Why Was Herb Cutting the Wall in WandaVision Episode 3?
Why Was Herb Cutting the Wall in WandaVision Episode 3?
In WandaVision's third episode, the mysterious actions of Herb Pascal take on a new layer of complexity. This scene, which appears to be a simple gardening task, actually signals a deeper exploration of the show's central themes of reality, illusion, and the underlying tensions within the idyllic suburban setting of Westview.
Break from Reality
Herb's actions during this scene are a subtle indication that things are not as they seem in Westview. Throughout the episode, his behavior hints at an underlying glitch in the reality Wanda has created. This subtle detail contributes to the show's overall theme of exploring the boundaries between reality and illusion. As viewers, we are encouraged to question the nature of the world we are witnessing, with the vague and subtle clues leading us to believe that there is more to the story than meets the eye.
Foreshadowing
The act of cutting the wall symbolizes the cracks in Wanda's constructed reality. This interaction with the physical environment suggests that there are forces at play that are aware of the artificial nature of their world. It serves as a potent reminder that the reality we are observing is not entirely under Wanda's control, and that there are elements beyond her influence.
Character Dynamics
Herb's interaction with Vision also highlights the tension and confusion among the residents of Westview. The characters seem to be aware of something wrong but are unable to articulate it. This creates a sense of unease and suspense, as the audience is encouraged to piece together the puzzle of what is truly happening in this orchestrated TV-style narrative. The characters' reactions and behaviors add depth to the narrative, making the viewers question the authenticity of their experiences.
Debrief: Misinterpretations and Theories
One major clue to the viewers is that the “wall” was actually just a paper prop. This suggests that WandaVision is indeed set in a fake TV show reality, and that even seemingly normal actions, like Herb trimming bushes, are part of the illusions she has created. In this artificial setting, anything could be a clue to the series' deeper meanings, and the act of cutting the wall is no exception.
Another theory is that Herb's actions might be part of a larger plot involving SWORD, a supposed undercover agent, possibly to inform Vision of the truth. However, due to the artificial nature of the reality, the presence of an “invasion” could cause glitches in the system, leading to anomalous actions like Herb's.
From a character perspective, it is also possible that Herb's behavior is a direct result of Wanda's recent pregnancy. As she becomes increasingly preoccupied with her growing family, she may have less energy to control every aspect of the environment, leading to slight inconsistencies. This theory aligns with the idea that anyone who does not fit into the illusion would cause a glitch, as seen in Wanda's own inability to fully control the reality around her.
Conclusion
Herb's actions in WandaVision's third episode serve as a clever and subtle reminder that the world we are witnessing is not entirely real. This moment, along with other details throughout the show, contributes to the growing sense of unease and the overarching theme of reality versus illusion. As the series progresses, we are left to decode these subtle hints and unravel the mysteries of Westview, making each episode more intriguing than the last.