Ms. Marvel season 1, episode 1 review: Generation Why

“You’re Kamala Khan. You want to save the world then you’re gonna save the world” Spoilers for Ms. Marvel season 1, episode 1 follow. 

Ms. Marvel season 1, episode 1 review

Welcome to Jersey City

The beautiful thing about Ms. Marvel is the flow and variety of the pilot. It’s surreal to admit that the MCU is trying to introduce a new character and one whose debut fans have been waiting for. And if I’m being honest, I was a little nervous about her introduction, but from the first 10 minutes, my doubt was put to bed due to the charisma and charm of Iman Vellani taking center stage.

We aren’t treated to a mystery plot or overarching thematic of setting up the next five years that Marvel Studios does utilize to the point of exhaustion due to the beast of knowing a shared continuity is the principle of the path.

Instead, we are introduced to a simple refresher of exposition showcasing the highlights of the core six avengers and the admiration and connection that Kamala Khan bears towards her heroes “The Avengers” Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. However, the scene works due to the creativity and paper mache graphics and letting the screenplay convey Khan’s motivations and desires to the audience while positioning her perspective as narrator, and giving viewers someone to root for and relate to. It’s incredible in every way it sounds.

One highlight that the series excels at is seeing Jersey City, vibrant, thriving through day and night scenes giving context and symbolism to the tone progressing with the narrative. It’s a simple premise but pure; quite similar to the liberties and passion that Insomniac incorporated in building and fleshing out the world of Miles Morales and Peter Parker. Needless to say the Muslim and South Asian cultural representation was great to see! I hope it continues to build over longevity within the series.

High School Plots

The high school plot and setting were a great transition to symbolizing the vibrant youth, and then appeal to the MCU which was touched upon for a slight bit during Spider-Man: Homecoming before it went dormant. It feels that Marvel cares about the legacy of Khan and the stories of those connected to her that shape and mold her into the hero residing in the comic book panels.

The visuals are quirky, a mix between Edgar Wright’s Scott Pilgrim, and the classic Disney series Lizzie McGuire, and having the cast transcend the script through key improv, and chemistry makes the episode feel human and quite realistic.

The series is perfectly balanced with camp, and even though the background is filled with Easter eggs galore, each has a purpose instead of feeling attached or manipulated struggling to relay this is the MCU without losing its charm at a time when many are fatigued by the amount of content. Instead, fans are treated to a tone cleanse and it works. Transitions jump off the screen while pulling the viewer into the living comic book unfolding along the lines of Spider-Verse while forging its own identity. I also enjoy the fact each character is written with finesse, and the subplots bear weight.

For example, we are introduced to a minor antagonist, Zoe (Laurel Marsden), someone Kamala longs to be friends with because of childhood memories. Now both are in high school and going their separate paths, which emulate a modern-day Raimi. Webb’s atmosphere of showing our heroes struggle to find a path forward despite feeling anxiety and drifting while waiting for their call to action forever bearing our favorite heroes with responsibility.

Spidey’s Oath can take many forms

Of course, the Peter Parker and Kamala Khan similarities don’t stop. In my opinion, I feel the symmetrical storytelling gives depth, and to the oath of great power comes great responsibility.

I wonder if Khan will suffer a similar occurrence along the lines of pushing her family away because the foundation of her parent’s trust being severed is a main focal point, and is a significant factor of identity and finding yourself instead of letting others create your personality and life. Imagine Khan’s equivalent of Miles’s leap of faith during Spider-Verse, but then again only time will tell.

Another spidey similarity is the Kamala’s and Bruno’s (Matt Lintz) relationship and noticing the two have feelings for each other, but they are scared of expressing them because of not knowing what the future holds, and traversing different lives and cultures. This is something that the series does touch upon throughout the 49 min pilot, and it’s beautiful, and the actors’ chemistry makes it feel tangible. The rooftop scene ties everything together and lets the presence of the heart take center stage.

Simplicity is Key

The directors and creative play with the script and charisma of the cast to understand their desires wants motivations, and humanity. The cinematography was a gorgeous spectacle and color show, then not to mention, that the camera was allowed to be a character and not adapt but flow as the frame and shot progressed illustrating the confines and creative nature of Khan’s mind.

In simple terms, the world we’re seeing and being allowed to reside in is 100 percent Kamala’s. Of course, Khan could be positioned as a reflection of the fans who love and cherish what the MCU stands for and embodies while understanding every story is unique, longing to be written, and that every voice matters.

To close, Ms. Marvel season 1, episode 1 gets a 9.3/10. This series has tons of heart and oozes classic Spidey Raimi while borrowing from the creativity and genius of Scott Pilgrim, reinforced by tender moments of connection, and understanding sometimes being simple is just as powerful as being complex.

Ms. Marvel episodes 1 & 2 are streaming now on Disney Plus.