WandaVision’s inventive approach to blending different storytelling genres made it one of the most compelling pieces of television Marvel has ever produced. The show became appointment viewing week after week as it fleshed out its central mystery in a way that was fun to follow along with. And for a while, it felt like WandaVision’s story was part of an ambitious plan to push Marvel’s films in an interesting new direction.
Technology
Agatha All Along is a whimsical road trip through Marvel’s world of witchcraft
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25624467/MPY_101_03438_R2C.jpg?ssl=1 "Agatha All Along is a whimsical road trip through Marvel’s world of witchcraft")
Marvel seemingly lost the thread of that plan somewhere between WandaVision and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness — a follow-up film that glossed over the show’s juicy emotional beats in favor of dizzying spectacle and more explicitly horror vibes. But Agatha All Along, Disney Plus’ newest MCU series from showrunner Jac Schaeffer, feels like a sign that the studio has learned a few valuable lessons from its messy multiversal experiment.
Set a few years after the events of WandaVision and Multiverse of Madness, Agatha All Along picks up the story of its titular sorceress (Kathryn Hahn) at a time when everything about her world appears to be coming undone yet again — albeit under slightly different circumstances. Though almost everyone remembers what went down the last time witches showed up in Westview, New Jersey, the town’s actually a pretty peaceful place where people have learned to move on with their lives.
While folks like Sharon Davis (Debra Jo Rupp) have gotten used to scurrying past the vacant lot where the Maximoff / Vision family used to live, their collective trauma keeps them from saying her name out of fear that she might come back. But it also makes it easy for them to accept Agnes / Agatha Harkness (Hahn) as an ordinary, if eccentric, woman who’s trying to handle something they’ve all gone through. To them, Agatha’s mood swings and insistence on being called “Agnes” are just quirky coping mechanisms. But in truth, those are some of the first signs of Agatha becoming aware of the magical prison she became trapped in when last we saw her.
Agatha All Along seems like it’s angling for a slow burn at first as it drops you into a WandaVision-esque send-up of crime dramas (rather than sitcoms) like Mare of Easttown and True Detective. But the show quickly switches gears in a way that reads like Marvel understanding the show’s need to move past its predecessors’ inspired gimmick. It isn’t long before Agatha snaps back to her senses with the help of former lover Rio Vidal (Aubrey Plaza) and a magically adept teen she calls Teen (Joe Locke). With all of Agatha’s powers now gone, however, she has to form a coven and journey on the Witches’ Road in order to restore herself to her former glory.
Whereas WandaVision only really became properly witchy in its last few episodes, Agatha All Along dives right into the magic as it focuses on painting a more detailed picture of who Harkness is and how witchcraft (which is distinct from Doctor Strange’s whole deal) works. WandaVision alluded to Agatha’s treacherous past, but the new show explores how her centuries-long path to acquiring power made her a reviled villain in the witch community long before she ever set foot in Westview.
Sitcom Agnes / Agatha was a highlight in WandaVision, where her unhinged energy helped sell the show’s conceit and leave viewers guessing as to who was really pulling everyone’s strings. But Agatha All Along gives Hahn even more room to flex and vamp as Agatha’s hunt for a coven leads her to other witches like wellness guru Jennifer Kale (Sasheer Zamata), fortune teller Lilia Calderu (Patti LuPone), and security guard Alice Wu-Gulliver (Ali Ahn) — all of whom see her as a threat. They know Agatha’s killed members of her own coven before and that there’s something off about the way that Teen is unable to tell them anything about where he comes from. But the Witches’ Road can give each of them something they desperately want if they join Agatha on her quest.
Though it’s interesting to see more of Marvel’s more “grounded” magical world fleshed out through Agatha All Along’s new characters, the show has a pronounced “I’m putting together a rag-tag team” vibe that makes its beats feel formulaic in moments. Teen — a gothy Agatha fanboy Locke plays with charm and with a noticeably difficult-to-place accent — is meant to be one of the show’s compelling mysteries. But he’s also an audience surrogate whose inquisitive exchanges with the other witches sometimes come across like the show taking a moment to overexplain plot points that don’t really need spelling out.
Every bit of worldbuilding lore the show establishes — within a three-mile radius, there are always enough “witchy enough” people to form a coven, for instance — is followed up with a reiteration of why everyone’s following Agatha. Occasionally, it makes the show feel uncertain of whether it’s introducing too much lore. But when Agatha All Along leans into its weirdness and trusts you to piece things together, the series becomes much more of a spooky joyride that feels reflective of Schaeffer once again trying to bring a genuinely unique energy to the MCU.
