Vision Returns: AI's Awkward Time in the Spotlight

The new MCU series 'VisionQuest,' starring Paul Bettany as the synthezoid Vision, has debuted, opting for a fantasy-tinged approach over the science-fiction elements of previous appearances. The pilot episode, 'No Strings,' sees Vision grappling with his identity and a desire to understand humanity, downloading AIs like JARVIS and EDITH into his mind-palace, which he has modeled after a British country manor.

Within this mental construct, Vision keeps a downloaded copy of Ultron, who, despite his imprisonment, manipulates Vision into believing he is still free. Ultron's actions lead to Vision's discovery and the death of a bar owner, Fiona, who knew Vision's previous human guise. This event also reveals that a contract was already out on Vision.

Meanwhile, the mercenary Paladin, hired by a client using S.W.O.R.D. encryption, is tasked with capturing Vision intact. Paladin's investigation leads him to footage of Billy and Tommy, Vision's former superpowered sons. The episode concludes with Paladin abducting Thomas, an individual seemingly connected to Vision's past, and sending a message to Vision: 'I have your son.'