The latest episode of Agatha All Along has arrived, and the best reaction is simply, “Wow.” Patti LuPone’s character, Lilia Calderu, takes the spotlight. She connects all the clues we have been discussing.
After the losses of Mrs. Hart (Debra Jo Rupp) and Alice Wu-Gulliver (Ali Ahn) on the dangerous Witches’ Road, the fate of every witch is uncertain.
Lilia, a divination witch with the ability to see beyond time, is the perfect person to figure out these fates. In last week’s episode, we learned that Teen (Joe Locke) is really Billy Maximoff, the son of the Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen), living in the body of William Kaplan.
Now, Lilia, Agatha (Kathryn Hahn), Jennifer Kale (Sasheer Zamata), and Rio Vidal (Aubrey Plaza) are reaching the end of the Road, where many Easter eggs are waiting for them.
Maleficent, The Evil Queen, Glinda, & The Wicked Witch of the West
In the fourth trial of the Witches’ Road, the coven dresses up in costumes that pay tribute to famous witches from pop culture. Each member chooses an iconic witch to represent. Billy takes on the role of Maleficent, known as the “Mistress of All Evil” from the classic 1959 film Sleeping Beauty.
His costume is striking, showcasing the dark and powerful nature of the character. Meanwhile, Jennifer portrays The Evil Queen, donning a black cloak and long gray hair, reminiscent of the character from Disney’s 1937 film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
Her humorous frustration at being given the “uglier” version of the character, compared to The Evil Queen’s later “beauty,” adds a fun twist to the episode. At least she gets to hold the iconic poisonous apple, which adds to the humor!
On the other hand, Agatha transforms into The Wicked Witch of the West, complete with a pointy hat and an exaggerated crooked nose. She fully embodies the classic villain. Lilia shines as Glinda, the Good Witch of the North. She wears a beautiful pink gown, adding a touch of elegance to the group.
These costumes reference not only the beloved 1939 film The Wizard of Oz but also the 1978 film The Wiz.
With the new film adaptation of Wicked, featuring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande playing Glinda and Elphaba, it is fascinating to see these iconic characters represented in different ways so close together. Each representation offers a fresh perspective on these timeless characters.
The Past Three Years Have Been Deeply Meaningful for Billy
Billy’s journey has not been easy, and his words reflect his struggles. When he responds sharply to Agatha, saying, “…she’s not my mom. I have a mom,” it hits hard. In this moment, he emphasizes the complexity of his identity.
The previous episode revealed that Billy’s ultimate wish at the end of the Road is to find his brother, Tommy, whose soul he can sense.
While it might have been assumed that reconnecting with his mother, Wanda, was his primary desire, it becomes clear that Billy is still working through who he truly is.
Still from Agatha All Along (Credit: Disney)
He has been living in the body of William Kaplan for three years. During this time, he has made a life for himself. He has new parents, Rebecca (Maria Dizzia) and Jeff Kaplan (Paul Adelstein), who have played a significant role in his life. He has built friendships, including with a boyfriend, Eddie (Miles Gutierrez-Riley).
Yet, he remains torn between his new identity and his past. Later in the episode, he confides in Lilia, expressing uncertainty about whether he is Billy Maximoff or William Kaplan. This moment serves as a poignant reminder of the emotional journey he has been on since leaving Westview.
Agatha Makes Another Disney Reference With Pixar’s Finding Nemo
In a lighthearted moment, Lilia confronts Billy about unresolved issues. She asks, “Jen, aren’t you furious?” to which Jen replies, “I mean, always. But collectively, we’ve all moved on.” Agatha joins the conversation with a quick and clever remark, making yet another Disney reference.
She compares Lilia to Dory, the beloved blue tang fish from Finding Nemo. Dory, voiced by Ellen DeGeneres, is known for her forgetfulness, which connects to Lilia’s own struggles. This comparison adds humor to the episode while highlighting Lilia’s confusion and challenges.
Death Makes Her MCU Debut, and the Clues Were Always There
One of the biggest revelations in this episode is the introduction of Rio Vidal as Death, the original Green Witch. This character has been part of Marvel Comics since her first appearance in Captain Marvel #26 in 1973.
It is surprising that it took so long for her to appear in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), given her strong connections to significant characters like Thanos and Deadpool. Aubrey Plaza is the perfect choice to portray her, bringing depth and charisma to the role.
Death has a rich history in the comics, often intertwined with other major storylines. Her love affair with Thanos is one of the most notable.
This storyline adds complexity to her character, and it will be intriguing to see how her relationship with Agatha develops in future episodes. Since Death is an immortal character, we can expect to see her again in upcoming Marvel projects.
