Don’t Touch That Dial
Overview: Wanda Maximoff and Vision bring illusion and glamour to Westview’s talent show fundraiser.
Air date: 1/15/2021
Directed by: Matt Shakman
Guest Stars: David Lengel as Harold Copter / Phil Jones, David Anthony Payton as John Collins / Herb, Amos Glick as Dennis the Mailman, Asif Ali as Abilash Tandon / Norm, Victoria Blade as Commercial Woman, Ithamar Enriquez as Commercial Man, Emma Caufield as Sarah Proctor / Dottie, Jolene Purdy as Isabel Matseuda / Beverly, Zach Henry as S.W.O.R.D. Agent Franklin / Beekeeper.
After how much I enjoyed the premiere episode of WandaVision, it almost felt inevitable that the second episode, “Don’t Touch That Dial,” might not quite reach the same heights for me. The first episode instantly hooked me with its clever premise and perfect recreation of a classic sitcom atmosphere. While this follow-up still has plenty of charm, it leans more heavily into mystery than I expected.
The episode continues the black-and-white sitcom aesthetic, following Wanda Maximoff and Vision as they prepare to perform in a neighborhood talent show. On the surface, the story feels like something pulled straight from classic television of the 1950s and 1960s. The couple’s attempt to fit into their new suburban life leads to some humorous situations, especially as they try to hide Vision’s unusual abilities from the townspeople.
However, beneath the charming sitcom setup, the episode sprinkles in a number of strange and unsettling moments. These hints add to the growing sense that something about this reality isn’t quite right. Personally, I found the mystery elements interesting, but they didn’t capture my attention quite as strongly as the pure sitcom fun of the first episode. Though I appreciate that they trusted the audience to follow an early scene to its conclusion at the end when Wanda has a big reveal.
Where the episode truly shines is in its commitment to recreating classic television styles. The writing, acting, and visual presentation feel authentic to the era, and the way Marvel blends superhero elements into that format remains incredibly impressive. Watching Wanda and Vision navigate everyday suburban life while hiding extraordinary powers is still a delight.
Even though “Don’t Touch That Dial” didn’t fully capture the magic I felt during the premiere, it does an excellent job of building curiosity. The subtle clues and odd moments scattered throughout the episode make it clear that something bigger is unfolding. If anything, it leaves me even more eager to see where the story is heading next.