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Agatha: Darkest Hour brings Marvel history to life
Joe Locke’s entrance into the Marvel Universe
Spoiler Alert: This article discusses major plot points from Season 1, Episode 5 of “Agatha All Along” on Disney+.
Marvel fans have been brimming with excitement ever since the announcement that “Heartstopper” star Joe Locke would join the cast of Agatha All Along. Speculation swirled about Locke’s character, and the anticipation reached a fever pitch with the latest episode, “Darkest Hour / Wake Thy Power,” where the biggest reveal dropped: Joe Locke is playing Wiccan.
Unraveling the plot: Agatha’s dark journey
Before this pivotal moment, the episode packs a punch. Agatha (played by Kathryn Hahn) undergoes a harrowing trial, possessed by the ghost of her mother, Evanora (Kate Forbes). This sequence, evoking classic 1980s teen horror films, sees Alice (Ali Ahn) trying to break free from a family curse to liberate Agatha. However, Agatha, driven by an insatiable hunger for power, drains Alice’s life force entirely.
In a heart-wrenching twist, Joe Locke’s character, still referred to as “Teen”, stops Agatha’s rampage by calling out the name of her deceased child, Nicholas Scratch. It’s a moment that shifts the narrative dramatically and roots the story deeper in emotional stakes.
Agatha’s morality questioned
Alice’s tragic demise leaves Teen devastated. He confronts Agatha, whose sincerity in pleading that she couldn’t control her actions falters. Teen challenges her with a revealing accusation: “You wanted her power. That’s what this has always been about for you, isn’t it?” This intense exchange marks a significant turn in both characters’ arcs, highlighting Agatha’s complex nature and Teen’s burgeoning moral compass.
The revelation: Wiccan returns
Just when you think the drama couldn’t escalate further, Teen’s proclamation shifts the tone. Jennifer (Sasheer Zamata), serving as a voice of harsh reality, counters Agatha’s protests by asserting that power-hungry motives drive them all. This philosophical reflection culminates in Teen’s denouncement of such a life: “Killing people to serve your own agenda? No. Not for me.”
This confrontation brings a revelation as Agatha recognizes Teen’s inherent magical prowess, comparing him to his mother, Wanda Maximoff (the Scarlet Witch). This nod to MCU lore confirms fans’ suspicions: Teen is actually Billy, Wanda’s son, a.k.a. Wiccan.
A powerful display: Billy’s awakening
Billy’s awakening is nothing short of spectacular. His hands ignite with pale blue magic, commanding Jennifer and Lilia (Patti LuPone) to subdue Agatha. The scene is both cathartic and visually stunning. As Agatha is consumed by the muck, Billy’s transformation is cemented, symbolized by the sudden appearance of a crown reminiscent of Wanda’s.
Exploring the ramifications
With Billy now fully recognized as Wiccan, the show leaves us with more tantalizing questions than answers. Why did Billy initially conceal his powers? Who placed the sigil that masked his identity? Was the connection to his mother, Wanda, known to him from the start?
This episode also brings other critical questions to the fore: How did Billy return from nonexistence? Did his brother Tommy come back as well? And what of Billy’s adoptive parents, Jeff and Rebecca Kaplan—are they aware of his true nature? The enigmatic departure of Rio Vidal (Aubrey Plaza) adds another layer of intrigue.
Marvel’s new chapter in representation
Billy’s arrival marks a significant milestone for the MCU. Unlike preceding characters, his identity as a queer superhero is central, not peripheral, to the saga. This subtle, yet impactful representation diverges from previous depictions like Phastos in “Eternals” or Korg in “Thor: Love and Thunder”. Billy embodies a character whose LGBTQ identity is vital to his narrative arc and the greater MCU storyline.
What’s next for Agatha and Wiccan?
The direction of Agatha All Along seems poised to embrace the convoluted origins of Billy with fresh, possibly multiversal explanations. Fans can expect to see more episodes unravel these mysteries, all while weaving a fascinating blend of magical metaphysics and emotionally resonant storytelling.
Marvel remains at the forefront of pushing narrative boundaries, and Billy’s character is a testament to this evolving landscape. His journey as Wiccan is bound to offer rich, unprecedented storytelling opportunities.
Engage with these unfolding revelations and share your thoughts on social media. Stay tuned for more insights and updates about your favorite Marvel characters and their trajectories. There’s much more in store for Agatha and the magically resurrected Billy!
