Disney+/Marvel's VisonQuest commenced with a set of episodes that, in my estimation, were quite good. That doesn't mean the quality will prevail or that the spacey, Twilight Zone/Matrix-ish, internal, Mindscape will mimic WandaVision and Agatha All Along's consistent success. Still, as a fan of those eager endeavors, I remain optimistic.
The introductory episodes detailed the reborn yet forlorn Vision (Paul Bettany) working in the pub that he and Wanda once frequented. Alas, Vision was soon forced to go on the lam, thanks to a flippant bounty hunter named Paladin (Todd Stashwick). To draw Vision into his web, Paladin used our hero's deleted "son," Tommy Maximoff (Ruaridh Mollica) as bait, but there was a catch. Maximoff was reinstalled in the consciousness of a jittery grifter named Tommy Shepherd.
The above path was anchored by an important, avatar hub that Vision accessed to reunite with his dear old, psychopathic "dad," Ultron (James Spader), in this instance depicted as a loquacious human. The shrewd Ultron expressed a desire to counsel Vision throughout his fugitive state. So, does the spectral mechanoid conceal a covert motive? It would seem so, but time will tell. (As a neat treat, James D'Arcy reprised his role of Edwin Jarvis from Agent Carter, albeit in A.I. form: a clever touch for those in the know.)
I must stress, the opening set (despite its sometimes complicated, Loki-like layers) felt quite Marvel-esque, and in that, I mean like the comics I read as a kid: fast, fun and colorful, with no subversive tricks or snide, socio-political messages to spoil its core.
On that note, I've always appreciated Vision (his design and creed). The Marvel Cinematic Universe has done well by him, so far. Perhaps this respectful, old-school approach will continue into further, live-action, Marvel events, such as the upcoming Secret Wars and its presumed sequels. Indeed, it would be nice to see things get back on track.
For the ensuing weeks, VisionQuest will drop two episodes each Tuesday night, with the finale arriving on Nov 11. After such point, I'll submit my overarching review.
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