'VisionQuest' Season 1 Episodes 1 & 2 Review

Image Source: IMDb

In 2009, Marvel Studios announced they were looking for writers to pen screenplays for films centered on their lesser-known characters. Among these characters were Black Panther, Doctor Strange, Iron Fist, and Cable. While most of these characters got their own projects before the end of the 2010s to varying degrees of success, one character among the initially reported bunch waited in the wings for his moment to shine: Vision. Created by Roy Thomas and artist John Buscema, Vision has remained a cult favorite amongst comic fans for decades. When the character finally made his live-action debut in Joss Whedon’s Avengers: Age of Ultron, it was a moment. Played by Paul Bettany (who had already voiced J.A.R.V.I.S. in 5 films, including Age of Ultron), the character became an instant favorite. His slightly diminished roles in Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War were disappointing to some, but Bettany’s performance (particularly with scenes with Elizabeth Olsen’s Wanda Maximoff) was enough to keep things going. Then WandaVision happened. WandaVision gave two characters who were in desperate need of depth outside of being plot devices and were given one of the most ambitious, emotional, and unique MCU projects to date thanks to the talents of creator Jac Schaeffer, director Matt Shakman, and composer Christophe Beck. WandaVision remains the gold standard for MCU television and earned Olsen and Bettany Emmy nominations for their troubles. The series was followed by a spin-off, Agatha All Along, which took Kathryn Hahn’s scene-stealing villainess into twisted directions in a series that is (dare I say?) superior to WandaVision. It was only a matter of time that a Vision series went into development.

Jac Schaeffer was originally set for this series, but dropped out due to commitments to Agatha and would be replaced by Star Trek: Picard season 2 and 3 showrunner Terry Matalas. After years of rumors, speculation, theories, and anticipation, VisionQuest is finally on our screens! Last scene in WandaVision, “White Vision” (who we will be referring to simply as Vision for convenience sake) now finds himself on the run in a world he doesn’t know. Gone is the old Vision, the Avenger who helped saved Sokovia and had his life taken from him by Thanos. Instead, we follow a Vision who doesn’t know who or what he is and whether or not he’s capable of being a hero. If WandaVision is about grief and Agatha about overcoming your past, VisionQuest seems to be laying the groundwork for a story about personal growth. While the first two episodes (titled No Strings and Theseus, respectively) of VisionQuest may not be as strong as the premiere episode of WandaVision, they still pack a lot of good punches and promise a season of television that will surely be worth the journey.

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Image Source: ScreenRant

The main hook of the series is the human versions of past MCU AI characters: J.A.R.V.I.S. (played once again by James D’Arcy), F.R.I.D.A.Y. (played by Orla Brady, replacing Kerry Condon), D.U.M.-E & U (played by Henry Lewis and Jonathan Sayer, respectively), E.D.I.T.H. (played by Emily Hampshire), and of course, Ultron (played by James Spader). Despite theories that this is done to cut cost, the decision to portray Vision and company with human avatars makes them feel more real. Paul Bettany’s journey from playing the disembodied voice of J.A.R.V.I.S, the make-up heavy Vision, and now a humanoid version of White Vision is a testament to his skills as a performer. Even when he was just J.A.R.V.I.S., Bettany supplied him with a sense of humor and personality that has only grown since his now 11-year stint as Vision. Ever since Age of Ultron, Bettany has given dramatic heft and humanity to Vision even if his further appearances as the character on film underserved him in terms of screentime. His Emmy nominated turn in WandaVision was a testament to range, playing Vision with different acting styles to reflect the genre of sitcom any given episode was parodying. I’ve always found Vision to be a great example of positivity masculinity in the MCU. Vision can kick ass with the best of them, but it’s his care for others (Wanda, their children, the other AIs) that makes him so compelling. Equally compelling is Ruaridh Mollica as Tommy Maximoff, who already has remarkable chemistry with Bettany. While Joe Locke’s Billy Maximoff had more a dark edge to him, Mollica’s Tommy fits the more traditional MCU hero mold, charm and all.

The other human AIs are fun to watch, particularly Emily Hampshire as E.D.I.T.H. Despite her brief screentime, E.D.I.T.H.’s wide-eyed personality, hyperactive energy, and general adorableness make her a character to watch. James D’Arcy’s return as J.A.R.V.I.S. is great bone for us Agent Carter fans who have been milking the fact it’s official MCU canon for 7 years now. However, the episode easily belongs to James Spader. Arguably the best match of actor and villain role in the MCU, Spader plays Ultron to perfection after 11 years away. Despite some reservations for his more quippy portrayal, Spader’s performance as Ultron has helped the character remain one of the MCU’s most beloved villains. Despite his large role in What If…?, Ross Marquand didn’t match Spader’s energy and made the character feel less special. Spader’s return makes every line delivery and every bit of dialogue sound like music. His sinister combination of charm, intimidation, and macabre sense of humor make him one of the best MCU villains still.

Image Source: GamesRadar

VisionQuest continues the unofficially named Wanda Trilogy’s tradition of dazzling visuals, lived-in production design, stunning costumes, and a perfect blend of drama and comedy. Terry Matalas fits the MCU mold like a glove, and it’s going to be exciting to see where he and his team of writers go from here. The only downside of the premiere is that Christopher J. Byrne’s direction lacks the oomph of Matt Shakman’s on WandaVision and Jac Schaeffer’s Sam Raimi-esque glee on Agatha All Along. His direction is mostly fine, just doesn’t stand out. The brief moments of action and the well-written humor help move things along. But it’s hard to dwell on that with a cast this talented, a writer this in-tune with the material, visuals this eye-catching, and a perfect musical score courtesy of Mick Giacchino (son of MCU veteran Michael Giacchino).

Should VisionQuest stay on the straight and narrow until its conclusion, we could be looking at the greatest MCU trilogy ever made. Jac Schaeffer’s influence is still felt despite her lack of involvement and Terry Matalas seems to promise even greater and more stylish stories to come. For as long as Bettany, Spader, Mollica, Matalas, and Giacchino keep doing what they’re doing, we should be ok!

RATING: 8/10

VisionQuest is now streaming on Disney+ with new episodes every Tuesday!

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