Welcome to this week’s installment of Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week, wherein we shine a spotlight on strong women who inspire us. These ladies are a prime example of female empowerment and how crucial it is for youth to have said example to follow.
DISCLAIMER: The following article contains spoilers for WandaVision.
Agatha Harkness
Agatha Harkness Fast Facts
When we were first introduced to the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s incarnation of Harkness (Kathryn Hahn), we didn’t even know her real name. In both the show’s dialogue and (extensive) promotional material, she was billed as “Agnes the nosey neighbor.” This sitcom archetype afforded an effective way for the powerful witch to “hide in plain sight” through the decades.
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Like many of the feminine characters who have filled that role through the years, “Agnes” challenged gender roles. While she did claim to be married to an offscreen husband, “Ralph,” this was later revealed to be subterfuge. Furthermore, she displayed independence, unapologetic sexuality and significant influence over the main character. And Harkness seemed to be aware of many of the secrets Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) was keeping, even from herself.
Agatha Unveiled
But in WandaVision‘s antepenultimate episode, “Breaking the Fourth Wall,” it was revealed that “Agnes” was really Harkness. Throughout the season, it might have seemed as though Acting S.W.O.R.D. Director Tyler Hayward (Josh Stamberg) was the show’s antagonist. Unaware of the extent of Maximoff’s abilities, he set up camp outside Westview. And at one point, he even attempted to destroy the Hex via a clumsy and ineffectual attempt at killing Maximoff.
However, Hayward was out of his depth, and ignorant of the true nature of the situation. Rather than resolving the issue, he managed to get many of his people ensconced in Maximoff’s spell. Ultimately, he did not ascend to become WandaVision‘s antagonist. Instead, he was dispatched by fellow secondary character Dr. Darcy Lewis (Kat Dennings), who he had previously dismissed as “the sassy best friend.”
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By contrast, Harkness might be the only character on the show who was always cognizant of the true nature of the Hex. Thanks to centuries of experience, she identified the Westview situation as a powerful spell and chose to enter the town of her own volition. Unlike the rest of those who fell under Maximoff’s spell, Harkness assumed her sitcom role voluntarily.
Although motivated by a questionable desire to acquire the unbridled power of the Scarlet Witch for herself, Harkness’ actions can be viewed as almost scientific. Through experimentation, probing and prior magical knowledge, Harkness ultimately ascertains the true nature of Maximoff and the Hex — the sole character in the series to do so.
The Real Deal
Agatha Harkness is the real deal. While other characters are hopelessly inundated by the tide of Maximoff’s trauma-augmented powers, Harkness is a shark competently navigating the waves.
In the commercial break for “All-New Halloween Spooktacular,” she is even symbolized by a surfing Great White. Through this avatar, she informs Maximoff that survival is a matter of accessing one’s own power. As seen in the penultimate episode, “Previously On,” Harkness learned this lesson early in her extended life, when her 17th Century coven attempted to kill her for her iconoclasm.
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And in the final episode, “The Series Finale,” Harkness unveils her true form and takes to the skies for a climactic battle against Maximoff. Ultimately, she is defeated. However, even with her singular and superior magic, the only reason Maximoff is triumphant is by utilizing the witchcraft education imparted by Harkness herself.
Likewise, it is the knowledge shared by Harkness that allows the Scarlet Witch to achieve her powerful final form. At the conclusion of the series, Maximoff traps Harkness in a spell, leaving her behind in Westview. But what heights could the pair achieve if Maximoff were to receive a more thorough education from her WandaVision antagonist? At the current moment, it isn’t clear what narrative role Harkness will play in the upcoming Agatha All Along. Will she be an anti-heroine, an antagonist or the protagonist? It’s possible she may get to redeem herself by playing the role of mentor to “Teen” (Joe Locke), who we theorize could be Billy Kaplan, son of Maximoff.
Why She Matters
Why does Harkness matter? She shows us that the way others perceive us does not change who we are underneath. This is true whether those perceptions are the result of others’ prejudices, our own subterfuge or a combination of both. She demonstrates that women aren’t just capable of being as powerful as men, but they can possess power so great that men are incapable of even comprehending it. And she shows us that sometimes it’s necessary to wield our power utterly unapologetically, so as to ensure our survival — no matter what that the consequences.
So, be like Harkness. Don’t be ashamed to hide when necessary, even in plain sight. But don’t ever forget or apologize for who you truly are, either. Don’t waste your time on ignorant men when you have a deeper understanding of the true nature of the situation. And remember that sometimes, accessing the deepest facets of your power is necessary for survival.
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But also remember that nobody’s perfect. So, maybe don’t look to Harkness for tips on pet or childcare.
All 9 episodes of WandaVision are currently available for streaming on Disney+. Meanwhile, Agatha All Along‘s two-episode debut begins streaming on September 18, 2024.
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