You can feel and see this clearly once the gang is actually on the Witches’ Road — an otherworldly realm where they face a series of trials meant to test their knowledge of magic. Similar to the way WandaVision embodied the styles of various sitcoms, Agatha All Along feels like an ode (music features largely) to horror classics like Rosemary’s Baby and newer fare like American Horror Story: Coven.
Though some of the trials skew a bit cheesy — at one point, the witches fight a generational curse — they each highlight just how much of Agatha All Along’s magic is practically produced to compliment the show’s intricate sets. It makes the show stand out compared to Marvel’s usual CGI-laden projects and feel like a solid example of the studio prioritizing art over whizbang spectacle.
Agatha All Along is still a late-stage Marvel show, meaning that there are moments where your appreciation of what it’s doing will hinge on how familiar you are with the larger cinematic universe’s most recent events. But for viewers who’ve been following along and holding out hope for the studio to get back into putting out genuinely weird and playful riffs on the comics rather than hyping up the next big event, Agatha All Along should be a delight to watch — especially once it starts revealing its big secrets later this fall.
Agatha All Along also stars Paul Adelstein, Miles Gutierrez-Riley, Okwui Okpokwasili, Emma Caulfield, David Payton, Kate Forbes, and Asif Ali. The series’ first two episodes hit Disney Plus on September 18th.
Continue Reading
OpenAI announced yet another reorganization Friday, consolidating certain areas and making company president Greg Brockman the official lead of all things product.
In a memo viewed by The Verge, Brockman wrote that since OpenAI’s product strategy for this year is to go all-in on AI agents, the company is combining its products to “invest in a single agentic platform and to merge ChatGPT and Codex into one unified agentic experience for all.”
To do this, the company is making a suite of org chart changes, although it’s still operating under some of the same ones from last month. That’s when AGI boss Fidji Simo went on medical leave and OpenAI announced that Brockman would be in charge of product strategy and CSO Jason Kwon, CFO Sarah Friar, and CRO Denise Dresser would take control of business operations.
It’s all part of OpenAI’s recent strategic shift to focus on key revenue drivers like coding and enterprise and stop pouring resources into “side quests” ahead of its potential IPO later this year and amid investor pressure to turn a profit.
In Simo’s continued absence, Brockman’s role leading product strategy is now official, as well as the company’s “scaling” arm. Under Brockman will be four different pillars. The first is core product and platform, led by Thibault Sottiaux, who has been OpenAI’s engineering lead for Codex, and the second is critical enterprise industries, led by ChatGPT head Nick Turley. Third is the consumer pillar, such as health, commerce, and personal finance, which will be led by Ashley Alexander, who has been its healthcare products VP. The fourth pillar — core infrastructure, ads, data science, and growth — will be led by Vijaye Raji, who has been OpenAI’s CTO of applications.
Brockman wrote in the memo that OpenAI’s goal is now to “bring agents to ChatGPT scale, in order to give individuals and organizations significantly more value and utility from our products.”
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
You’re going about your day when your phone buzzes. A text hits your phone. It looks official. It sounds urgent. And suddenly, you are being told you owe money for a traffic violation. That is exactly what Todd from Texas experienced. He emailed us and said:
“I received this text message today. It was so baffling because I haven’t lived in California for nearly a decade. I didn’t click on anything or respond. How can I tell if this is for real or if this is a scam?”
If you’ve gotten a message like this, you are not alone. This type of scam is spreading fast, and it is designed to pressure you into acting before you think. Let’s break down what is really going on.
Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
- Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox.
- For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com – trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily.
- Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.
FAKE AGENT PHONE SCAMS ARE SPREADING FAST ACROSS THE US
This message may look official, but several red flags show it is likely a scam designed to pressure you into paying quickly. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
What the traffic ticket scam text looks like
At first, the message seems convincing. It claims to be a “final reminder” from the California DMV, and it warns of penalties like license suspension and added fees. It even includes a link that appears somewhat official. However, once you slow down and take a closer look, the red flags quickly start to pile up.
The biggest red flags in this message
Here are the key warning signs to watch for in messages like this.
9 WAYS SCAMMERS CAN USE YOUR PHONE NUMBER TO TRY TO TRICK YOU
1) The phone number makes no sense
The message comes from a number with a +63 country code. That is the Philippines, not California. Government agencies in the U.S. do not send official legal notices from international numbers. That alone is a major warning sign.
2) No name, just “Dear Driver”
Legitimate notices from a DMV or court almost always include your full name or at least some identifying information. “Dear Driver” is vague on purpose. It allows scammers to send the same message to thousands of people.
