5 Things That Worked In Marvel’s Ironheart (And 5 That Didn’t)

Contains spoilers for “Ironheart” Episodes 1-6

As a devoted fan, I’m thrilled to share the news about my favorite character, Riri Williams, also known as Ironheart, getting her own solo TV show titled “Ironheart.” This series serves as a continuation of Dominique Thorne’s portrayal of Riri in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” In this new chapter, we find Riri back in her hometown of Chicago, financially strapped but brimming with technological dreams.

To fulfill these ambitions, she finds herself treading a questionable path that leads to teaming up with Parker Robbins, aka The Hood, portrayed by Anthony Ramos. Together, they embark on a series of daring heists to secure the funds needed for Riri’s groundbreaking projects. This exciting journey promises action, adventure, and the continued growth of an inspiring character!

Over the course of six episodes, “Ironheart” grapples with finding harmony between personal emotions and high-octane superhero exploits. Regrettably, neither aspect shines as brightly as anticipated, and the slow tempo of this miniseries might test the endurance of even diehard Ironheart admirers. However, it’s important to note that “Ironheart” is not a complete miss. Across almost six hours of screen time, there are moments that breathe life into the series.

Analyzing five elements that were successful in “Ironheart,” along with five aspects that fell short, highlights the skills of both on-screen and off-screen talent that made a lasting impact. This examination also reveals areas where “Ironheart” could have excelled further, preventing it from reaching its full potential. The series leans more towards the quality of “Iron Man 2” rather than “Iron Man 3,” and examining the creative highs and lows helps pinpoint how “Ironheart” arrived at this level.

Worked: The use of practical suit effects

It’s puzzling how significant the armored suit seems in “Ironheart” to advance the main storyline, but when it does show up on screen, it appears incredibly sturdy. This can partly be attributed to the use of real-world effects for suits that are merely stationary.

In the abundance of Marvel TV shows heavily relying on computer graphics, such as “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law” and “Secret Invasion,” the tactile realism of Riri’s invention stands out remarkably. Her genius is more relatable because her armor appears as if you could actually grasp it. It would be challenging to appreciate her brilliance if her remarkable creation seemed like a blurry, hastily-constructed pixelated imitation of reality.

In the gaming world, I appreciate how the virtual armor’s sturdiness is conveyed effectively through these realistic details. It’s true that action-packed scenes, such as the armored suit’s appearances during the intricate greenhouse heist in Episode 3, are beautifully shrouded in the dim nighttime lighting, which skillfully conceals any digital imperfections. However, let’s not forget the countless CG stunt doubles in movies and shows that have shown us the challenge of seamlessly blending practical and digital effects. Mastering this balance for the central armored suit in “Ironheart” is one of the show’s strengths – a pity we don’t get to see it more often.

Didn’t work: The Hood’s tragic backstory

Day after day, it seems that new Marvel Cinematic Universe productions, post-2018, are attempting – and falling short – of replicating the captivating villainy portrayed by Michael B. Jordan’s character Killmonger in “Black Panther”. Despite the fact that Killmonger remains a powerful and moving creation, his influence has led to several mediocre MCU counterparts emerging, such as Gorr the God Butcher (Christian Bale) from “Thor: Love and Thunder”, Karli Morgenthau (Erin Kellyman) in “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier”, and President Ross (Harrison Ford) in “Captain America: Brave New World”.

The recent manifestation of this “tragic” villain archetype is Parker Robbins, also known as The Hood, in the series Ironheart. Initially depicted as a sorcerer seeking retribution against Chicago’s wealthy elite, Robbins’ past unfolds progressively across the first five episodes of Ironheart. Later on, Robbins confronts his rich father and forcefully expresses that after his mother’s passing, he was abandoned by him and eventually kicked out of their home.

The manner in which Robbins’ background story is presented (through monotonous exposition and uninspiring visuals) makes it challenging to empathize with his character. Additionally, the abrupt introduction of his crusade against the upper class in the final scene only adds to the confusion about who he truly is. Mainly, however, unexpectedly inserting a tragic backstory for Robbins doesn’t resonate because of the lack of moral complexity that has been shown so far. The fact that The Hood is portrayed as a straightforward villain, and trying to humanize him through daddy issues does not transform him into a likable character.

Worked: Anji White’s performance

As a seasoned actor with roots in Chicago’s vibrant theater scene, I’ve graced the small screen in hit shows like “The Chi” and “Fargo.” Yet, stepping into the role of Riri Williams’ mother, Ronnie, in “Ironheart” has been my most significant opportunity so far. Playing a relatable human character amidst magic-wielders and sentient technology is a challenge I embrace wholeheartedly, as it allows me to showcase my skills in a truly unique way.

Instead of portraying Ronnie as a typical mother character in a genre series, White skillfully depicts Ronnie as a curious and adventurous spirit, yet one who is equally concerned about protecting her daughter. The strength of “Ironheart” lies in White’s acting abilities, particularly when the AI recreation of Riri’s late friend Natalie (played by Lyric Ross) unexpectedly materializes before Ronnie. Despite Riri’s repeated requests for the program to remain concealed, Natalie manages to make herself known to the other inhabitant of the apartment.

