We’re not going to solve the mystery for you, the many, many mysteries of AGATHA ALL ALONG, but we will give you a few insights and visuals...
If you haven’t yet, you really must see the mini-series and then you will be as surprised as we were to learn the ironic fact of this show...a story centered on a coven of witches literally following a path full of challenges that if met, will increase their powers...the irony being that the scenes were not filled with the magic of digital visual effects – the stunts and sets were practical!
Triple witch hats off to Set Decorator Monica Monserrate SDSA, Production Designer John Collins, their teams and all the other departments that worked their own forms of magic.
The water element...
Each of the challenges has a thematic setting, the first a contemporary light, bright Hamptons-esque beach house represented water. As one of the witches points out, “Not exactly the stuff of nightmares.” Yet the nightmare was to come... a flash flood enveloping the house, the only escape is through the oven on a current of rushing water. We can’t tell you or show you, you must see for yourself!
The element of fire...
The waxing moon is depicted in a music studio, which John & Monica based on the work of architect Bruce Goff, organic wood & stone translated in a fire palette and psychedelic-era trappings.
Fire Element music studio. The mother of one of the witches was a singer killed in a fire while performing, thus the connection here. Photo courtesy of Marvel Television © 2024 MARVEL.
Monica had the half-moon sofa [right corner in photo] reupholstered in a vibrant vintage fabric. “I wanted to have a mix, so you could feel the ‘60s, and then go a little bit into the ‘70s, especially with the fire orange palette. The shapes were important, too, the satellite chandeliers, the globe lights, the crescent moon in different aspects. I'm a fan of practicals, so every time I will have an opportunity, I will bring in a beautiful practical...and these worked in the space so well.”
John points out, “The screens are really fun, because we have moments where certain characters are moving about and discovering the space. And behind the screens on the left are actually tapestries that depict witches being tortured. On the other side of the screens, we also have African masks with eyes that suddenly come alive. The space felt open and big, but also we're able to separate characters and have them have these little moments where they're discovering the depth and messages of the space.”
The recording studio...state of the art ‘60s. Photo courtesy of Marvel Television © 2024 MARVEL.
Studio control room: Monica recalls, “There's another beautiful console on the other side of the room that is originally from an LA studio, and now belongs to History for Hire. It truly is beautiful.”
The Air trial, a trial of Spirit...
The presumably innocent cabin in the woods, setting of many slasher/horror films...
Pattern on pattern, the palette dictated by the Tiffany lamp. Photo courtesy of Marvel Television © 2024 MARVEL.
Monica smiles, “This was amazingly wonderful to dress, because it was such a fun set...the way the trees are inside the house, they’re part of the house, and then these huge windows. Also, the period. It's going back to the ‘80s, connecting a lot of colors surrounded with all this wood, and bringing in the warmth of a summer cabin. We were having all of that childish kind of fun, knowing everything that happens in there is not really very childish, it’s kind of scary. Actually, it’s very scary. That contrast between what was going to happen and what the place is trying to be...”
Cozy plaids and bandanas. Games on every surface. The stairs lead to a sleeping loft. Photo courtesy of Marvel Television © 2024 MARVEL.
John notes, “The test centered in the cabin is the Air trial, so we were very cognizant of the need for height for the flying that takes place.” [Remember, these are practical stunts!]
There’s even a kitchen tucked under the stairs. Here, we see the requisite height for when the witches are suddenly pulled into the air. Photo courtesy of Marvel Television © 2024 MARVEL.
The hourglass of time...
The trial of Time takes place in an ancient castle...there had to be one! And the task must be completed before the hourglass runs out. An impossible task, of course.
Top of castle rotunda. Those are fine-bladed swords hanging from the ceiling, the banners hang from the mezzanine tier, illuminated by the heavy sconces. Photo courtesy of Marvel Television © 2024 MARVEL.
The tarot table, with its runic etchings, sits dead-center of the rotunda. Photo courtesy of Marvel Television © 2024 MARVEL.
This trial if focused on the 450-year-old Sicilian witch, Lilia Calderu [Patti LuPone], who experiences time differently.
The ceiling of the castle rotunda keeps lowering as the sands of time run out.
Swords are dangling from the medieval castle’s height, and constantly falling on those below...
The stone table is etched in runes and set for tarot card readings.
The witch, Lilia, is skilled in divination. Current day, she manifests as a psychic.
Lilia’s shop, which leads into her apartment through the beaded curtain. Photo courtesy of Marvel Television © 2024 MARVEL.
Lilia’s shop. Teen/Billy Maximoff/William Kaplan [Joe Locke] and Lilia Caldeu [Patti LuPone] during a highly significant reading. Photo by Chuck Zlotnick © 2024 MARVEL.
Lilia’s studio apartment conveys her mixed cultures and long life...
Another immersive set from Monica and team, so many details, one can get lost in exploring just this set.
Lilia’s apartment. Linoleum worn to the point of missing. She has been here a while...Photo courtesy of Marvel Television. © 2024 MARVEL.
Lilia’s apartment. The sewing machine always at the ready, the ironing board stashed behind...Photo courtesy of Marvel Television. © 2024 MARVEL.
And there is so much more to discover!
Many tangled twists to come, including Death personified...
Agatha Harkness [Kathryn Hahn] and Billy Maximoff [Joe Locke]. Photo courtesy of Marvel Television © 2024 MARVEL.
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