This new high-octane action show, streaming now, is a loveable watch but for all the wrong reasons

Marvel’s TV series continue to be a significant pillar of the brand, demonstrating that triumphs such as “WandaVision,” “Agatha All Along,” and “Ms. Marvel” prove that victory can be achieved by embracing the unique qualities of each spin-off.

Experiencing the thrilling new show Ironheart, I can’t help but be captivated all over again! I was initially introduced to Dominique Thorne’s character, Riri Williams, in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Her brilliant mind left an indelible mark on not just Shuri (Letitia Wright), but also on me and countless other fans. The spirited nature that drew us to her is beautifully brought to life over the six-episode run of this exhilarating series, giving us a deeper look into her world.

Through her ambition to leave an impact on the world, Riri encounters questionable individuals who subtly influence the less virtuous aspects of her character. Yet, these encounters also reveal the tender and compassionate facets of her life. As such, Riri emerges as a richly layered and complex character.

The bond between her and her best friend Lyric Ross (from This Is Us) significantly enhances the viewing experience. Ross has an innate ability to captivate scenes; she skillfully portrays a mix of subtle sadness and lively character, adding authenticity and realism. Moreover, the chemistry between Ross and Thorne is electrifying, making one wish to be included in their close-knit group.

The exploration of grief experienced by Ironheart, particularly the way loss affects her, is quite intriguing. Riri’s sorrow adds an authentic, raw emotion to her interactions with her mother Ronnie Williams, portrayed by Anji White. There’s a palpable tension in their maternal-daughter bond that resonates deeply due to its relatability.

As a devoted fan, what I find most intriguing yet challenging about this series is my character Riri’s evolving path. Without giving away any crucial plot points, as she grows closer to Parker Robbins’ enigmatic gang, nicknamed ‘The Hood,’ her actions become increasingly murky.

The series presents moral complexity quite prominently, and this isn’t necessarily an issue. However, it’s the way this complexity is portrayed that might create complications. If mishandled, it could potentially strain the audience’s connection with the character, even making her seem somewhat unappealing.

Marvel seems to make an effort, albeit somewhat lackluster, to tackle this issue in the later part of the season, but it comes across as awkward and insincere.

Absolutely, we’re not implying that her personality is straightforward. On the contrary, it adds depth when she’s not perfectly clear about everything.

The problem is that Ironheart consistently portrays a narrow aspect of self-interest, which permeates throughout with a constant undercurrent. This restricts Riri from demonstrating her capacity to embody qualities contrary to selfishness. Regardless of whether it’s in significant or minor scenarios, she appears self-absorbed, and this may lead to viewers losing their motivation to support her.

Contrastingly, the motley crew of villains provides quite an engaging spectacle. Anthony Ramos adopts a captivating strategy in his portrayal, making it generally effective despite the somewhat overdone ‘masked antagonist’ appearance. The peculiarity of Clown is electrifying and unforeseeable, while Shea Couleé’s Slug exudes an enchanting, quick-witted aura, adding to the evil she embodies.

The action scenes also cannot be ignored. They are powerful, punchy and well-paced throughout.

The aesthetic and atmosphere of the series undeniably meet the high standards set by executive producer Ryan Coogler (of Sinners) – from the carefully chosen soundtrack that accentuates each scene, to the impeccable hair and makeup that grace every character.

We always find it refreshing to witness Black hair styled beyond an afro. Yet, what truly delights us is when the intricacies are showcased, allowing us a glimpse of the hair’s natural behavior – considering, after all, that by the end of a day spent constructing iron suits, those meticulously slicked edges from the morning wouldn’t remain sleek.

All in all, despite some flaws, there is more to love about Ironheart than not.

All episodes of Ironheart are available to stream now on Disney+.

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2025-06-25 17:49