Editor’s note: This article contains spoilers for Episodes 1–5 of Agatha All Along.
Agatha’s Quest to Reclaim Her Power
“Darkest hour, wake thy power, earthly and divine.” Every Wednesday at 6 p.m. PT, this mystical chant opens a new chapter of Marvel Television’s Agatha All Along on Disney+. Starring Kathryn Hahn as the titular witch, the series follows Agatha Harkness on a perilous journey to reclaim her powers by traversing the Witches’ Road—a supernatural path that forces travelers to confront their deepest fears.
Stripped of her magic, Agatha seeks to form a new coven, leading to powerful new alliances with witches like Lilia Calderu (Patti LuPone), Jennifer Kale (Sasheer Zamata), and Rio Vidal (Aubrey Plaza). These women are not your typical broomstick witches. Instead, each harbors her own secrets and reasons for seeking power. Former coven members include Alice Wu-Gulliver and Sharon Davis (Debra Jo Rupp), both of whom left their mark early in the series.
The Trials of the Witches’ Road
Director Rachel Goldberg, who helmed three of the first five episodes, reveals the Witches’ Road is not just a magical passage, but a psychological trial. “If you’re bold enough to challenge the Road, good luck. It’s a force that makes you confront your deepest fears and traumas,” Goldberg explains. That tension shapes every interaction as the series peels back the emotional layers of its characters.
One unexpected twist arrives in the form of Teen, revealed to be Billy Maximoff—Wanda’s son. While not a witch himself, Billy becomes drawn to Agatha and her coven. However, the revelations in Episode 5 raise questions about whether he truly belongs. “He realizes witches always chase power,” says Goldberg. “And that realization comes at a cost.”
Emotional Depth and Dark Humor
Beyond the dark tone, the series leans into moments of levity thanks to Kathryn Hahn’s unique delivery. “The tone is all Kathryn,” Goldberg notes. “She can shift from sarcastic and menacing to hurt and vulnerable in an instant.” Improvised moments from characters like Rio Vidal bring comedic relief that balances the emotional weight.
Magic in Agatha All Along also serves as metaphor. Curses, in particular, reflect unresolved trauma passed down through generations. “There’s a lot of superstition in my culture,” Goldberg shares, “and I was drawn to the idea of things being passed down—not just as curses, but as gifts.”
The Music of the Witches’ Road
Music continues to play a pivotal role. The title of the series itself comes from the fan-favorite song written by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez for WandaVision. The duo returns to compose “The Ballad of the Witches’ Road,” an evolving piece featured in each episode. “Pay close attention to the lyrics,” Goldberg teases. “They carry clues.”
