WandaVision episode 5 might have already teased that Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris) has powers in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Marvel Studios' first Disney+ show focuses on Wanda Maximoff aka Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) and Vision (Paul Bettany) somehow living a sitcom-styled domestic life together. The two supporting Avengers are at the heart of WandaVision, but the MCU's connectivity means other familiar characters are included too.
The series has given Darcy Lewis (Kat Dennings) and Jimmy Woo (Randall Park) bigger roles than they've received in the past, but WandaVision is also where fans got to see Monica Rambeau as an adult. The character debuted in Captain Marvel, but the film's 1995 setting meant she was just a kid. Monica's return in WandaVision has already provided some major updates to her life. It was recently revealed that Monica was a snap victim and that her mother, Maria Rambeau, died from cancer during the five years she was missing. Monica also has been revealed to be a key member of SWORD — an organization Maria founded — who has already gone to space. But, her time in WandaVision began as "Geraldine" in Westview before Wanda threw her out.
Monica's story is still unfolding, but Marvel fans have long been excited to see her in the MCU and become a superhero. She's gone by many names in the comics - including Captain Marvel before Carol Danvers - and Photon appears to be the leading candidate for her MCU superhero name. However, Monica can't become a superhero until she has superpowers. She was too young in Captain Marvel to have them. There were also no signs in WandaVision episode 4 that Monica had powers before getting sucked into Westview. Now that she is out of the reality-warping bubble, though, WandaVision episode 5 seemingly teases Monica has powers now.
Monica's story in Marvel Comics began as a lieutenant in the New Orleans Harbor Patrol. Her origin story saw her take on a case where she had to try and prevent the creation of a new superweapon by an old family friend, Professor LeClare. The scientist is in the process of building a machine that harnesses inter-dimensional energy. Although LeClare requests Monica's help in finishing the invention, she decides to destroy it before LeClare or anyone can use it for evil. Monica's actions result in her being heavily exposed to the extra-dimensional energy the machine contained. It is through this exposure that Monica gained a variety of superpowers.
The main power Monica has is the ability to transform her physical body into any form of energy on the electromagnetic spectrum. She does this by moving the physical components of her body to the dimension she draws power from and replaces it with the desired energy form. Monica can stay in these forms for as long as necessary but can only use a single energy form's properties at any given time. Through the energy manipulation Monica possesses, she's able to do many incredible things in the comics. She can manipulate light to change her appearance and look like someone else, become invisible, phase through solid objects, and duplicate energies. Monica is also capable of flying and blasting energy from her hands. She even eventually developed a cosmic awareness.
Monica's superhero origin might have finally started in WandaVision episode 5. The episode picks up with Monica's story after being removed from Westview and proclaimed that everything is happening because of Wanda. Although she physically is fine upon landing in the real world, SWORD still does some exams of her just to be safe. This includes a technician taking x-rays of her, but there is a problem with the results. Instead of the machine picking up Monica, the entire image is white. It looks like an energy flash that blinds the camera. As detailed earlier, energy manipulation is Monica's key power. While she might not consciously be controlling energy yet, this could an early sign of her powers manifesting.
There is also the chance that other elements of Monica's superpowers have been used. When Wanda throws Monica out of Westview, she sends the future superhero through two house walls, a fence, and the energy barrier around Westview. Monica flies through the air at high speeds for 5 miles before landing and rolling on the ground in the real world. The fact that Monica is completely fine from a physical standpoint is somewhat miraculous. Monica believes that Wanda protected her from harm, but maybe not in the way she thinks. Instead of Wanda knowingly trying to keep Monica safe as she leaves Westview, it's possible Wanda gave her energy manipulation and the usual superhero gifts of enhanced durability during her stay.
WandaVision has established that Wanda and the Hex permanently change objects as soon as they enter, as long as they don't match the specific sitcom era Westview is replicating at that time. A SWORD agent was changed to look like a beekeeper, the rope connected to him became a jump rope, and Monica's clothes changed their appearance but incorporated the strength of the Kevlar vest she was wearing upon entry. However, WandaVision now suggests that more than Monica's clothing changed during Westview. Whether it was upon entry, her exit, or a combination of both, Scarlet Witch could be responsible for giving Monica powers.
The explanation for Monica's new potential abilities could be tied to Wanda's own reality changing powers and the power of Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation (CMBR). Doctor Darcy Lewis (Kat Dennings) detects a high level of CMBR coming from Westview, and WandaVision reaffirms that the radiation dates back to the Big Bang. This could be an important distinction since the Infinity Stones were created at that time and are the source of Wanda and Vision's powers. With the Infinity Stones reduced to atoms by Thanos in Avengers: Endgame, Wanda could be drawing from their power and the CMBR to create Westview. In doing so, it's possible Monica was exposed to high levels of radiation. So far, she's the only one confirmed to pass through the barrier twice other than Wanda. And since Monica wants to go through the energy field again, the re-entry could be when her powers become evident to her and others.
If Monica does develop her full powers in the remaining episodes of WandaVision, it will be fascinating to see how that changes her role in the series. It is feasible that Monica's energy manipulating powers would enable her to cross the energy field and possibly be in control this time. Her enhanced abilities could also mean she has to encounter Scarlet Witch again and play a role in stopping her. In any case, Monica Rambeau is already confirmed to return in Captain Marvel 2, so WandaVision being her superhero origin story would allow the sequel to hit the ground running with her, Captain Marvel (Brie Larson), and Ms. Marvel (Iman Vellani) all having established powers and origins.
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February 07, 2021 at 05:30AM