Lilia Calderu’s Tarot Cards Represent the Coven and Their Journey
As Lilia comes to terms with the trial being her responsibility, she begins to see clearly. The tarot cards she draws reveal the deeper truths about the witches in her coven. She pulls the Queen of Cups card, which symbolizes empathy, intuition, and a voice that can be trusted.
This card reflects Lilia’s character and her role as a guide. Next, the Three of Pentacles card represents the coven as a whole. It signifies collaboration, community, and the power of many voices working together in harmony.
When Lilia draws the Knight of Wands card, it represents Alice Wu-Gulliver. This card symbolizes courage and the willingness to fight bravely. Alice’s character has shown great resilience throughout the series.
The High Priestess card represents Jennifer Kale, signifying immense spiritual power that she is either unable or unwilling to use. This card hints at the potential within Jennifer and the struggles she faces with her abilities.
Agatha Harkness is represented by the Three of Swords card, symbolizing heartbreak, sorrow, and grief. This card reflects Agatha’s journey and the obstacles she faces as a character.
The Tower reversed card is drawn for Billy, which suggests disaster, destruction, and sudden upheaval. However, it also signifies miraculous transformation, hinting at the potential for growth in Billy’s character.
Finally, the Destination card represents the shared path of the coven. Rio Vidal, as Death, embodies this card, symbolizing the interconnectedness of their journeys and the challenges they must face together.
Lilia’s realization of the significance of these cards marks a turning point in her understanding of her role and the roles of her friends.
Lilia’s Gaps Have Been Connecting Agatha All Along… All Along
Her moments of confusion and disorientation were a result of her experiencing time all at once. Until now, she could not piece together the complete narrative of her journey.
Still from Agatha All Along (Credit: Disney)
Lilia has been calling out the corresponding tarot cards of each witch at crucial moments, showing that her instincts were guiding her all along.
For example, her outburst “Get off me” in Episode 2 came when Agatha tackled her to the ground, saving her from a falling sword in this episode.
In Episode 3, when she mentions, “You know we really hated each other in the beginning, but now—” and later declares, “I love you guys,” these phrases make sense as she recognizes the bonds formed through their struggles.
In Episode 5, Lilia’s shout, “I hated this the first time,” during a tense moment with a cursed song, echoes her earlier experiences. Billy accused her of “being weird again,” but now we understand that her future self was revisiting that moment.
Her question, “Which is it? Am I wispy or am I kooky?” directed at Alice in Episode 4, is revealed to be her reaction to Jen’s words in the tunnels beneath the Road.
Finally, Lilia’s urgent pleas following Alice’s death, such as “try to save Agatha” in Episode 3 and “Alice, don’t” in Episode 4, can now be seen as her attempts to warn Alice about sacrificing herself.
The connections made throughout the series highlight the complexity of Lilia’s character and the intricacies of the story being told.
This Isn’t the First Instance of “Time in a Bottle” in a Time-Jumping Marvel Property
If you felt a sense of déjà vu while listening to Jim Croce’s “Time in a Bottle” during the end credits of this week’s episode, you are not alone.
This song has appeared in various Marvel properties before, creating a nostalgic effect for fans. However, its inclusion in this episode serves a greater purpose than just a pleasant melody.
This episode is not the first time “Time in a Bottle” has accompanied a Marvel story that involves time manipulation. In a beloved scene from X-Men: Days of Future Past, Evan Peters first showcased his super speed as Quicksilver.
During this sequence, time seems to freeze around him as he moves quickly, and “Time in a Bottle” plays in the background, enhancing the moment’s emotional impact.
With Lilia’s time-hopping abilities on full display in this week’s episode, the song’s use serves as a fitting callback to that iconic scene.
The blend of memories and experiences creates a rich show for viewers, linking characters and their journeys across different Marvel stories.
It also highlights the clever storytelling that Marvel has become known for, weaving together various timelines and narratives in a cohesive manner.
The Impact of Lilia’s Journey on the Series
Lilia Calderu’s journey has been central to the narrative of Agatha All Along. From her initial confusion to her eventual clarity, her character arc reflects themes of identity, self-discovery, and the bonds formed through shared experiences. The complexity of her character is a testament to the writing and the performances of the cast.
Patti LuPone’s portrayal of Lilia brings depth and nuance to the character. Her ability to show the emotional show of the series adds a layer of richness to the story.
As Lilia learns to embrace her powers and connect with her friends, the audience is drawn into her journey. The revelations about her past and her understanding of time make her a compelling character to follow.
Moreover, Lilia’s interactions with the other witches highlight the importance of teamwork and collaboration.
