Agatha Harkness is back in all her magical glory in the new Disney+ Marvel Cinematic Universe series, Agatha All Along. Katheryn Hahn returns to portray the fan-favorite witch and is joined by an incredible ensemble of actors, including Aubrey Plaza. Plaza is making her MCU debut, and her character, Rio Vidal, remains a mystery to die-hard fans. This has caused discourse among them about who she could be and her role in Agatha’s story. The Parks and Recreation alums reunite in the premiere, and their complicated relationship spans centuries.
Fans have speculated who Plaza’s character could be and how her purpose could further expand the future of the MCU. The first two episodes gave the audience several hints as to who the creators drew inspiration from and her relationship with Agatha being more than antagonistic at one point.
Aubrey Plaza’s Agatha All Along Character, Explained
Unlike the other characters, Rio Vidal is an original character created specifically for this show and, therefore, remains a shadow moving about the series. Without spoiling too much, viewers are introduced to Rio as a federal agent who appears to be an ally to Agatha, making an effort to break the spell Wanda placed on Agatha at the end of WandaVision. Their tumultuous past is revealed as Agatha awakens from the spell, and Rio proceeds to attack her. As the two fight, the audience learns about the “witches’ rules,” which prevent witches from killing each other. At the end of their fight, the tension between the two gives viewers the sense that they might have been romantic lovers in the past as Rio says her black heart beats for Agatha and continues to heel her hand wound by licking it.
As events continue to unfold in the premiere, audience members learn that Rio is a Green Witch, which means she wields earthly magic and has a connection to the Earth. Her magical abilities include telekinesis, healing, and immortality, though her specialty as a Green Witch is yet to be determined. She’s incredibly acrobatic and a master of her craft when she faces off against Agatha.
Rio Vidal’s Secret Identity Conspiracy Theories
This new character was developed for this series. However, fans have noticed several Easter Eggs that hint at which comic book characters the showrunners drew inspiration from to create Rio Vidal. The first theory is that Rio Vidal is Morgan le Fay, a human/fairy hybrid. Her character has magical abilities after she’s mastered the Mystic Arts and eventually possesses the Dark Hold in the comics. The mystical villain also dons green outfits, which coincides with Vidal being a Green Witch, and can manipulate the elements like Plaza’s character.
Another speculation involves Vidal’s character being Mephisto’s daughter. In the comic books, Mephisto has a son named Blackheart, who possesses the power of dark energy and can shape-shift. In the first two episodes of the series, there are several references to a black heart: the first is when Rio tells Agatha she has a black heart, and the second is when Lilia Calderu uses a black heart to symbolize Vidal’s name. As the show continues, it’s possible it will keep referencing the black heart until Rio’s identity is confirmed. If the Mephisto theory is true, then Mephisto will finally make his MCU debut after years of teasing the villain’s presence in the cinematic universe.
Fans Can Expect More Tension Involving Plaza’s Character
This first season of Agatha All Along promises magic and all the good and the bad that comes with it. Fans can expect empowered witches at the height of their power as they navigate the tumultuous Witches’ Road. This dangerous yet enchanting journey will reveal the answers to the questions fans have about Vidal’s character and her purpose in Agatha’s story.
As the story continues to unfold this season, the tension between Agatha and Rio will explode, and the line between love and hate will blur, giving viewers an unforgettable team-up between Plaza and Hahn. Audiences will learn about their past and the events that led the two characters to be at odds with one another. Strap in for a bumpy ride, MCU fans. Agatha All Along is streaming on Disney+.
