The third episode of WandaVision is just what it promised in its episode title: Now in Color. Following along the decades, Wanda and Vision now find themselves in a 1970s-styled sitcom reality, shedding much of the classic sitcom gimmicks that seemed to permeate every aspect of the previous two episodes. The episode brings us closer to watching a contemporary take on the titular couple, as the dialogue and style comes across more naturally and 1970s sitcom stereotypes seem to come second to the overarching plot of the episode.

The episode follows Wanda’s pregnancy and the birth of her twins. Apart from the significance of that plotline, the episode is mostly slower in the beginning with glitches in the reality being few in number and the plot taking center stage. With fewer glitches in the bulk of the episode, Episode 3 had a chance to perform as Episode 1 did—showcasing its ability to work purely as a sitcom. However, because the episode focused so much on Wanda’s pregnancy plotline, there was little room for the episode to dazzle us as much as Episode 1 did.

That being said, while the majority of the episode did not shine as brightly as its predecessors, Episode 3 can almost certainly be watched as the kickstart of the “rest” of the series, i.e., what lies beyond Westview. The finals glitches we see are obvious rather than mysterious, and the fact that there are people infiltrating Wanda’s reality is made abundantly clear. The result of this is perhaps the final crack of the glowstick that is the series—the pieces are coming together to create one glowing narrative.

The episode begins with a doctor checking in on pregnant Wanda. Vision is extremely concerned because the pregnancy seems to be progressing at an alarming rate—she is the equivalent of 4 months pregnant in the span of 12 hours. His worries have merit, as Wanda ends up going into labor within a matter of days. Wanda and Vision ultimately have twin boys, Tommy and William, whom those more familiar with the comics will recognize.

The lighter moments in the episode come when Wanda is reacting to the sensations of her pregnancy. When she experienced pain from contractions, for example, the area seemed to destroy itself in an earthquake-like manner. When her water broke, it set off all of their sprinkler systems and neighbors noticed their pipes burst. These moments are notable because they show Wanda not completely in control of her powers. While this seemed to happen on a minor level in previous episodes (for example, she struggled to cook the intricate dinner in Episode 1), it was more destructive and out of control here. It harkens back to Civil War, in which Wanda was cemented as an extremely dangerous individual. Perhaps this is where the series will go next and soon—Wanda’s ability to create her own reality without complete understanding or control over her power to do so surely creates a threatening situation for those outside of it.

In terms of glitches, we have one in the very beginning of the show with Herb, who meant to be trimming hedges, was actually sawing through the Visions’ stone wall. When Vision pointed this out to him, he kept going. More interesting, Vision tries to tell Wanda that their strange behavior is likely leading the neighborhood to suspect them of something. In particular, Vision tells her that something is very wrong. At this point, we have another rewind only this time the transition is so instantaneous that it could be missed. Vision is taken back to where the conversation began, but this time reassures Wanda that everything is alright. This not only reminds us that Wanda has extreme powers in Westview but also reminds us that Vision may not be as autonomous of a character as “WandaVision” would suggest.

Vision later finds Agnes and Herb whispering amongst themselves. When he asks them what they are talking about, Agnes gets skiddish and assures him it’s nothing. Herb, on the other hand, seems to want to tell Vision something—that “they” are all here to…to do what? That question is not answered in this episode, but it reinforces that at least some of Wanda and Vision’s neighbors are more than just figments of Wanda’s reality and are here with a purpose.

The most important part of the episode involves Geraldine. After helping Wanda deliver her twins, the two stand over the crib and marvel at the babies. In a soft moment, Wanda mentions that she was a twin and that her brother’s name was Pietro. This moment in and of itself is compelling. It shows a vulnerable moment for Wanda, but it is also intriguing  as Wanda generally exists in Westview without a past. In a chilling change of tune for the episode, Geraldine asks Wanda if Pietro was killed by Ultron. This is the first time in the series we have a direct reference to Wanda’s past and the MCU at large. Wanda, seemingly recognizing what was happening, becomes angry and throws Geraldine out of the reality, where “Geraldine” is met by countless S.W.O.R.D. trucks and helicopters.

The fact that Wanda seems to still have a grasp of her non-Westview reality is not completely surprising, but Episode 3 offers us our first real glimpse at it. It is now abundantly clear that Wanda is seeking refuge in her own reality from her past trauma, and her cold and violent reaction to Geraldine may foreshadow a surging darkness within her. We also have our first look outside of Westview in this episode, even if fleeting. It looks as though an entire army is monitoring Wanda’s situation from both the inside and outside.

VERDICT

3.9 Papa-yas out of 5

The episode sacrifices some of its sitcom charm for its focused plot, and there are not enough glitches or moments from the greater universe to fully make up for it. However, Wanda’s pregnancy plotline is clearly extremely important and the final moments of the episode make it clear that the rest of the series will likely trampoline off of this episode.

ONE-SHOTS

  • A classic sitcom moment when a woman asks her husband, “Do these earrings make me look fat?” When the power goes out and he can’t answer, the husband exclaims, “Oh thank God.”
  • Vision’s continued irritation when anyone makes a comment that offends him. The doctor who suggests Vision is nervous for the baby gets an earful about Vision’s “nerves of steel.”
  • The doctor eerily telling Vision that its “a small town” that is “hard to escape.”