REVIEW: ‘Ironheart’ Episodes 4-6

Ironheart Episodes 4-6 collide with magic, technology, higher emotional stakes, and a new, more treacherous presence to close out the first season. Directed by Angela Barnes and Samantha Bailey, with Chinaka Hodge as head writer, Ironheart is produced by Marvel Television in association with Proximity Media, with executive producers Ryan Coogler, Kevin Feige, and Zinzi Coogler.

Dominique Thorne leads the cast in her titular role as Ironheart/Riri Williams. The cast alongside Williams features Anthony Ramos, Lyric Ross, Cree Summer, Regan Aliyah, Alden Ehrenreich, Anji White, and Matthew Elam. 

Following Episodes 1 – 3, Riri is panicked by the disastrous events of their latest heist gone wrong and Cousin Joe’s death. Meanwhile, Riri’s using Joe’s technology at the scenes of the crime results in his wrongful incarceration and true identity as Ezekiel Stane being revealed. Everything starts to weigh more heavily on Riri’s conscience and mental health. Knowing the truth, Parker orders his crew to take out Riri, and he becomes increasingly violent and unhinged as the cloak’s dark powers start to warp his mind and influence him more. Just as Riri starts to unravel the secret origins of The Hood’s cloak, a new, more powerful demonic entity appears as the true puppet master. 

Ironheart Episode 4 marks a slight tonal shift as Black Girl Tech and Black Girl Magic collide when Riri meets Zelma Stanton. Zelma and her mother are both talented and seemingly powerful Black witches who reside in Chicago, yet they have close ties to Kamar-Taj, the hidden training ground and headquarters for the Masters of the Mystic Arts. Zelma and her mother’s inclusion in the story, along with the emergence of a larger supernatural threat, adds a stronger layer of magical themes in Ironheart than in the previous episodes. This inclusion expands the story into an even richer narrative that fuses engineering and enchantment, setting the stage to explore the darker and mystical lore within Marvel’s supernatural universe.

The arrival of Mephisto strikes with necessary impact. 

In recent years, Marvel has increasingly leaned into the interconnected nature of its universe, a trait that is very similar to how comics regularly depict characters crossing paths. In the earlier phases of the MCU and MTU (Marvel Television Universe), it took several films or seasons before heroes would casually cross paths. Now, crossovers are more frequent and feel natural. Shows like She-Hulk: Attorney at Law and Hawkeye are great examples. So it makes sense for Ironheart to continue this trend with the big, bold, and surprising introduction to Mephisto. 

Mephisto is a powerful extra-dimensional demon within the Marvel Universe who thrives on deceiving, manipulating, and corrupting souls. For a long time, fans have theorized that Mephisto might appear in shows like WandaVision or Agatha All Along. While Mephisto’s arrival in Ironheart may seem surprising or unfitting for some, thematically it is perfect. Mephisto is drawn to beings with vulnerable, vengeful, tenacious, and or ambitious spirits, traits both Riri and Parker possess.

Mephisto’s confirmed presence in the latter half of Ironheart and the Marvel Universe raises the stakes for both the show and the Marvel Universe as a whole. Although the show does not delve into the details of Mephisto’s grand scheme, it is clear that he is up to something very dark and sinister that could have enormous implications for the universe and its inhabitants. Seeing how Mephisto’s presence may open the door for more in-depth exploration of supernatural storylines and lore will be interesting.

Parker’s kill order on Riri puts her life at risk, especially without her suit and N.A.T.A.L.I.E. to help fend off her foes. Nevertheless, Ironheart shows that Riri is never helpless or weak, even without her technology and gadgets. The fight scenes highlight that Riri isn’t capable because of her suit, but because of her sharp wit, instincts, and determination.

Dominique Thorne continues to shine in Ironheart Episodes 4-6.

These scenes allow Thorne to shine in her role. Thorne continues to deliver a layered performance that helps bring Riri as a character to life. The rest of the cast does not disappoint with their performances either. Another notable performance in the second batch of episodes comes from Sacha Baron Cohen as Mephisto. 

Cohen knows how to sell the allure of Mephisto and his dark deals effortlessly, delivering a dark, magnetic performance that immediately captures the audience’s attention. Cohen’s sharp delivery of his character’s dialogue makes every interaction feel charged, adding a new layer of mystery and tension to Mephisto, making his on-screen chemistry with other characters very palpable. 