3) The link isn’t a real DMV website
The message includes this link:
ca.mnvtl.life/dmv
That isn’t a government domain. Official DMV websites in California use “.ca.gov” or similar trusted domains. Scammers often create lookalike links to trick you into clicking.
4) Urgency and threats
The message pushes you to act quickly with a deadline. It lists consequences like license suspension and extra charges. Scammers rely on fear. When you feel rushed, you are more likely to click without thinking.
FBI WARNS OF DANGEROUS NEW ‘SMISHING’ SCAM TARGETING YOUR PHONE
5) Asking you to reply to proceed
The text says to reply with “Y” to get instructions. That is another trap. Responding confirms your number is active, which can lead to more scam messages.
6) Generic language and odd phrasing
Parts of the message feel slightly off. The tone is formal but not quite right. That subtle awkwardness is common in scam messages sent to large groups of people.
7) Overloaded threats designed to scare you
The message piles on consequences like license suspension, added fees, court action and even credit damage. In this case, it even mentions a license suspension and a $160 late payment charge. That combination is meant to overwhelm you and push you to act fast. Real agencies usually provide clear, specific notices, not a long list of escalating threats in a single text.
INSIDE A SCAMMER’S DAY AND HOW THEY TARGET YOU
Scam texts like this often arrive out of nowhere and try to create urgency before you have time to question them. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
What this means for you
Even if you have never driven in California, you could still receive this message. Scammers cast a wide net and hope someone takes the bait. If you click the link, you could be taken to a fake payment page. That page may ask for your credit card details, personal information or login credentials. In some cases, it can also install malware on your device or redirect you to credential-stealing pages. This isn’t about a ticket. It is about getting your data. State DMVs typically do not send final legal notices or payment demands by text message.
Why these scams keep working
These messages work because they tap into something most people fear. Legal trouble, fines and losing driving privileges. They also look just real enough to pass a quick glance. That is all scammers need. As more services move online, these scams will continue to evolve.
Unlike typical DMV scams, this message impersonates a court and escalates the threats to make the situation feel more serious (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Ways to stay safe from traffic ticket text scams
Start with a simple rule. Never trust a payment request that shows up out of nowhere. Here are practical steps you can take:
1) Do not click the link
If you are unsure, do not tap anything in the message. That includes links and reply options.
2) Use strong antivirus software
If you accidentally click a link, strong antivirus software can help detect malware and protect your data. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com
3) Verify directly with the DMV
Go to your state’s official DMV website by typing it yourself into your browser. Do not use the link in the text.
4) Check the sender carefully
Look at the phone number. International numbers or random strings are a clear warning sign.
5) Ignore generic greetings
Real notices will usually include your name or case details. Vague language is a red flag.
6) Consider a data removal service
Scammers often get your number from data broker sites. Removing your personal info from those databases with a data removal service can reduce these messages. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com
7) Block and report the number
On your phone, block the sender and report it as spam. This helps reduce future attempts.
8) Turn on spam filtering
Enable spam filtering on your phone or through your carrier to catch more of these messages before they reach you.
Kurt’s key takeaways
Todd did the right thing. He paused, questioned the message and did not click. That one decision likely saved him from handing over personal information. When it comes to messages like this, skepticism is your best defense. If something feels off, trust that instinct.
Should phone carriers and tech companies be doing more to block scams like this before you ever see them? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
- Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox.
- For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com – trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily.
- Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.
Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Honda revealed prototypes of two new hybrid models, an Accord sedan and the Acura RDX SUV, during its annual business briefing this week, built on a platform that it says will begin launching next year. The RDX was announced earlier this year as Honda’s first SUV to feature the next-gen version of its two-motor hybrid system.
In March, Honda announced it would take a writedown of up to 2.5 trillion yen ($15.7 billion) on its EV investments. Now Honda says its EV-related losses will be “resolved” by 2029, and that it will reevaluate its EV plans in 2030.
-
Delaware55 seconds agoHistoric School House Opens at Bellevue State Park – State of Delaware News
-
Florida7 minutes agoJudge to rule on Florida congressional map dispute
-
Georgia13 minutes agoKemp extends Georgia’s gasoline tax suspension by 2 weeks
-
Hawaii19 minutes agoMan accused of stabbing teen in Kalihi charged, held on $100K bail
-
Idaho25 minutes ago“Mamas know best”: Idaho Fish and Game Warns against interfering with spring baby animals – LocalNews8.com
-
Illinois31 minutes agoIllinois, Brad Underwood agree to new contract terms
-
Indiana37 minutes agoIndiana gambling case, Bears schedule and McDonald’s Park | Week in Review
-
Iowa43 minutes agoTwo separate traffic stops leads to four arrests in Iowa County