In the latest episode of Agatha All Along, titled “Darkest Hour / Wake Thy Power,” we get a major turning point that fans have been anticipating, but the delivery leaves a mix of excitement and frustration. The episode clocks in at just 25 minutes, making it the shortest in the series, and unfortunately, this rush undermines some of the crucial moments, leaving them feeling incomplete.
The highlight of this episode is the reveal of Joe Locke’s character, Teen, as Billy Kaplan—better known to Marvel comic fans as Wiccan, the son of Scarlet Witch, Wanda Maximoff. This reveal, kept under wraps for most of the series, climaxes when Agatha pushes Billy too far. In a moment of rage, he unleashes his powers, using Wanda’s signature mind-control ability and summoning her iconic crown, with Billie Eilish’s “You Should See Me in a Crown” playing in the background. It’s a striking moment, full of visual and sonic impact, but it also raises a few head-scratching questions. How does Agatha know Billy’s true identity when a sigil had been placed on him to prevent witches from learning his name? The episode doesn’t offer a clear explanation, leaving room for speculation.
Billy’s character development—or lack thereof—up to this point also makes the reveal feel somewhat hollow. While we’ve seen him tagging along with Agatha and being inquisitive about witchcraft, there hasn’t been much depth or emotional weight to his presence. As a result, the big moment of him embracing his Wiccan powers feels less impactful than it should be. Fans of the comics will appreciate the nods to Wiccan’s storyline, but viewers who haven’t read the source material might feel disconnected.
This episode continues to highlight the show’s pacing issues. The plot seems to be moving faster with each episode, yet thinner in substance. Agatha’s absorbing of Alice’s powers and the subsequent reactions of the witches could have been explored more deeply. The trial featuring Alice in the previous episode already felt rushed, and this pattern continues here. Agatha’s transformation into a more sinister figure is well-acted by Kathryn Hahn, but it doesn’t have the time to properly unfold, leaving the audience wanting more context for her choices and actions.
One of the most compelling scenes is the interaction between Agatha and the ghost of her mother, Evanora Harkness. This emotional confrontation delves into Agatha’s traumatic past, but much like other elements in the episode, it’s cut short. Evanora’s haunting words, “You were evil from the moment you were born,” leave a lasting impression and give us a glimpse into the deep wounds Agatha carries. However, the potential of this scene to shape Agatha’s motivations and inner turmoil is not fully realized.
The supporting cast offers some interesting dynamics. Rio (Aubrey Plaza) continues to stand out with her unpredictable nature. Her glee during the chaotic Ouija board scene, paired with her seemingly nonchalant attitude toward death, has fans speculating that she might not be who she appears to be—potentially Death personified. Her line, “I hate ghosts,” takes on new meaning with this theory, hinting at a deeper, more mysterious backstory.
Visually and thematically, the show continues to entertain. The 80s horror movie sleepover aesthetic during Agatha’s trial provides some much-needed levity and fun, even as the tension builds. The witches’ broom rides, spooky Ouija board moments, and quicksand trap all add to the eerie charm that Agatha All Along has embraced.
However, the series struggles with balancing humor and horror with its emotional beats. Alice’s death, for example, is a major moment for the witches, but because her character didn’t get enough screen time in earlier episodes, the impact of her loss is somewhat muted. Additionally, the plot device of Agatha not being able to control her power-stealing ability introduces a new layer to her character, making her seem less like a villain and more like a victim of her powers. Whether this is a move toward a redemption arc or just a hint at more complexity remains to be seen.
Ultimately, episode five of Agatha All Along leaves us with a mix of awe and confusion. While the big Wiccan reveal is a triumph for long-time Marvel fans, the rushed pacing and underdeveloped subplots hold the episode back from being truly great. There are still several episodes left, so there’s hope that the show will slow down, give its characters room to breathe, and bring all these dangling threads together in a satisfying conclusion.
For now, we’re left with more questions than answers: How did Agatha discover Billy’s true identity? What’s Rio’s true purpose in the story? And what exactly is the fate of the witches trapped in the quicksand? With each episode, the stakes rise, and fans can only hope the remaining chapters will deliver the emotional depth and clarity this story needs.