“Don’t Touch That Dial” Review

Where the first episode found its inspiration in the early fifties sitcom setting, “WandaVision” episode two leaps forward a decade and takes a decidedly ‘Bewitch’-ing approach, right down to the animated – and yes, Easter-Egg packed – opening titles. Don’t touch that dial!

Hoping to better engage with their friends and neighbours, Wanda (Elizabeth Olson) and Vision (Paul Bettany) volunteer to perform a magic act in the local talent show. But when Vision swallows a piece of gum, things become unstuck in the stickiest way possible.

WandaVision Episode 2 Review

Once again, on the surface, “WandaVision” brings us a play-by-play recreation of a typical “Bewitched” episode where the hapless couple have to secretly use their powers to save the day without being discovered by the orthodox and ordinary townsfolk of Westfield. The interior of their house has – without explanation – changed, transforming to echo the set from the classic 1964 Elizabeth Montgomery/ Dick York/ Dick Sergent-starring sitcom. This time, though, alongside the sitcom shenanigans, the outside world – or whatever alternate realities exists alongside the world of “WandaVision” – seem to be intruding more urgently and identifiably into the otherwise idyllic Norman Rockwell-esque setting.

Splashes of colour manifest, further hinting that the sister organisation of SHIELD – SWORD – is about to make its MCU debut, a familiar voice interrupts a radio broadcast with a disquieting effect and there’s even a sign of an intruder from the outside world breaking in.

Amongst all this, we’re introduced to some more of Westfield’s citizens, notably Dottie (Emma Caulfield Ford), the local Stepford Wives-style self-appointed matriarch and it’s very fitting for fans of “Buffy The Vampire Slayer” that this Sunnydale alum makes her debut in an episode with features bunny rabbits so prominently. Also appearing for the first time is Teyonah Parris, introduced (somewhat hesitantly) as Geraldine but widely rumoured to be a grown-up Monica Rambeau from “Captain Marvel”.

It’s probably worth mentioning another of the unexpected treats of “WandaVision”, the ersatz commercial breaks. In episode 1 it was an advertisement for a Stark Industries toaster, this time it’s for a ‘Strucker’ brand watch. In terms of the lives of the Maximoff twins as told in “Avengers: Age Of Ultron“, the adverts seem to be proceeding in chronological order of the individuals who shaped their young lives.

By the end of this second episode, there’s a definite feeling that the show has finished setting out its stall and is ready to start telling its story. It’s also clear that whatever and however the reality in which Wanda and Vision find themselves is and came into being, its beginning to break down chaotically. Whether that’s due to malign or friendly influences from inside or out remains to be seen.

Thus far, “WandaVision” has proved to be a masterful balancing act, an almost Lynchian exercise in disquieting weirdness and subverted sitcom tropes. The pacing feels just about right too, although for the second time I’ve dearly wished this was a movie so I could keep watching. If, as Dottie advises, ‘the devil’s in the details’, there are plenty of details to obsess over until next week. If nothing else, it certainly ends on a very expectant note…

don't touch that dial
Score 8/10


Hi there! If you enjoyed this post, why not sign up to get new posts sent straight to your inbox?

Sign up to receive a weekly digest of The Craggus' latest posts.

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

logo

Related posts

Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension (2015) Review

Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension (2015) Review

I ain't afraid of this ghost. I haven't actually watched any of the previous "Paranormal Activity" films, and am mostly familiar with them through spoofs of their initially ground-breaking approach to 'found footage' films. It turns out this was actually adequate preparation for the...

The Legend Of Tarzan (2016) Review

The Legend Of Tarzan (2016) Review

My The Legend Of Tarzan Review: Aaaaaah Aaaaaaaah AaAaAa aaaaaaaah-dequate. Settling into the feature director's chair for the first time since wrapping up the "Harry Potter" series, David Yates tackles another giant of English literature as he swaps the Dark Lord for the Lord of the...

Empire Of The Sharks (2017) Review

Empire Of The Sharks (2017) Review

Your journey towards the shark side is complete... “Empire Of The Sharks” scores an early win with a mention of ‘trained ninja sharks’, a formidable weapon on a post-apocalyptic, flooded ecosystem. A biosphere covered entirely in water. An oceanic globe. An aquatic planet. Hmm. If...

Under The Skin (2014) Review

Under The Skin (2014) Review

I'm mesmerised and traumatised in equal measure by the stunning Under The Skin From the moment the film begins with a discordant flurry of violins accompanying disturbingly abstract imagery, it's clear that Director Jonathan Glazer doesn't want "Under The Skin" to be a...

Nailed It! Season Two

Nailed It! Season Two

Ya done it! Nailed It! is back for a second season. Back in 1989, Kylie Minogue released a single from “Enjoy Yourself”, her second studio album, called "Wouldn't Change A Thing". It perfectly encapsulates how I felt when I learned "Nailed It" was coming back for a second season: If I...

Snowpiercer (2013) Review

Snowpiercer (2013) Review

I’m chilled by the sensational dystopian scifi thriller Snowpiercer Infamously the best film that hasn’t had a proper worldwide release yet, Bong Joon-ho’s English language debut “Snowpiercer” has been a hit in his native South Korea and France and is well worth seeking out as and...

Vampire Circus (1972) Review

Vampire Circus (1972) Review

Roll Up, Roll Up! It’s a Big Top Big Teeth carnival! If you’ve ever thought, “What Hammer horror really needs is more circus clowns and a whole lot of vampiric carnies,” then Vampire Circus is here to make all your twisted dreams come true. This 1972 slice of Hammer weirdness throws a...

Requiem

Requiem

Mister X reccomends skipping the Requiem and going straight to the burial. When the BBC announced its New Year’s line-up of “McMafia”, “Hard Sun”, “Collateral” and “Requiem” there was a great deal of hype and hope for their upcoming drama slate. Unfortunately, all of them have been a...