Each character brings unique strengths and struggles, and their connections create a strong sense of community. As they face challenges together, the bond between them deepens, showcasing the power of friendship and support.
With the end of the Road approaching, the witches are faced with new challenges and revelations.
As they confront their fears and desires, it will be interesting to see how each character evolves. The connections made throughout this episode will likely play a crucial role in the events to come.
Billy’s journey of self-discovery is far from over. As he continues to grapple with his identity, his relationship with his brother Tommy will become increasingly significant.
The emotional weight of their connection is a powerful driving force for his character. It will be fascinating to see how this relationship unfolds in future episodes and how it influences Billy’s choices.
Lilia’s growth will also be a key focus moving forward. Her newfound clarity and understanding of her powers set the stage for exciting developments.
As she embraces her role as a leader and a guide, her interactions with the other witches will shape their collective journey.
Agatha’s character is layered with complexity, and her relationship with Death introduces new dynamics. The implications of their connection will likely lead to unexpected twists and turns.
As Agatha faces her past and the choices she has made, viewers can anticipate an intriguing scheme of her character.
The Excitement of Agatha All Along
The latest episode of Agatha All Along has left fans buzzing with excitement. The blend of humor, emotional depth, and clever references to pop culture makes for a attracting viewing experience. The characters’ journeys are intricately woven together, showcasing the importance of friendship and self-discovery.
Still from Agatha All Along (Credit: Disney)
As we eagerly await the next episode, the questions linger: What challenges will the witches face next? How will their connections shape their futures?
With each passing episode, the story grows richer and more complex, keeping viewers engaged and invested in the characters.
Agatha All Along continues to prove itself as a unique and engaging addition to the Marvel universe.
The clever storytelling, combined with the powerful performances of the cast, creates a narrative that resonates with audiences.
As the series unfolds, fans can look forward to more surprises, revelations, and moments of connection that make this journey unforgettable.
In Venom: Let There Be Carnage, Detective Patrick Mulligan, played by Stephen Graham, experiences a significant change. During the movie’s final act, he gets infected by the leftover symbiote from Carnage, portrayed by Woody Harrelson.
This detail is crucial for longtime Marvel fans who may recognize the connection to Toxin, another character in the comic books.
With Venom: The Last Dance set to release soon, and trailers hinting at Mulligan’s future, this is the perfect time to look closely at Toxin’s comic book history. Toxin first appeared in the early 2000s, and it seems likely he will be around for a long time after Venom’s third movie.
Toxin’s Birth in Marvel Comics
The character of Toxin was introduced to Marvel readers in 2004. This introduction happened when Carnage, a well-known villain in the Marvel universe, realized something shocking: he was pregnant.
In the symbiote world, which are sometimes called Klyntar (the name of their home planet), the creatures reproduce asexually. Just as Carnage is the child of Venom, Toxin is the child of Carnage. This makes Toxin the 1,000th symbiote in their unique “bloodline.”
In the Venom vs. Carnage limited series, Venom explains to readers that Carnage is terrified of Toxin. He fears that Toxin may be more powerful than he is.
Because of this fear, Carnage wants to kill Toxin. However, Venom has different plans. He wishes to “raise” Toxin as his new sidekick.
Unfortunately, things do not go smoothly. Patrick Mulligan, a New York police officer, gets in the way of Carnage’s plan. To keep Toxin away from Venom, Carnage forces the symbiote onto Mulligan.
Over time, Spider-Man helps Mulligan learn to control the Toxin symbiote. Mulligan has to make significant changes in his life because of this new reality. He leaves his job and family behind to figure out how to live with the symbiote inside him.
Toxin and Mulligan’s Struggles
In the 2005 Toxin miniseries, we follow Mulligan as he learns to work with Toxin. They begin to understand each other and team up to fight evil. Mulligan allows the symbiote to have two hours of “playtime” each night.
Still from Venom The Last Dance (Credit: Sony)
However, during this time, Toxin is not allowed to hurt anyone or commit any crimes. Mulligan struggles with his new life. There is a point when he even tries to commit suicide to escape the burden of having Toxin inside him.
Despite these challenges, Mulligan eventually accepts his role as Toxin’s host. This acceptance comes when he captures a man who killed his father.
After this moment, Mulligan tells Spider-Man that if he ever crosses the line and kills someone, Spider-Man should throw him in prison and forget about him. This statement shows Mulligan’s understanding of the danger he faces with the Toxin symbiote.
Later on, Mulligan returns home to his family. He reveals the truth about Toxin to them, hoping to heal the pain caused by his earlier decisions.
