In the explosive and emotionally charged finale of WandaVision, Wanda Maximoff fully embraced her destiny as the Scarlet Witch, defeating Agatha Harkness and freeing the residents of Westview while ultimately choosing to dismantle the idyllic, yet artificial, reality she had created, including saying goodbye to her husband, Vision, and her children, Tommy and Billy. The episode left viewers grappling with grief, acceptance, and the potential ramifications for the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The Epic Confrontation: Wanda vs. Agatha
The final showdown between Wanda and Agatha Harkness was a visually stunning and narratively compelling battle of magical wills. Agatha, desperate to claim Wanda’s chaos magic, sought to drain her power, trapping her in a carefully crafted illusion reflecting key moments from Wanda’s past traumas. This psychological warfare forced Wanda to confront the events that shaped her into the powerful being she had become: the death of her parents, the experiments conducted by HYDRA, the loss of Pietro, and ultimately, the death of Vision at the hands of Thanos.
Wanda, however, proved to be more resilient than Agatha anticipated. Recognizing the manipulation and drawing strength from her own inherent goodness, Wanda began to turn the tables. The turning point came when Agatha attempted to strip Wanda of her power by replicating the spell that created the Hex. Instead, Wanda, using her knowledge gained from Agatha’s own teachings and understanding the Runes Agatha had used to suppress magic within Westview, trapped Agatha by painting the walls of the Hex with Runes of her own creation, rendering Agatha powerless within its boundaries.
The defeat of Agatha Harkness wasn’t simply a victory for Wanda; it was a defining moment in her evolution. Agatha, in her final act of defiance, revealed Wanda’s true identity: the Scarlet Witch, a being of immense power destined to either create or destroy.
Goodbye, Westview: A Heartbreaking Sacrifice
The realization of her powers and the knowledge of the damage she had inflicted on the residents of Westview led Wanda to make a heart-wrenching decision: to dismantle the Hex. While it meant saving the townspeople from her control, it also meant losing everything she had created: her perfect life with Vision and her beloved children, Tommy and Billy.
The scenes depicting the disintegration of Vision and the twins were some of the most emotionally resonant moments in the entire series. Witnessing Wanda’s struggle to accept the inevitable and say goodbye to her family, knowing that they were products of her magic and could not exist outside the Hex, was profoundly moving. Paul Bettany delivered a particularly poignant performance as Vision, imparting a final message of love and understanding to Wanda before disappearing.
This sacrifice highlighted the core themes of the series: grief, loss, and the burden of power. Wanda, despite her immense abilities, ultimately chose to do what was right, even if it meant enduring unimaginable pain.
The Aftermath: A Future Uncertain
The final moments of the episode showed Wanda, now the Scarlet Witch, retreating to a remote cabin, far from civilization. She was seen studying the Darkhold, the book of forbidden knowledge Agatha had used, presumably to better understand her powers and the potential dangers they pose. This scene establishes a clear trajectory for Wanda’s future in the MCU, hinting at a path filled with both immense power and potential peril.
The lingering questions surrounding the fate of Tommy and Billy, the twins, also left a significant impact. While they ceased to exist when the Hex collapsed, Wanda later hears their voices calling out to her, suggesting that they may still exist in some form or another, perhaps in another reality or dimension.
The post-credit scenes further intensified the anticipation for Wanda’s future. One scene showed Monica Rambeau being summoned by a Skrull, acting on behalf of a friend (likely Nick Fury), hinting at her potential involvement in the upcoming Secret Invasion storyline. The second post-credit scene showed Wanda, in her astral form, studying the Darkhold while the physical Wanda is asleep. During this study, she hears the voices of her children, Tommy and Billy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the WandaVision Finale
Here are some frequently asked questions to help further clarify the events of the WandaVision finale:
H3 1. What exactly happened to Vision when the Hex disappeared?
The Vision that Wanda created inside the Hex was a construct of her magic, fueled by her grief and powered by a fragment of the Mind Stone. When the Hex dissolved, this Vision ceased to exist because his very being was tied to the artificial reality.
H3 2. Is there any chance that Vision could return?
The “White Vision,” reactivated by S.W.O.R.D. using Vision’s original body, remains. He flew away after a philosophical exchange with Wanda’s Vision, gaining access to his memories. His fate is currently unknown, but his existence offers a pathway for Vision’s return, albeit in a potentially different form.
H3 3. Are Tommy and Billy really gone for good?
While Tommy and Billy disappeared with the Hex, Wanda heard their voices calling out to her while studying the Darkhold. This suggests they may still exist in some form, potentially in another dimension or reality. The ambiguity allows for their possible reappearance in future MCU projects.
H3 4. What is the Darkhold, and why is it so dangerous?
The Darkhold is an ancient book of dark magic, filled with dangerous spells and forbidden knowledge. Its corrupting influence can warp the minds of those who wield its power. Wanda’s study of the Darkhold suggests a potential descent into darker territory, which could have significant consequences for the MCU.
H3 5. How did Wanda learn to use Runes against Agatha?
Agatha Harkness used Runes to suppress Wanda’s magic within Westview. While imprisoned, Wanda carefully observed Agatha’s methods. This observation, combined with her newfound understanding of her own powers as the Scarlet Witch, allowed her to replicate and utilize Runes to trap Agatha.
H3 6. What does it mean for Wanda to be the Scarlet Witch?
The Scarlet Witch is a powerful being destined to wield chaos magic. Agatha Harkness claimed the Scarlet Witch is a myth, a being capable of spontaneous creation, and whose destiny is to destroy the world. The title suggests Wanda is more than just a powerful witch; she’s a nexus being with a pivotal role to play in the fate of the multiverse.
H3 7. What are the implications of Monica Rambeau’s encounter with the Skrull?
Monica’s being summoned by a Skrull working for Nick Fury hints at her involvement in the upcoming Secret Invasion event. Her experience in Westview and her newly acquired energy manipulation abilities will likely make her a valuable asset in the fight against the Skrulls.
H3 8. What role will Wanda play in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness?
Wanda’s study of the Darkhold and her newfound identity as the Scarlet Witch strongly suggest that she will play a significant role in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Her powers and the knowledge she gains from the Darkhold could be crucial in navigating the complexities of the multiverse, but also pose a potential threat.
H3 9. Why did Wanda create the Hex in the first place?
Wanda’s grief over the loss of Vision, amplified by her latent powers and exposure to the Mind Stone, led her to create the Hex. It was a manifestation of her desire to escape reality and create a perfect life for herself, even if it meant manipulating the minds of others.
H3 10. What happened to the residents of Westview after the Hex disappeared?
The residents of Westview were freed from Wanda’s control but were left traumatized by their experience. They were forced to confront the reality of the manipulation they had endured and grapple with the psychological effects of being trapped in Wanda’s fantasy.
H3 11. Will Darcy Lewis and Jimmy Woo appear in future MCU projects?
While there are no confirmed plans, the popularity of Darcy Lewis and Jimmy Woo makes their return highly likely. Their expertise in their respective fields – astrophysics and FBI investigation – could make them valuable allies in future MCU storylines.
H3 12. Did WandaVision successfully launch Phase Four of the MCU?
WandaVision undeniably set a new tone for Phase Four of the MCU. It explored complex themes, delved into character psychology, and introduced new concepts like chaos magic and the multiverse. Its success proved that the MCU could successfully transition to television and continue to push creative boundaries. The show expanded the definition of what a superhero story can be, setting the stage for a diverse and exciting future for the franchise.