Genius teenage inventor Riri Williams creates the most advanced suit of armor since Iron Man.
The choices made while marketing a studio’s upcoming films and TV series have always been interesting. At times, they are filled with confidence, flooding every outlet and social media account with endless posts, trailers, and story updates. Other times, it seems as if they are embarrassed and want to pretend the title never existed. With Ironheart, Marvel Television chose the latter. Ironheart does have some shortcomings, but it also presents a unique turn of events that brings renewed hope to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, hope that may not have been anticipated prior to its release.
That begins with Riri Williams, played by Dominique Thorne. She is the new wiz-kid genius in town who is supposedly smarter than Tony Stark (Iron Man) but without the billion-dollar fortune. She is far from perfect, as shown through her relationships with those closest to her. Yet her personality remains relatable and sympathetic. She constantly pressures herself to be the best, creating unnecessary stress, and carries the mindset that she always has to prove herself. This inner conflict drains her and causes tension between her friends and family. On top of this, she is still dealing with the loss of her stepfather and best friend, Natalie (Lyric Ross). Even though Natalie has passed away, the story’s focus on advanced technology allows their friendship to be explored naturally. Their bond and loyalty are inspiring, as is the tight-knit nature of her family. This closeness, however, creates conflict when actions taken on Riri’s behalf are seen by others as selfish. With such a sensitive central theme, these conflicts feel both inevitable and compelling.
The relationships on the antagonist’s side are less developed. Parker Robbins (The Hood, Anthony Ramos) and John (Manny Montan) share a dynamic similar to Riri and Natalie’s, but their surrounding characters lack the strength and depth of Riri’s family and friends. The ragtag group of henchmen that The Hood assembles is not only forgettable but also irritating in its attempt to stand out. Still, the bond between Parker and John works because of John’s constant care and loyalty. His devotion mirrors Natalie’s commitment to Riri. Both pairs highlight the importance of having someone in your corner to keep you on the right path. This makes all four characters sympathetic, even when their reasoning is flawed.
Unfortunately, Parker’s overall motivation falls short. Despite his strong relationship with John, his actions lack depth and purpose. This weakness becomes especially clear once his character arc reaches its climax, leaving his storyline feeling like a waste of time. It seems as though the writers hit a wall when developing Parker’s backstory.
The action sequences are solid but not groundbreaking. Much of it feels like a repeat of fights that fans have seen in other Marvel projects. However, the finale redeems the series. Just when it feels like everything is over, the final episode delivers a surprise character reveal that fans have long anticipated. The reveal pays off brilliantly and may leave you smiling whether or not you are familiar with the character. What makes it especially powerful is the talent behind the role, whose range opens up endless possibilities for the MCU.
Ironheart is far from Marvel’s best, but it is certainly not its worst. With a few adjustments, it could have been truly great. Still, it is entertaining, heartfelt, and worth your time.
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