IR TV Review: IRONHEART - EPISODES 4, 5 & 6 [Marvel/Disney+]
The back half of "Ironheart" examines the notion of what reality means and ultimately what is taken or given. While after Episode 3, the question becomes one of RiRi's complacence or her descent to the dark side (or the illusion of it). What however is more dynamic is what happens with Joe (Alden Ehrenreich) because of what his lineage is. That explains Ehrenreich's interest in the part but the one thing about his portrayal is that it is not quite what one thinks. The best part of the show though is the character of Mephisto and the actor that plays him. It is perfect placement and use and almost seems wasted a certain way though one could see it interlaying into "Avengers: Doomsday" though it is a little off to the side. That said, as the episodes move on, it really gives a sense that strings are being pulled in a very specific way. The underlying structure of family does persist though and of course whether it be Spiderman, Ms. Marvel or Black Panther, Marvel does use this thematic consistently. Here it is used in a specific way with an AI or even with the lack of use of AI.
There is a throttle point that makes it work even when one of RiRi's closest friends (and the brother of the personality the AI is based) doesn't understand. What makes it work ultimately is a flashback of sorts because it brings home what RiRi is fighting for. The issue is her ambition and her feeling of persecution which brings the conflict at hand to a very specific head. She is impulsive and doesn't want to be told what to do...and this does drive her decisions. The rings true ultimately for Parker/The Hood (Anthony Ramos). At first he seemed one note earlier in the series but as the show progresses in the final episode the tragedy (or the perception of the character) is changed. Though the catalyst is a little off center, it does make sense and Ramos allows his character to be flawed which helps the emulation and parallels RiRi in a undeniable way. The series does end in a specific way which does propel it forward depending on the response or integration into a larger story (though it is not known if Marvel is doing this as much). That said, "Ironheart" does interconnect and its logic and reality to its characters is sound. In this world, especially since it deals with criminals, no one is perfect but everyone has a motivation. B+
By Tim Wassberg
