In today’s entertainment landscape it often seems like there is simply too muchMarvelas Disney practically has set up its content schedule so that the nextMCUseries or movie is always right around the corner. Nevertheless,Ms. Marvel’sunique approach and cast of characters make a valid argument for why Kamala Khan perhaps deserved at least a couple more episodes before making room forShe-Hulk.
Up to this point, every single Marvel series Disney Plus consisted of a 6-episode run, with the sole exception of the first one,Wandavision, and the animatedWhat If…?which really never played by the same rules as the rest. However, what makesMs. Marveldifferent is that by putting so much focus on Kamala’s family and friends, it creates a more solid supporting cast, or at least one that’s suited to continuous appearances throughout the series instead of just serving a specific purpose to advance the plot when needed.
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Beyond Marvel’s Protagonists
Let’s make one thing very clear,Ms. Marvel’svillains, the Clan Destine, are possibly the worst out of any MCU series as they don’t really hold a candle to Agatha Harkness’ charm, Baron Zemo’s antics, John Walker’s trauma, Kang’s elaborate multiversal schemes, nor Kingpin’s return, and yet that makes it even more surprising that the show is remotely good despite not having a decent antagonist. Sure,Ms. Marvelcould still surprise fans with a shocking reveal in the following two weeks, though for now it’s wholly surprising how well the script holds up without a proper villain.
So why is that? Well, it might be largely down to the fact thatMs. Marvel’splot, unlike those of all the other legacy characters from the Infinity Saga, is actually a real origin tale and at the same time a coming-of-age story, one that would only be comparable toKate Bishop’s story arc inHawkeye. Think about it,WandaVisionis about the grief of one of the most powerful Avengers;The Falcon and the Winter Soldieris about the two heroes coming to terms with the world’s need for a newCaptain America;Lokiexpands on a beloved character; and, lastly,Hawkeyetries to make Clint Barton cool and wholesome.
Ms. Marvelis not the kind of superhero that’s already detached from a normal human life, she’s a regular 16-year-old that’s just trying to get past high school with all that involves: dealing with other kids at school, hanging out with her friends and learning how to negotiate with her overprotective parents, it’s as if the entire supporting cast is there to help build Kamala’s personality from scratch and they’re all constantly adding small pieces to the puzzle. Her entourage is not similar to any other Marvel hero, because while Kate Bishop is raised in a smaller household, Kamala does come from a traditional nuclear family structure, and ever her grandparents and other relatives play a part in the way her story unfolds.
Superheroes very often have tragic genesis stories and little family ties, yet inMs. Marvel’scase these familial bonds are the very thing that caused her to stumble across her powers in the first place.The latest episode highlights thiswith a trip back to her family’s origins in Pakistan, an explorative journey that’s not just there to use a more exotic location but more about learning Ms. Marvel’s background in thisMCU incarnation and these mysterious superpowered banglesthat might date back to the Kree, so there’s a lot of explaining left to do.
What Else Is There To Know AboutMs. Marvel?
Much likeMoon Knight,the biggest joyMs. Marvelbringsto the table is how relatively fresh her origin story is due to it being such a drastic departure from the comic book source material. While it may be even more for the former, inMoon Knight’scase the audience’s relationship with the character is defined by what little they know about him, whereas with Kamala the opposite occurs.
In the pilot episode,viewers get to know Ms. Marvel’s fangirl facetthanks to her and Bruno’s attempts to conquer the New Jersey AvengerCon; we’re told she’s a bit of a misfit thanks to her frenemy Zoe; her religious life is mostly tackled when she’s convincing Nakia they’re the new generation that can spark change in their community; her romantic side comes out to play with Kamran and the Red Dagger; and, her family heavily influences every decision she makes because, well, she’s only 16.
Even when it comes to her superpowers, essentially granted to her by her grandmother, Bruno plays a key role in her untapping their potential and there’s absolutely no way Kamala would be able to harness the light powering her purple energy blasts without some much-needed help. More than halfway through the show, Ms. Marvel is still barely keeping up with her enemies and this is also a reminder that it’s fun to see superheroes struggle and sometimes fail as that makes their victories feel like a much better payoff.
Ms. Marvel may be about representation, sure, but more than anything, she’s one of the most human heroes the MCU has given fans in a really long time and that’s partly down to how close to home her story takes viewers. AlthoughMs. Marvel’sviewership shows less interest than in other shows, maybe this is a symptom of the series providing less of that ever-popular escapism of some almighty being coming to save us all as they trample their enemies effortlessly — rather than doing that the seriesis slowly building up a character that will eventually be under Captain Marvel’s tutelage.
Unfortunately, that slow build-up has to be administered in Disney’s six-episode doses with the usual revelations-packed penultimate episode and the typical CGI showdown finale. All this regardless of how much a character likeMs. Marvelcould benefit more from continuing to tumble her way past her first missions, how the series' teen comedy vibes deprive the MCU of its world-impending doom scenarios, and how fun it would be to see Kamala spend a bit more time abroad.
Ms. Marvelis currently available on Disney Plus
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