At first, I was taken aback, but later on, I found myself comfortably chatting with the digital Natalie on my couch. It’s quite amusing how things turned out, as I’ve learned to embrace and appreciate the intelligent AI before me. Anji White brings Ronnie to life with convincing dialogue delivery and physical actions in this scene, creating a funny contrast to the unusual situation I find myself in. In “Ironheart,” Anji White skillfully portrays Ronnie as a tangibly human character, making her one of the most memorable figures on the show.

Didn’t work: The drab visuals

As a devoted Marvel fan, I can’t help but notice that “Ironheart” seems to be falling short of the mark, even when compared to the high-quality productions we’ve come to expect from Marvel Studios on Disney+ like “WandaVision” and “Loki.” Instead of the polished visuals and dynamic camera work seen in these shows, “Ironheart” appears to struggle with limp framing and lackluster angles.

Throughout the six episodes, directors Sam Bailey and Angela Barnes seem to rely on a limited range of visual styles, which leaves the show feeling static. Whether Riri is engaging in a tense heist or having a casual chat with A.I. Natalie, the visual scheme remains remarkably unchanged.

In simpler terms, the transition to Joe McGillicuddy/Ezekiel Stane’s (Alden Ehrenreich) fancier Chicago neighborhoods doesn’t create distinctive visual effects. Furthermore, during the occasional fight sequences, the editing and camera work are rather dull. These subpar visual aspects significantly diminish the show’s more extravagant aspects. Unfortunately, the Hood appears neither menacing nor stylish in his screen time. His appearance and filming make him seem like he accidentally strayed from a 2007 superhero fan film production.

The unique character and atmosphere of Chicago are strikingly absent in “Ironheart,” which weakens the series’ distinct visual style. Despite its main character being introduced in 2016, “Ironheart” relies heavily on decades of Marvel Comics stories, known for their vibrant illustrations and costumes. Regrettably, “Ironheart” as a TV show lacks any captivating or visually striking elements to catch the viewer’s eye. In comparison to shows like “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” and “Secret Invasion,” the visuals in “Ironheart” fall short.

Worked: Dara Taylor’s lively score

The score for “Ironheart” is created by a newcomer to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Instead of opting for an established MCU composer like Lorne Balfe, Henry Jackman, or Ramin Djawadi, Marvel Studios decided to give Dara Taylor the opportunity to create beautiful orchestral pieces for the series. Known for her work on comedies such as “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar” and “Strays,” Taylor showcases her versatility by crafting compositions that capture the coming-of-age and action elements in “Ironheart.

Although scenes showing armored character Riri Williams being pinned under a car may lack appealing visuals, Taylor’s music effectively highlights Riri’s unique character and tension. The fusion of electronic elements with conventional orchestral tones creatively portrays how Riri’s tech-oriented actions are clashing with everyday life in Chicago.

Ezekiel Stane, the character known as Ironheart, finds sonic dissonance particularly intriguing. His screen appearances elicit a unique blend of bubbly electronic sounds and lively piano melodies from Dara Taylor’s score. This musical mix mirrors the internal struggle of a suburbanite grappling with his father’s harmful mechanical inheritance. The tracks for the heist sequences are also engaging, effectively capturing the rebellious spirit of the misfits Riri is collaborating with. While Dara Taylor’s score may not reach the heights of iconic TV show scores like “Andor,” her impressive work often steals the show in Ironheart.

Didn’t work: Riri Williams and Xavier Washington’s relationship

One of the least engaging plotlines in “Ironheart” is the friendship between Riri Williams and Xavier Washington (Matthew Elam). While Xavier was intended to provide balance for Riri, as shown by their shared love for Star Trek and a resemblance to Kirk and Spock’s dynamic, this connection falls flat because Xavier seems more like a caricature than a fully developed character. Instead of being a well-rounded individual, he primarily serves as a device for Riri to explain the plot.

The character Xavier Washington remains underdeveloped and lacks a distinct personality in the series “Ironheart.” This lack of character depth makes their connection with Riri, another main character, seem incomplete. Furthermore, the scripts for the series don’t provide enough details about the nature of their relationship, leaving it unclear whether they are friends, romantic partners, or something else entirely. The dialogue between them often feels forced and lacking in warmth, making it difficult to understand the nature of their bond.

Thorne and Elam lack a strong connection, making it more challenging for the significant “Ironheart” plot point. Xavier is intended to reveal a lighter side in Riri, who usually keeps her defenses high. However, he instead embodies the show’s recurring issue of mediocre writing.

Worked: Any scenes with Heather and Madeleine

In Episode 4 of “Ironheart,” titled “Bad Magic,” Ronnie and Riri Williams, dealing with Riri’s escalating anxiety and suspicion, seek solace from their old friends Madeleine (voiced by Cree Summer) and Heather (Tanya Christensen). These friends operate a popular candy store in Chicago, but they also harbor unusual hobbies. It is later revealed that they are sorcerers who have delved into magic and the teachings of Kamar-Taj. Their knowledge in these areas turns out to be instrumental in helping Riri decipher the mystery surrounding the piece of The Hood’s mystical cloak she has acquired.

