This submit comprises spoilers for “Agatha All Alongside.”
When “WandaVision” dropped roughly three years in the past, the web was abuzz with speculations a few sure fiery Hell-Lord from the Marvel comics. “It is Mephisto, confirmed,” was a phrase that always cropped up in theory-crafting and dialogue threads, and these speculations did warrant credit score on the time, as Mephisto is featured within the supply materials that “WandaVision” closely drew from. Sadly, this didn’t pan out, though it birthed a meme within the course of: in virtually each MCU entry, present or but to be realized, Mephisto’s demonic specter looms massive, as this extradimensional entity has developed right into a fan-favorite “mastermind” behind each conspiracy or darkish plot. The primary two episodes of “Agatha All Alongside” — a sequence that takes place after the occasions of “WandaVision” — even make a tongue-in-cheek nod to Mephisto whereas laying out Agatha’s path to regaining her powers. This principally looks as if a enjoyable little reference and doesn’t essentially trace at Mephisto’s precise involvement.
… Or does it?
Properly, it’s too early to say something, however allow us to set the stage for this Easter egg earlier than we dive into what it means. Episode 1 begins with Agatha/Agnes (Kathryn Hahn) working as a detective in against the law drama/noir storyline (in her makes an attempt to regulate to the chaos magic-infused actuality of Westview), however the presence of Rio Vidal (Aubrey Plaza) and The Teen (John Locke, whose character stays unnamed thus far) pressure her to come back to phrases together with her core self. A simmering rigidity is hinted at between Agatha and Rio, a Inexperienced Witch, however it’s revealed that the 2 share an extended and complex previous, with their shut relationship souring after some level. The precise nature of the falling-out is unknown, however their interactions are decidedly charged, hinting at a now-contentious bond that had as soon as been deeply passionate and loving.
Throughout their first bodily altercation in episode 1, an allusion is made to a “black coronary heart.” Particularly, when Agatha accuses Rio of not having a coronary heart, she says, “Sure, I do. It is black and it beats for you.” However what does this imply?
It was Mephisto all alongside (form of)
At first look, this trade feels like a normal ex-lover’s spat, however the phrase “black coronary heart” is referenced once more in episode 2, when Lilia (Patti LuPone) divines 4 names for Agatha’s coven for the Witches’ Street summoning. The fourth identify is hid from us at first, though Agatha appears uncomfortable with its implications, particularly after she sees a raven, a rat, and a wolf all through the day. Later, Lilia reveals that the fourth identify on the listing is only a black coronary heart, which, when contextualized in opposition to Rio’s dialog with Agatha, would imply her. This is smart from a ritualistic standpoint, because the fourth coven member must be a Inexperienced Witch, similar to Rio.
Nevertheless, the time period “black coronary heart” can also be a sneaky little reference to Blackheart, who’s … anticipate it … Mephisto’s “son” in Marvel’s comedian books. First showing in 1989’s “Daredevil” #270, Blackheart was created after Mephisto gravitated in direction of the darkish aura of Christ’s Crown, New York, utilizing the evil vitality accrued to gasoline the beginning of a son. Blackheart developed into as a lot of a menace as his father, tormenting the likes of Daredevil and Spider-Man, however failing to deprave them. Blackheart appears just like Mephisto, apparently smells like burnt roses (!), and has typically teamed up together with his father to battle superheroes through the years. When it comes to his powers, Blackheart possesses customary super-strength, pace, and agility, and may teleport, thoughts management, and shapeshift.
Will Blackheart jumpscare us in one of many trials contained in the Witches’ Street? It’s, as soon as once more, unlikely, however the thriller surrounding Rio’s motivations and allegiances leaves us with a lot to ponder, as something can occur within the realm of magic — because the roads there are darkish and dreary, housing many entities.
The primary two episodes of “Agatha All Alongside” are at present streaming on Disney+.