As a fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, I can admit that some of the things they do aren’t the best. No one’s perfect, but some trends were detrimental to the franchise. But thanks to the season finale of Ironheart on Disney+, fans can rest easy knowing that Marvel Studios is listening to their fans.
WARNING! SPOILERS FOR THE SEASON FINALE OF IRONHEART AHEAD!
A true villain
You’re probably wondering what this writer meant with his opening. Well, simply put, there’s always something wrong with the villains. They’re either too likable, they die, or both. It’s becoming too predictable and stopping fans from enjoying projects when the antagonist is more relatable than the hero. That didn’t happen here. Parker Robbins (aka the Hood) had an unfortunate past, but he wasn’t the man he made himself out to be.
Parker attacking his friends was predictable. You could see that he was slowly being consumed by a mystical influence. And, after the death of his cousin, John, there wasn’t anyone to keep him level-headed. Nevertheless, when the scene is good, knowing something is coming doesn’t matter. Watching Parker attack his friends was intense, well-placed, and brilliantly performed. It was the perfect time for Parker to go full villain. Sadly, you never go full villain.
When it came down to it, the Hood wasn’t a man of the people. For him, it was all about revenge and power. He talked a good game and had a charming smile and personality, but in some ways, he was a fraud. Sure, the cloak he wore was making him act irrational. However, the end of the finale showed that he will go to great lengths not to be normal. That shows that he didn't believe a lot of what he said.
It isn't over!
For once, the main antagonist didn't die. There also wasn’t a tragic end where Riri kills her foe, and the fans are left without an antagonist and actor with potential. Instead, we’re left with something very much like the comics. Parker is left looking for power in a way that an addict searches for another fix. That will leave fans craving to see what’s next from the Hood.
Not only did Parker Robbins survive, but so did his rivalry with Riri Williams. In a shocking ending, the hero of our story made a deal with someone that even the devil fears. At first, it looked like Riri was going to say no, like every hero does. Instead, the creative team went in a surprising direction. They showed the true power of suggestion, grief, and trauma, and what it can make a person do.
What does this mean for the future? We don’t know, and that’s a good thing. The future being a mystery is something else that fans aren’t used to. Maybe now there will be less complaining about predictability.
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