While Madeline and Heather guide Ronnie and Riri through the realm of magic, Summer and Christensen engage in friendly, seasoned conversation, touching upon topics such as Heather leaving Kamar-Taj and the sudden appearance of hazardous creatures within their enchanted workspace.

In the series “Ironheart”, important details are often hidden and withheld by both Riri and Parker Robbins, making it hard to follow. However, the interactions between Madeleine and Heather are straightforward and enjoyable in their own right. Unlike hinting at upcoming films, they engage in humorous conversations. It’s unfortunate that these two characters only interact in a single “Ironheart” episode, as they make an exceptional pair within the show.

Didn’t work: The Natalie Washington A.I. ramficiations

In an unexpected twist towards the end of “Ironheart’s” inaugural episode, the artificial intelligence within the show’s main armored suit emerges as NATALIE – a digital manifestation of Natalie Washington, Riri Williams’ late friend. Unlike JARVIS in other contexts, NATALIE is more than just an assistant for Riri Williams; she delves into the ethical dilemmas surrounding the revival of individuals through artificial intelligence technology, becoming particularly pertinent after Xavier Washington finds out about another AI that looks strikingly similar to his deceased sister.

It’s disappointing that the exploration of this theme in “Ironheart” doesn’t feel as deep as expected. The show often falls back on traditional dramatic tropes, such as NATALIE’s apparent death at the end of Episode 5 (“Karma’s a Glitch”). This undermines efforts to give her character a complex and chilling dimension. Instead of developing a multidimensional character that can be both emotionally engaging and unsettling, “Ironheart” frequently resorts to overused plot points and simplistic morality when it comes to NATALIE’s storyline.

In simpler terms, the subplot for Natalie’s character seems to have unexplored themes and adds an unsettling aspect that the series struggles to manage effectively, given its overall tone. It’s a confusing, awkward situation, especially considering the current perception of “AI,” and it clearly shows that the writers of “Ironheart” are aiming for more complex themes than they can handle.

Worked: Shea Coulee’s Slug and The Hood’s crew

One standout aspect of “Ironheart” Episode 1 is the enjoyable camaraderie displayed among Parker Robbins’ crew, which consists of master hacker Slug (Shea Couleé), siblings Jeri (Zoe Terakes) and Roz Blood (Shakira Barrera), and the vocal Clown (Sonia Denis). Despite the ambiguity surrounding many relationships in “Ironheart,” this group’s warmth is entertaining. Additionally, Shea Couleé imbues Slug with a captivating, self-assured persona.

In their own right, those characteristics are quite entertaining and distinct within the broader realm of pop culture hackers. The way Couleé delivers the line “good boy” to Ezekiel Stane, following his bite on a wooden ladle before a critical surgery in “Ironheart,” carries an electrifying, playful vibe that seems notably missing from the rest of the series.

In simpler terms, Riri’s companions who were part of the outcast group had vibrant personalities and a strong bond that made their absence in the finale noticeable. Characters like Slug offer a unique working-class and everyday viewpoint in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), which contrasts sharply with places like Kamar-Taj and Wakanda. However, whenever they appear on screen, these rough-around-the-edges characters are amusing. If any of them were to reappear in another MCU storyline, it should definitely be Slug. Their entertaining presence could add a spark to even the dullest “Thor” or “Ant-Man” sequels.

Didn’t work: Focusing the final episode on that guest star

Instead of introducing the main antagonist, Mephisto (played by Sacha Baron Cohen), early on in “Ironheart,” the show follows a similar pattern as other Disney+ series like “Hawkeye” and “The Book of Boba Fett.” The villain is kept hidden until the final episode. In this narrative, the finale spends a significant amount of time depicting how Mephisto manages to enlist Parker Robbins to carry out his evil plans. Later on, Mephisto reappears to ensnare Riri Williams in his malevolent grasp.

Introducing a renowned figure, particularly one famous for eccentric characters like Borat and Bruno, into the Ironheart universe could potentially disrupt the storyline’s flow. Instead of building on the existing tension from the first five episodes, it seems the narrative might shift to focus more on Sacha Baron Cohen, making Ironheart feel more like a platform for his performance rather than vice versa.

As a fan, it feels like introducing Mephisto into the storyline of “Ironheart” has shifted the focus from resolving established narratives and character arcs to creating a new Marvel Comics adversary. With so much already going on, I find myself questioning if adding the Marvel version of the Devil is necessary.

Moreover, Cohen’s portrayal of Mephisto seems off-mark, especially when he slips into his natural British accent. It’s challenging to see him as an intimidating presence or a trustworthy Satanic figure that one would risk their own destruction for. To put it mildly, imagining Borat feasting on Chicago-style pizza while driving the narrative seems ill-advised, and unfortunately, this is how it feels in execution.

2025-07-02 08:31