Why Can’t Rio Vidal Kill Agatha? Witches’ Code Explained

The first two episodes of MCU’s recently-released Agatha All Along have successfully paved the way for the titular purple witch’s upcoming adventures. After breaking out of Wanda’s binding spell, Agatha (Kathryn Hahn) realizes that her powers have been relinquished. She also comes face to face with a fellow witch, Rio Vidal, who is revealed to be pursuing her. However, fans are now wondering why Rio can’t kill Agatha, despite the latter having lost her magical abilities.

Here are all the available details on the same, highlighting the witches’ code that restricts mystical beings from eliminating one another.

Why Aubrey Plaza’s Rio Vidal can’t kill Agatha Harkness?

Rio Vidal can’t kill Agatha because of the witches’ code first conveyed in 2021’s WandaVision.

It is established from the get-go that Aubrey Plaza’s Rio is here to exact revenge against Agatha. She even attempts to stab the latter with a dagger but soon reveals that she can’t actually kill her. This is due to the witches’ code which ultimately prevents Rio Vidal from ending Agatha Harkness’ life.

Moreover, Rio is hinted to be a former lover of Agatha. As such, her motivation to end the latter’s life could be driven by their past. However, it is much more likely that Rio could be after the purple witch for betraying her mother and her coven and resisting her impending trial.

With Rio being a green witch, and a supposed bearer of justice, it is understandable that she would abide by the witches’ code and refrain from killing Agatha. Nevertheless, such theories are mere speculations and Rio’s actual motive should be revealed in the coming episodes.

What is Agatha All Along’s Witches Code?

The witches’ code is essentially a set of rules that should be followed by all witches. The instructions, among other things, also include not using dark magic above one’s station.

This aspect was first introduced in WandaVision when Agatha is put on trial for practicing dark magic. While Agatha debates that it was a mistake, she is eventually sentenced to execution by her mother and her coven. Nevertheless, she escapes judgment by terminating the entire group of witches first.

The trial confirms the existence of the code, as Agatha is persecuted for leveraging forbidden dark magic. Besides, her act of killing witches and fleeing trial ultimately puts a target on her back. While it is confirmed that Rio Vidal is here to exact vengeance, it is currently uncertain if it’s because of Agatha’s actions against her fellow witches. Once again, fans will have to wait for further episodes to gain clarity on the topic.