidable adversary. Initially, viewers might find it puzzling that an actress as talented and prominent as Plaza would portray a seemingly ordinary witch. However, there are growing indications that Rio Vidal is not what she appears to be. The episodes “If I Can’t Reach You / Let My Song Teach You” continue to suggest that Rio’s true self might be far more… menacing than just a powerful witch with an unusual fixation on Agatha Harkness (Kathryn Hahn).

Let’s suppose that all the hints about Rio are indeed accurate, and she truly represents Death in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. If so, fantastic choice for the role! But this leads to an intriguing question: Why can’t Rio kill Agatha? It seems unusual, especially since death is her main characteristic. Let’s explore the potential explanations for Rio’s unique bond with Agatha by examining the clues about her true identity and the reasons behind their peculiar connection.

How do we know Aubrey Plaza’s Rio is really Marvel’s Death?

The biggest and most tangible clue that Rio Vidal is far more than a witch is her spoilery Funko POP figure, which casually calls her Death in lieu of her supposed name. While that’s a pretty hefty clue, “If I Can’t Reach You / Let My Song Teach You” also offers its share of hints that Rio has at least a connection to death. She answers to the green witch summon spell by climbing from Mrs. Hart’s (Debra Jo Rupp) grave, with the implication that she may have hijacked the corpse and molded it into her own image … which just so happens to bear some resemblance to the Asgardian death goddess, Hela (Cate Blanchett). She’s also the only member of the coven who’s not affected by the curse and the only one whose attitude toward the Witches’ Road is amusement instead of fear.

As a devoted admirer, when it appears Teen (Joe Locke) is on the verge of his last breath, Agatha seems to whisper-beg Rio not to whisk him away. Subsequently, Rio discloses that Teen – whose true identity has been unveiled as Wanda Maximoff’s (Elizabeth Olsen) son Wiccan – is not the child Agatha mourns for. This demonstrates she possesses information that even Agatha and other coven members can scarcely imagine, putting her in a league far superior to them.

Alternatively, Rio refers to herself as the “Green Witch” in a stylish, slightly ominous tone, similar to how Wanda is known as the Scarlet Witch. This could just be a catchy nickname she uses to fit in with her coven. However, if she truly believes this, it might imply that she possesses a comparable level of power to Wanda, although probably not as formidable as the entity of Death itself.

Theory 1: Rio isn’t actually Death in Agatha All Along, but her agent

Following the idea that Rio symbolizes Death, let’s examine possible reasons she might not be able to kill Agatha. One possibility is that she isn’t Death itself but rather an emissary or manifestation – more like a grim reaper than the Grim Reaper herself. Given her connections with witches and witchcraft, this role would make Rio a death witch. This could imply that she’s subject to the witch community’s internal laws. As shown in “Agatha All Along” Episode 1, witches are forbidden from killing other witches, providing a straightforward explanation for Rio’s inability to end Agatha’s life.

There are whispers that Rio isn’t modeled after a specific Marvel character, but rather a blend of various ones. Given her lively and playful nature, which deviates from the traditional seriousness associated with Lady Death in comic books, this theory about her hidden complexities could very well be plausible.

Theory 2: Agatha keeps Death at bay thanks to a deal struck with … Mephisto?

Although Mephisto wasn’t physically present in “WandaVision,” his influence can be felt strongly in “Agatha All Along.” Interestingly, his name comes up in Episode 3 and there are hints suggesting that Agatha may have struck a deal with him to acquire her powers and potentially immortality. Given that Agatha has been alive since the 17th century, it’s reasonable to assume that Mephisto, if not an ally, certainly isn’t on her good side.

In Episode 4, the show heavily suggests that Mephisto might be exerting his power, and it seems likely that Agatha, an ancient Salem witch with a strong desire for power, could have struck a deal with the devil. This theory is further supported by Rio/Death’s apparent displeasure at her inability to kill Agatha, which might account for her initial antagonism towards the witch, from physically attacking her to setting the Salem Seven against her.

Interestingly, this setup might transform their sweet moments in Episode 4 into a skillfully orchestrated showcase of simmering hostility, a feeling that has been growing between them for quite some time, causing them to develop a grudging affection. With performers as talented as Kathryn Hahn and Aubrey Plaza, if this is the case, it could lead to some truly captivating scenes in future episodes.

Theory 3: Aubrey Plaza’s Rio is in love with Agatha and refuses to kill her

If Rio is not Death as some may think, it’s more like a fact that she won’t harm Agatha due to her feelings of love towards her. It’s hinted strongly in the story that she once loved, or at least cared deeply for, the witch. In Episode 4, while they were gathered around a fire, the coven was discussing their physical scars. Rio shared a metaphorical scar she acquired because she couldn’t harm someone she loved so much, despite her role requiring it. Throughout the story, she kept looking at Agatha, who appeared unusually contemplative as she listened.

By taking into account their evident affection and nearly shared kiss in the episode, it’s hard not to conclude that feelings are present. Agatha’s remark about Rio lacking scars suggests she either recognizes Rio as Death herself or is simply familiar with Rio’s body to such an extent that she can confidently discuss its scarless state. Regardless of the reason, it’s evident that this duo shares a past, and it seems that their relationship is, at least implicitly, romantic in nature.

In the “Agatha All Along” series, a multitude of hidden references (or Easter eggs) are carefully crafted to keep viewers in suspense, implying that we may have to be patient yet before Rio Vidal’s true character is unveiled. However, the evidence currently suggests the Death theory, leaving us wondering about the origins and eventual conclusion of her relationship with Agatha.

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2024-10-03 22:00