I can’t understand why Ironheart didn’t come out directly after Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, but after her brief appearance in that movie, Riri Williams is back for her own 6-episode show on Disney+.
We’re reintroduced to Riri as she’s getting kicked out of MIT – something about groundbreaking science requiring rules to be broken. Riri can leave with her suit, it’s her creation, but really, who is going to stop her? Back in Chicago, she’ll need to rebuild her suit from scraps and find a way to fund the whole thing. Enter a ragtag band of petty criminals, but they’re kind of Robin Hood types, so what can possibly go wrong?
The Heart Of The Matter
Speaking of “Hood Types”, the leader of this little band goes by “Red Hood” on account of the magic crimson cape he wears.
What follows is a series of events fuelled by Riri’s ambition that lead her deeper and deeper over her head. It’s a much more personal story than I expected, with several characters really battling their character flaws, and eventually, the reason for Riri’s drive and ambition becomes clear. I enjoyed meeting the supporting cast, and even the criminal gang were interesting if not particularly fleshed out. The heist-based plots reminded me of the Ant-Man crew.
Deals With The Devil
I know there are people out there who will criticise everything about this show, but I have to commend the actors and the VFX teams. Everyone puts in a great performance, particularly Dominique Thorne as RiRi and Lyric Ross as her friend come AI companion. I also hope we see more of a certain magically inclined friend that Riri makes later this season.
Each version of the Ironheart suit also looks gorgeous. I’m loving that it’s very mechanical and not nanotech this time around. I know it’s Disney and Marvel, but this is impressive for a TV show.
I’ve only got a few niggles and one pretty major complaint. I felt like there was a bit of a plot hole with some stolen tech that can be handwaved, but still took me out of the moment, and a few things happen suddenly. Red Hood’s gang are basically just goons, but I could see some version of this show that spent at least an episode on their backstories. We do get backstory for the Hood himself, but that just slides into the last few episodes.
My biggest complaint is the same one I had for Star Wars: The Acolyte – bear with me. There was no need for this show to be planned for multiple seasons when it’s not guaranteed to get more than one. I would much prefer a satisfying ending over a fan service cameo and some sequel baiting that I can’t see ever paying off.
A Shiny Coat Of Paint
Others may criticise the end for being unrealistic or against the character arc, but I did find it realistic and true to character, and to be honest, quite relatable. Perhaps that’s a separate piece of analysis. I’d have just preferred a less frustrating ending.
Ironheart excels in the quiet personal moments of grief and panic, and unexpectedly in its VFX and action. Sadly, the villain story feels rushed, and the finale hinges too much on a sequel that might never happen.
Ironheart can been seen on Disney+
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