IR TV Review: IRONHEART - EPISODES 1, 2 & 3 [Marvel/Disney+]

The progression of "Ironheart" is bathed in the basis that altruism can be a choice but not a decision. With the first three episode of "Ironheart", RiRi Williams (Dominique Thorne) has returned from Wakanda and the blip. The timeline and the perception is a little interesting but the first episode tries to set up why RiRi's initial path didn't work. Everybody has different journeys and this series (at least in the first three episodes) shows that from different perspectives. Obviously RiRi at the front end as Ironheart has some elements to unpack especially when it deals with a brain scan that unleashes a certain part of her past and personality that she would rather forget. That context actually makes the story angle itself move further as it goes. RiRi is recruited by a crew led by Parker (Anthony Ramos) who has his own trick up his sleeve (or in this case, cape). He is being controlled by a bigger force but one that is not revealed (or spoiled here). His rag tag group of criminals is interesting (especially with an addition of Eric Andre (who doesn't get enough screentime as he deserves).

An interesting addition in the second episode is Alden Ehrenreich as Joe. His inclusion starts off shoddy and he, as an actor, seems right now prone to taking on broken figures which is an interesting blend after Han Solo (though of course he still is getting those calls for the Disney ranks which is good). As the third episode rings, it is an interesting interaction between him and RiRi though it is a bit farther fetched (but acceptable). The criminal act per se in the second episode is well handled and actually the first time we see a whole lot of visual effects that are just building until then. It is an interesting experiment but not totally believable.

When it comes to the third episode and RiRi's approach, she is becoming involved deeper in a path she is not sure she wants to follow. It makes sense in terms of her altruistic approach but the bigger connotations on the other end of the story (which traces back to the very beginning of Phase 1) hopefully will be a key component. Ryan Coogler is an exec producer so in many ways this might lead back into Black Panther 3 which is in development and seems to have Denzel Washington attached already. "Ironheart" feels a lot like "Ms. Marvel" in trying to move forward a character those RiRi is more aware of her surroundings. It is just a matter of how she proves her worth and moves forward. B

By Tim Wassberg