On our WandaVision episode of The TV That Changed Me, we spoke to utopian scholar Ibtisam Ahmed about the big philosophical questions in the Marvel series. Now we’re answering even more of your queries after the show ended.
All the Big questions in Marvel’s WandaVision
Why is WandaVision in black and white?
The first two episodes of the show are set in the 1950s, before colour TV was commonplace. These first episodes are in black and white, mirroring the classic sitcoms of the era. As the series goes on, we eventually learn the importance that classic shows like I Love Lucy and The Dick Van Dyke Show had in Wanda’s origin story.
Why are the credits for WandaVision so long?
Many people have complained that the credits for the show (usually around 8 minutes) are way too long. While we empathise with streamers desperate to get to the next episode, we can’t help that feel that these extra long credits add a special cinematic feel to the show. They also tease the viewer with the promise of a post-credit scene (a regular occurence in superhero movies).
What TV shows does WandaVision mimic?
WandaVision is packed with soo many TV references, here’s them broken down episode by episode:
Episodes 1 & 2
In these two black and white episodes, the show takes on the interior design style of a number of classic sitcoms. We also see Wanda using magic to make the dinner much like in the beloved sitcom, Bewitched.
- I Love Lucy
- The Dick Van Dyke Show
- Bewitched
- I Dream of Jeannie
Episodes 3 & 4
As the show moves into colour, we see Wanda & Vision take on the fashion of the 1970s and replicate a number of shows from the decade including:
- The Brady Bunch
- The Patridge Family
- The Mary Tyler Moore Show
Episode 5
This episode pays tribute to Full House which propelled Elizabeth Olsen (Wanda)’s older twin sisters Mary-Kate and Ashley to fame. The episode also pays tribute to:
- Growing Pains
- Family Ties
- Step by Step
Episode 6
As the show pushes forward into the noughties, it’s hard not to notice the references to Malcolm in the Middle with the grungy intro music and unruly children.
Eagle-eyed viewers also noted the town square looks spookily like the one in Stars Hollow on Halloween- the setting for Gilmore Girls.
Episode 7
As we move closer to the present day, WandaVision takes on the ‘mocumentary-style’ filming of shows such as:
- The Office
- Modern Family
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