One of the most powerful arcs in Ironheart is Riri’s battle with her emotional growth, culminating in her learning to let down her barriers and help resolve her grief.  A touching moment with her mother and N.A.T.A.L.I.E reminds Riri that while the past can be painful, trying to forget it as a whole only robs her of remembering the good times, too. The moment makes the message clear: grief is not something a person can work around or outbuild; it must be addressed, even if it hurts. 

Ironheart Episodes 4-6 delve deeper into character development and emotional stakes, primarily through the arcs of Joe McGillicuddy and Parker Robbins. Joe, now exposed as Ezekiel Stane, began with noble ideals but unfortunately slips into dangerous territory as he is unintentionally betrayed by Riri and arrested for a crime he did not commit. Alden Ehrenreich portrays his character’s unraveling with quiet intensity and rage. 

Ironheart dabbles in the morality of AI. 

Parker’s descent is fueled by the dark influence of his cloak, which is just as tragic and emotionally charged. Driven by abandonment from his father, a need for validation, and a desire for power, Parker became the perfect puppet for Mephisto to manipulate. Anthony Ramos brings much emotional weight to Parker’s fall from a clever crime boss to a pathetic power-obsessed puppet. Joe and Parker’s transformations mirror Riri’s struggle with grief, legacy, and the ethics of power.

The theme of grief and the implications of technology are explored further in the show when N.A.T.A.L.I.E. meets Xaivier. Xavier’s reaction to seeing an AI built with his sister’s image and personality is jarring, deeply unsettling him. His response is very grounded and heart-wrenching, unlike Ronnie, who was elated to see Natalie’s spirit live on through the AI. In contrast, Xavier feels that the AI is blasphemous to Natalie’s memory, as if looking at a thing that thinks it’s his sister, but it’s not her. It is just a version of her frozen in time.

This moment adds a new ethical layer to the show, putting Riri and Xavier at opposing ends of a complex debate. To Riri, N.A.T.A.L.I.E. is not just a thing; she is her friend and is alive in her own way. Although Xaivier and Riri were able to mend their friendship before the finale, it is clear that they still have very opposing feelings and opinions on N.A.T.A.L.I.E., which leaves some unresolved tension. 

However, the tension is intentional and reflects the real-world conversation on the moral implications of AI. As Artificial Intelligence becomes more advanced, questions about grief and consent become harder to ignore. Some people might think of AI as a comforting tool to process their grief and have their loved one’s memory live on.

Finding the balance between emotional realism and the supernatural.

Others, in contrast, may feel like an AI of the deceased violates a person’s memory, especially if they did not consent to having an AI modeled in their image and personality. Unfortunately, Ironheart does not get to delve deeply into the debate. The show does a fascinating job of exploring a thought-provoking and relevant topic with its limited and challenging episode run. 

Another ongoing challenge and strength of Ironheart is how it balances grounded, layered characters with the increasingly larger-than-life supernatural elements and the world they live in. Riri points out that their world has faced aliens, wizards, and superpowers. But even in a world where the supernatural is becoming somewhat more common and normalized, the show sometimes struggles to land emotionally realistic reactions.

For example, when Riri and her mother, Ronnie, are suddenly taken to a magical space by Zelma. Ronnie’s response feels uncharacteristically calm, especially after witnessing magic and learning that one of her good friends is a witch. It’s refreshing that characters aren’t constantly shocked by magic or powers in superhero shows. However, moments like this can feel a bit understated, potentially undercutting the story’s gravity.

Ironheart delivers a stunning finale that audiences may not expect or want, but it fits its characters, especially Riri. The ending will leave viewers with more questions than answers, but in a way that is ultimately satisfying. The final episode allows the stories of Riri and other characters to be explored more deeply.

Ironheart Episodes 4-6 successfully blend superhero action and magic with thought-provoking themes. The latter half of the season heightens the show’s emotional and narrative stakes. The show excels at exploring characters and their complexities while also delving into themes of grief, power, and morality in an introspective manner. The end of Ironheart Season 1 does not answer every question or wrap things up in a perfect bow, but it still confidently cements Riri’s place in the Marvel Universe.

Ironheart Episodes 4-6 are out now on Disney+.

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