The MCU has developed a problem, and the latest Mephisto teases Agatha all along is a prime example. Agatha all along is the titular witch’s solo series, detailing her journey down the Witches’ Road with a coven pulled together in a desperate bid to regain the powers stripped from her by Wanda Maximoff in WandaVision. The series is Marvel’s latest foray into horror as Witches’ Road presents a series of trials replete with supernatural events. Until now, this has been confined to the spooky images surrounding witches, embodied in particular by the Salem Seven.
Agatha all along Episode 3 revealed the first trial of the coven in their journey down the Witches’ Road. The process involved the practice of alchemy as the coven, led by Jennifer Kale, brewed an antidote for the “Alewife’s Revenge” Sm. It also delved further into the covens’ backstories, with Agatha’s being of particular importance. As the coven explored the picturesque home of the first trial, Jen Calle elaborated that Agatha traded her son for the Darkhold, and mentioned one name that Whether it was long-awaited by MCU fans or whether it made sense to casual viewers, however, is another story.
Agatha All Along’s Mephisto reference only makes sense to the fandom
Mephisto was dropped by name without so much as an explanation
Mephisto is Marvel’s answer to the Devil, a powerful, otherworldly being who rules over his plane of Hell and has his hand in various nefarious misdeeds on Earth and beyond. He is one of Marvel’s most entertaining villains, fitting perfectly into the mystical side of the MCU. Nevertheless, none of the many Mephisto references in the MCU have borne fruit. That is until, when Jennifer Kale drops his name in a conversation with Teen, Stating that some say that Agatha’s son, Nicholas Scratch, may have become a demon, or an agent of Mephisto.
After teasing the demonic entity for so long, confirming Mephisto as MCU canon is a huge deal for MCU fans. To the casual viewer, however, the fleeting name-drop would probably make no sense. Instead, Marvel is relying on the audience’s prior knowledge of the character and his long-awaited and theorized MCU arrival for the name to make any sense. The disregard for viewers who are less invested in the broader conversation surrounding the MCU continues a worrying trend that could hurt the franchise in the long run.
The MCU risks becoming insular and introverted
The MCU has a habit of relying on viewers’ deep knowledge of the franchise
This is the second time in just a few months that Marvel Studios has hinged big reveals on the assumption of prior knowledge. Deadpool & Wolverine was a riot for Marvel movie fans, as the cameos and references caused excitement at every turn. Many of his self-deprecating references and dark cameos would have flown over the heads of casual moviegoersHowever. The big reveal of Channing Tatum’s Gambit is a prime example of this, paying off a behind-the-scenes story that may be common knowledge in the fandom, but not necessarily among those who just joined the franchise recently.
Among his daunting number of shows and movies, The MCU is already at risk of alienating anyone who isn’t fully invested in the MCU’s sprawling narrative. The MCU risks being a members-only club without ensuring that every reference and payment is preceded by a quick clarification. While that’s a tall ask of Marvel Studios, it’s just as unreasonable to expect franchise newbies to do their homework and watch every MCU installment, while also expecting them to be retrospective for peripheral conversations about them. It seems, then, that the franchise is at an impasse.
The MCU’s new approach can only work for so long
Thankfully, Marvel Studios may be about to provide a satisfying solution
The MCU’s references to itself may be enjoyable for its legions of fans, but maintaining their loyalty then becomes of utmost importance. Unfortunately, the specter of superhero fatigue could cause their numbers to dwindle, which spells a bleak prognosis for the franchise if it doesn’t change course. Despite being a record-breaking hit, for example, Deadpool & Wolverine is still subject to critics who mostly took aim at his insular cameos and referencesOffer a snapshot of how unacquainted viewers might view the franchise.
Thankfully, Marvel could turn to a suitable lifeline. There is no avoiding the fact that the multiverse saga will still be filled with nostalgic cameos and references, but it could at least be preceded by a reboot. If Avengers: Secret Wars Ending with the creation of a new universe, Marvel can satisfactorily wipe the slate clean, allowing new fans to get into the new ground level. Regardless, it will remain prudent for Marvel Studios to ensure that huge figures like Mephisto get more than a quick mention in a show like Agatha All along.