Mulligan’s family learns to accept him and Toxin. Things seem to be getting better for Mulligan and his family until tragedy strikes in 2011. At this point, Mulligan meets a terrible fate.
Tragedy Strikes: Mulligan’s Death
In Venom (Vol. 2), readers discover that Mulligan has been murdered. The Toxin symbiote is taken from him by a villain named Blackheart, who is known for being a foe of the Ghost Rider. Blackheart takes the symbiote to create his army of Symbiote Warriors, which also includes clones of X-23. Even though these creatures are eventually defeated, it comes at the cost of Mulligan’s life.
After Mulligan’s death, the Toxin symbiote bonds with Eddie Brock, who was the original host of the Venom symbiote. At this point, Brock has been rejected by Venom, who has found a new partner in Flash Thompson, a U.S. military agent known as Agent Venom. Brock and Toxin then plot to kill Venom. They work together on this plan until Thompson manages to convince Brock to abandon his violent thoughts.
In the Carnage (Vol. 2) series, Brock, as Toxin, begins to adopt the role of a hero. He becomes what is known as a “Lethal Protector.”
However, this heroic journey does not last long. Toxin sacrifices himself during a battle against a powerful demon named Chthon in issue #16 of the series. This sacrifice marks a significant moment in Toxin’s story, showcasing his growth from a confused character to a selfless hero.
Toxin’s Return to the Marvel Universe
The next major chapter for Toxin comes a few years later during the King in Black storyline. This arc features Knull, a major figure in the symbiote lore. At this time, many people, including Brock and the readers, thought Toxin had been destroyed. However, it turns out that the Toxin symbiote was left weak but alive.
After a long period of trying to regain its strength, Toxin bonds with a teenage boy named Bren Waters. This bonding occurs in King in Black: Planet of the Symbiotes #3.
When Bren transforms into Toxin, he takes on an adult appearance similar to how Toxin looked when bonded with Mulligan and Brock. Together, Bren and Toxin work to battle evil during the Extreme Carnage storyline.
They also team up with other symbiote heroes, such as Flash Thompson, who now goes by Agent Anti-Venom, Andi Benton, known as Silence, and Eddie Brock, who has since rejoined with Venom.
Throughout these adventures, Toxin appears to feel most comfortable with Bren compared to his previous hosts, Mulligan or Brock. Each of his hosts has found a way to accept the symbiote, but Bren and Toxin seem to have a special bond. Toxin becomes a part of Bren’s life, and they face the challenges of being a symbiote hero together.
Toxin’s Last Known Appearance
Toxin’s last appearance to date is in Venom (Vol. 5) #28. In this issue, Toxin saves Bren’s life. However, after this act of heroism, Toxin becomes dormant and unresponsive within him. This condition leaves readers wondering about the future of Toxin in the Marvel universe.
Toxin’s journey from being the child of Carnage to a potential hero alongside Bren Waters shows the growth and evolution of symbiotes in the Marvel comics. His story touches on themes of acceptance, struggle, and redemption.
Mulligan’s character faced immense challenges as he tried to manage life with the Toxin symbiote. He had to learn to balance his responsibilities as a father and a police officer while dealing with the dangers that came from having a powerful creature inside him.
As Marvel fans await the release of Venom: The Last Dance, there is excitement surrounding Toxin’s future in the cinematic universe. Will Mulligan return? What role will Bren play in the upcoming story? The trailers hint at more action and drama for these characters, leading to many questions about how Toxin will fit into this narrative.
Fans of the comics will remember Toxin as a character with deep ties to Carnage and Venom. His history shows a complicated web of relationships and conflicts that make his story rich and engaging. Whether he is a hero or a tragic figure, Toxin represents the complexity of symbiotes in the Marvel world.
As we look forward to more stories featuring Toxin, it’s clear that this character has made a significant impact in the comic book universe. His journey reflects the themes of identity and transformation, making him a compelling figure for both readers and viewers alike.
Toxin’s Legacy in Comics
Toxin’s legacy in the Marvel universe continues to grow. His character has shown resilience, strength, and the ability to adapt in the face of adversity.
With the possibility of new stories and developments on the horizon, fans can be sure that Toxin will play an important role in the future of the Marvel cinematic universe.
Still from Venom The Last Dance (Credit: Sony)
As the story unfolds, audiences will be eager to see how Toxin’s character evolves and how he fits into the larger narrative of the Venom franchise.
As we watch the latest films and read the comic books, Toxin stands as a reminder of the ever-changing nature of heroes and villains in the Marvel universe.
His journey from the offspring of Carnage to a character with his own story is a testament to the depth and creativity present in comic book storytelling.
