On November 2nd, the historic Lucas Theatre in Savannah buzzed with excitement as it hosted a highly anticipated screening of the season finale of “Agatha All Along,” marking the culmination of the SCAD Savannah Film Festival. Typically, District would provide a thorough review of the featured media; however, my disdain for spoiler alerts compels me to approach this differently. Instead of focusing on the finale, I’ll delve into an insightful interview with leading actress Kathryn Hahn and the show’s visionary creator, Jac Schaeffer. Additionally, I’ll present a review of the show’s first episode, ensuring that readers can immerse themselves without worrying about any plot details being spoiled.
From the very first moments of their interview, it was evident that Hahn and Schaeffer share not just a professional bond, but a deep friendship marked by mutual admiration. When reflecting on their initial encounters, Schaeffer playfully recounted her first impression of Hahn, vividly recalling, “I just remember [her] being so close to me with [her] little eyeballs, and she gives hugs kind of pelvic-forward, so I was just like, ‘Oh my god, this woman!’ I’m like inside of this woman already… There’s an intimacy to Kathryn Hahn that is like a revelation.”
Amidst the laughter, Hahn, whose voice carried a delightful rasp—she humorously attributed it to her enthusiastic shouts at trick-or-treaters in her neighborhood—offered insights into her experience within Schaeffer’s beautifully woven vision for the production. Describing her process of portraying Agatha, she shared, “At times while playing Agatha, I felt like I was looking through Jac’s eyeballs. I was so attuned to the language she crafted, understanding her tonal intentions to the core. Taking on the intricate nuances in each scene felt effortless, as Jac had meticulously laid out ‘The Road’ for us, guiding our performances with remarkable clarity.”
The premiere episode of “Agatha All Along” perfectly encapsulates Hahn’s sentiments regarding those nuanced turns. The pilot begins with a gripping murder-mystery narrative, weaving through the grim discovery of a mysterious woman found dead in the woods. The potential for confusion about the show’s genre is seamlessly eclipsed by the magnetic presence of Kathryn Hahn, who, even in the role of a small-town detective, is an irresistible force. Interestingly, she conveyed during the interview how much enjoyment she derived from the intriguing diversion of this subplot, relishing the fun that came with presenting the mystery so earnestly.
Transitioning from its sinister beginnings to its stunning witchcraft revelations, the first episode of “Agatha All Along” brilliantly encapsulates Schaeffer’s creative vision. Listening to Schaeffer speak about storytelling reveals her passion for the craft; she views Marvel as a company that seeks out individuals who inherently understand the significance of each moment in a narrative. During her tenure on Wandavision, she candidly expressed her uncertainty about viewer reception, reminiscing about how they were perceived: “‘Falcon and the Winter Soldier’ was supposed to come out first, we were the weird kids in the corner.”
However, the audience’s response was overwhelmingly positive, paving the way for the birth of “Agatha.” This progression led to the creation of a show that blends dark humor, witchcraft, and dynamic storytelling, all anchored by Hahn’s brilliant performance. Schaeffer expressed her gratitude, stating, “The whole show comes from Kathryn. It wouldn’t exist without her. When people inquired about the show’s tone, our answer was simply ‘Kathryn Hahn.’”
Abby Chadwick is District’s Chief Social Media Strategist and an interior design major at SCAD. She has been involved with District since her freshman year, and this year marks her third term as an editor. Beyond her contributions to District, Abby can frequently be found traversing SCAD’s campus, making her way to and from Clark Hall, while also indulging in the vibrant Savannah coffee scene. (For those curious, an espresso tonic is her drink of choice!)
**Interview with Kathryn Hahn and Jac Schaeffer: The Magic Behind “Agatha All Along”**
**[Interviewer]:** Thank you both for joining me today! The energy here at the Lucas Theatre is electric as we approach the finale screening. Kathryn, can you tell us about your experience working with Jac and how that dynamic shaped your portrayal of Agatha?
**[Kathryn Hahn]:** Absolutely! Working with Jac has been a dream. From the outset, I felt this incredible connection. It’s like, while playing Agatha, I was seeing through Jac’s eyes. She has this incredible ability to craft a narrative that’s both rich and nuanced. It was like being on a well-trodden path where every twist and turn was mapped out beautifully.
**[Jac Schaeffer]:** (laughs) And Kathryn is just so open and warm! My first impression of her was this intimate connection—like she was already diving deep into the character from our very first meeting. It’s that intimacy that she brings to Agatha that really resonates with the audience.
**[Interviewer]:** That’s so lovely to hear! Kathryn, your characterization brings a unique blend of humor and depth to Agatha. How did you approach the balance between those elements, especially in a show that mixes genres?
**[Kathryn Hahn]:** It definitely required a delicate touch. My goal was to embody Agatha as a real person with real emotions, even amidst the comedic elements. The pilot starts with this gripping murder mystery, but it quickly transitions into something that allows for humor and levity. I wanted to ensure that whenever the humor arose, it felt organic and true to Agatha’s journey.
**[Interviewer]:** And Jac, as the creator, how did you guide the narrative to maintain that balance across the episodes?
**[Jac Schaeffer]:** It’s all about knowing your characters and the world they inhabit. I wrote the script with those tonal shifts in mind, ensuring that every scene could shift from lighthearted to serious in a heartbeat. Kathryn’s performance allowed me to feel confident in those transitions because she brings so much heart to Agatha.
**[Interviewer]:** It sounds like a fantastic collaboration! As we prepare for the season finale, what do you hope viewers take away from the show, both in terms of themes and character development?
**[Kathryn Hahn]:** I hope they see the complexity of Agatha. She’s not just a villain or a comic relief; she’s a layered character with a rich backstory. I want the audience to feel empathy for her.
**[Jac Schaeffer]:** For me, it’s about the celebration of the unexpected. In our lives, we encounter surprises and twists—much like the series. I want viewers to embrace the magic of storytelling and how it can mirror reality in the most fantastical ways.
**[Interviewer]:** Thank you both for your time! I’m sure the audience is ready to dive into the finale, but it’s been a pleasure discussing the creative journey behind “Agatha All Along.”
**[Kathryn Hahn & Jac Schaeffer]:** Thank you! We can’t wait for everyone to see it!
