What do we need to know about Agnes?

After the first 5 episodes of WandaVision, many fans had theorised that Agnes (Kathryn Hahn) had a major role in what was happening in Westview. However, with the developments that occurred during episode 6, these theories have been weakened and the part that Agnes is playing is more in question than ever before. This means that we have to take a look back at Agnes throughout the series to understand what Agnes’ role may be, while taking into consideration what we have learnt most recently.

The personality of Agnes:

Previously the theory surrounding Agnes was that she was a witch that had some level of control in Westview, possibly she would even be revealed as the witch Agatha Harkness from the comics. But, after the investigation from Vision (Paul Bettany) during episode 6 it was made clear that Agnes does not have the control we previously assumed, while her knowledge of the town still remains.

When Vision encounters Agnes on the out skirts of Westview we are introduced to a different side of the nosy neighbour. She no longer feels like the one in control and what she says to Vision supports that. Firstly, Agnes asks Vision where the town square is, which is peculiar when she supposedly grew up in Westview. What is the key though is that Agnes seems to be in a trance, similar to the other residents in the surrounding area. It makes Agnes look just like everyone else within the town and doesn’t make her seem special. This completely goes against what we have been led to believe, especially when she broke the fourth wall in the previous episode. We are just as confused about Agnes that ever before.

More confusion occurred when Vision unlocked her suppressed personality. Initially Agnes was in shock as she questioned if she was living. Fear then did cross Agnes, when she talks about how Wanda (Elizabeth Olsen) won’t let anyone leave. Fear is something that has been portrayed by Agnes before as well of other residents like Dr. Neilson (Randy Oglesby) in episode 3, so does once again make it look like Agnes is just another resident in Westview.

Although, if Agnes was just another resident then you would expect her reaction would be similar to Norm’s (Asif Ali) from episode 5 when Vision unlocks their personality. Instead Agnes seems psychotic. Shouting “dead” at Vision and laughing uncontrollably. This is not something someone’s natural personality is typically like. This once again brings up the question of who Agnes. The encounter with Vision seemingly proved Agnes isn’t in control, but it did reiterate the point that Agnes is not just your typical resident.

With the development of Agnes’ character it has meant that we have to look in more detail at her from previous episodes, which has resulted in 2 key points being brought up when you look at her actions. Agnes has mentioned her husband Ralph and also has shown signs of fear on occasions before that could explain her character.

When has Agnes been scared?

Fear on residents has occurred throughout the series, which is why when Agnes shows her fear it makes her look ordinary. But, from what we learnt about her natural personality, when she shows signs of fear we have to pay attention to it. The 3 most noticeable signs of fear occurred during episode 2, 3 and 5.

From episode 2, Agnes showed a sign of fear during the magic show. When Vision showed off his powers, Wanda was the one who had to act to stop him from exposing their secrets. During this it didn’t go unnoticed the concern of Agnes’ face. It wasn’t concern that suggested shock like the rest of the audience, it was more fearful concern. Agnes was scared that the powers of Wanda and Vision would be revealed and the relief on her face when Wanda manages to save them from being exposed suggests this is the case.

In the 70s, the fear on Agnes is more noticeable. This time it is when she tells Herb (David Payton) to “stop it”. She said this in response to her not wanting Herb to tell Vision what everyone in Westview is. Once again the fear Agnes has shown is seemingly done when trying to cover up the secrets in Westview. This is one of the reasons why we assumed Agnes may be in control, but now we know she isn’t the one pulling the strings, it begs the question as to why she wants to keep what is happening in Westview a secret and why she is scared of people knowing.

Episode 5 showed a different kind of fear from Agnes. When the twins, Billy and Tommy said that Wanda can bring someone back to the dead, Agnes is in shock. She doesn’t seem shocked by the fact Wanda has powers which does continue the theme that she understands what is happening in Westview, instead she is scared of the power that Wanda possesses.

Every time Agnes has displayed a sense of fear, it has not been a direct consequence of Wanda’s use of her powers against anyone. Instead she is more scared of people knowing what is happening in Westview. This would suggest that her fear stems from the secrets in Westview. Therefore even though Agnes is not in control, she definitely has some idea of what is behind Westview and that terrifies her.

Who is Ralph?

Ralph is the husband of Agnes that we haven’t met yet. Across the fan base there is a number of theories of who Ralph may be. References to Ralph have been rare and fans have picked up on the fact that when Agnes makes reference to him their sometimes is a devil theme occurring. We are not suggesting that Ralph is Mephisto but the mystery of Ralph cannot be ignored.

One question that I have to ask is how the relationship between Ralph and Agnes is. We know Agnes makes jokes about Ralph, but that could be a defence mechanism in order to move away from her husband. We haven’t met Ralph yet so he is surrounded in mystery, but it could be possible that Ralph is the one making Agnes scared. There is no evidence for this but when we look at the evidence, it suggests Agnes knows what is happening in Westview and she is scared of it. It even seems like she has been willing to help keep the secrets intact. This could mean Agnes is actually a pawn of someone else and when we look at who is in Westview that could potentially be telling Agnes what to do, it could well be her husband.

Review:

Despite the theory of Agnes being in control seemingly being disproved, we have learnt a lot more about the possibility of a different role Agnes had in Westview. The fact Agnes has been fearful on numerous occasions suggests that she knows what is happening. The plot doesn’t seem to be as simple as just being Wanda in control, which is why Agnes is proving to be the character we have to listen to, especially as she has shown she knows what is happening. Agnes has been keeping a secret from us which scares her.

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