This episode contains spoilers for all of WandaVision.
For Marvel fans, the last few episodes of Wandavision have been an emotional rollercoaster. Despite the series starting in a cryptic fashion, not revealing the entire plot or set-up, a sad conclusion has recently become apparent: Wanda (Elizabeth Olsen) is the ‘baddy’ of the series. Whether wiping Vision’s (Paul Bettany) memory, sending Monia Rambeau (Teyonah Parris) flying through a series of walls, or even briefly mind-controlling SWORD agents so that they’d point their guns at each other (which was very cool, but very evil), the character has quickly cemented herself as the villain of the show.
While, of course, Wanda is unlikely to be totally irredeemable (she’s probably being manipulated by a currently-unknown force), this does raise an important question: who has what it takes to take down the Scarlett Witch? Throughout the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Wanda has been shown to be one of, if not the most powerful character. In fact, MCU boss Kevin Feige has even confirmed that Wanda could’ve defeated Thanos on her own in Avengers: Endgame – he only survived by sacrificing his own troops. Really, the Scarlett Witch’s powers of reality-warping, telekinesis, and mind control make her almost an unstoppable force… almost.
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With only three episodes of WandaVision left, and with Paul Bettany promising that the series ends with a “massive battle”, the stars are starting to align: someone will go toe to toe with Wanda. The question is, who? Who has what it takes to battle the Scarlett Witch and make it out alive and/or sane? Considering that Marvel Studios are always reticent to rely on deux ex machinas, it’s likely the character that will defeat Wanda has already been introduced. Here are the most likely choices.
From the offset, Monica has been set-up as the antithetical force to Wanda – she’s consistently faced off against the character, in an attempt to solve the Westview mystery. In fact, given the extended backstory given to her in episode 4, it could be argued that Monica is the third main character of the show, next to Wanda and Vision. Inasmuch, it would be appropriate then for the character to be the one to take the Scarlett Witch down.
How? Through the surprise factor of her new powers. In episodes 5 and 6, it was commented that Monica’s DNA was affected by going through the ‘Hex’ multiple times: her “cellular structure” changed through Wanda’s influence. In the comics, Monica is a superhero with the alias ‘Spectrum’ who has the power to change herself and fire out any wave in the electromagnetic spectrum (hence her name). Since the ‘Hex’ supposedly has something to do with CMBR, perhaps Monica has gained these superpowers in the show and will use them to defeat Wanda and save Westview.
In terms of sheer storytelling alone, Vision is the most likely choice to stop Wanda. Unlike his wife, this robot/infinity-stone hybrid still seems to be ‘good’: he still wants to do what’s best for the people of Westview. He would probably attempt to defeat Wanda if it meant saving these entrapped people – it was shown in Infinity War that he’s ok sacrificing a life in the pursuit of the greater good (albeit his own in that film). The poeticism of Wanda killing him for the greater good, and now him possibly having to kill her for the same reason? Too good to pass up.
The issue is how: throughout the series, Wanda has exhibited total control over Vision (after all, it’s her magic that’s keeping him alive), so it’s difficult to envision a way for the character to defeat the Scarlett Witch. Perhaps he will appeal to whatever humanity is left within her? Perhaps he will attempt to take advantage of her continued love for him? Perhaps he’ll just try to be sneaky? Rest assured, if Vision can find a way, he’ll stop Wanda.
After Wanda, this Master of the Mystic Arts is probably the most powerful character in the MCU (remember when he went toe-to-toe with Thanos?), so perhaps he will show up and save the day. It’s been confirmed that Wanda will appear in the upcoming Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness movie, so the character will need to appear in some capacity to bridge this series with that film. Many have speculated that Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) will appear in the final episode when the Hex predictably will expand and become a national issue – it’s likely that this appearance with put this character in conflict with Wanda.
Although a strong theory, it is nevertheless unlikely: in terms of storytelling, it seems like a cop-out to have this character appear at the last moment to save the day. Rather, it’s far more likely that one of the series’ established characters (like Monica) would be the one to take down the Scarlett Witch. Perhaps Steven Strange will nevertheless help in some capacity? Either way, it’s not a long wait until audiences find out!