**Warning: Spoilers Ahead**
She Hulk: Attorney at Law’s second episode, ‘Superhuman Law’, further establishes the comedic tone of the series. In many ways, Episode 2 is a continuation series’ premiere. This further establishes characters and stories, and seamlessly brings in old…not favourites exactly, but some interesting throwbacks to the early days of the MCU. The series continues to be off to a great start, showing how innovative and comedic it can be at it’s best.
Tatiana Maslany has always been an incredibly versatile actor (see: Orphan Black). The series’ second episode is further proof that Maslany is able to balance comedy, superhero stakes, and a legal procedural. There was never any doubt in this writer’s mind. Even as She-Hulk: Attorney at Law is getting off of the ground, its star has already managed to strike the perfect balance between leading a self-referential story within this cosmic franchise and giving such humanity to a larger-than-life being.
This episode manages to be a surprisingly honest look at a woman in the workplace. If you have ever been in between jobs, you’ll feel how authentic this portrayal is. It’s equally hilarious and endearing, and is almost too true to life. One can’t help but feel for Jenn in this moment. She’s every woman, trying to make her way in a world designed to hinder her success at every turn. Being wanted for what her body can do, rather than for who she is as an entire person, is an all-too-real experience.
She-Hulk: Attorney at Law takes the opportunity to critically reflect on the superhero genre in all of its chaos. In particular, this episode makes a point to call out the male privilege of vigilantism, and it’s incredibly refreshing. This is further proof of why superhero fans can benefit from a show like this. It’s fine to have the bright colours and stunning action sequences. If there’s never a moment to step back and consider the fun ridiculousness of it all, however, the story is never grounded.
Relatedly, this episode takes on the practicalities of superheroing including asking the important questions, like, do superheroes have pensions or benefits? What happens if a superhero needs to take maternity leave? This is a really clever way to get fans to think critically about who is allowed to be a superhero. How accessible can a profession be that has employees facing supernatural elements on a daily basis? Rather than distracting from the story, it adds a layer of realism that makes the series even more engaging.
In a so far centred almost exclusively around the female gaze, it bears mentioning some of the men. Pug (Josh Segarra) is the new himbo that the MCU needs and deserves. He’s so loveable, and just trying to do his best. This is exactly the kind of support that Marvel’s newest hero deserves. He may not be of the same physical calibre as the God of Thunder. He has the potential to have just as much heart, however.
Perhaps the most surprising part of She-Hulk: Attorney at Law’s second episode is how well the re-introduction of Tim Roth as Emil Blonsky/Abomination worked. By all accounts, it really shouldn’t have. In a franchise known for weak and unmemorable villains, Blonsky was always very near the bottom of the list. However, it’s clear that there’s potential in this character. Jenn Walters is exactly the character who can give life to a character who would have otherwise been relegated to the ash heap of MCU history.
She-Hulk: Attorney at Law continues its strong start. The continued set-up of Jameela Jamil’s Titania is such a brilliant way to establish a villain that has the potential to be one of the best in the MCU. If the show continues with references to Captain America’s backside, the giant being frozen in the sky, and the possibility of a new Wolverine, this show has the potential to be the most fun entry Marvel has given fans in a long time.
New Episodes of She-Hulk: Attorney at Law air Thursdays on Disney+.