The first three episodes of Ironheart are good, but the last three episodes are GREAT! Dominique Thorne and Lyric Ross have electric chemistry.
If I am being completely honest, I kept forgetting that Marvel’s Ironheart was even a thing because it had been so long since it was announced, and there has not been a lot of marketing. This usually means that it is something the studio does not have faith in, but after watching it, I truly don’t understand why that would be the case.
This series is being released over two weeks, with three episodes coming to Disney+ on June 24, and three more on July 1. Marvel is rushing it out, which is wild to me because it has a lot of things to love about it.
Not only is Dominique Thorne fantastic as Riri Williams, which we already knew from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, but she also proves that she can lead a series. She commands attention whenever she is on screen, and while Riri certainly has a lot of walls up, she is unafraid to show how vulnerable she is when she needs to. This is done in a way that brought me to tears, and I do not think I will be the only one.
Anthony Ramos portrays Parker Robbins, AKA The Hood, who is the villain of the series. That said, there is a lot more to him than I anticipated. He is one of the few Marvel characters that I do not know much about from the comics, so it was interesting getting to know him and his motivations, as well as where his magic comes from. Things get pretty dark, pretty quickly, but it is when his past is finally revealed in detail that Ramos solidified The Hood as one of my favorite recent MCU villains.
Ironheart features a lot of action sequences on a street level, which makes sense for the story being told. There is nothing over the top and no major MCU cameos (sorry if you were hoping for them). Riri uses her brain and her knowledge of technology, Parker uses his magic, and the rest of their crew (who you are sure to fall in love with) use their respective skills, but nothing ends up as an Avengers-level battle, rightfully so.
The dynamic between Parker and Riri is one of my favorite things about the series. Their relationship shifts mid-season due to events that I refuse to spoil, and because of that, the stakes get a whole lot higher. Ramos is a great villain. He is likable and charismatic at first, before becoming something completely different.
Dominique Thorne has great chemistry with everyone on the show, but it is her relationship with Lyric Ross, who plays Natalie, that is the standout. While I cannot dive too much into it because of major spoilers, their bond and friendship is at the heart of the story being told. They are the reason I found myself wiping away tears in multiple episodes. I love absolutely everything about them when they are on screen together. Their chemistry as actors is electric and I love their story.
Overall Thoughts & A Jaw-Dropping Finale
I truly hope that Ironheart does not fly under the radar because it deserves to be seen. Not only is it going to be important to the MCU going forward, and it is surely setting up for some incredible things, but it is just good television. The story is emotional and intriguing, the action is great, and the acting is top-notch.
While the finale does feel a little rushed, with a few fights coming to too quick an end, it is the introduction of a major character (I will not spoil it) that will leave jaws on the floor. I worry that if Ironheart does not do well, this character will become one of those that are introduced and then nothing is done with them.
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About Ironheart
Set after the events of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” Marvel Television’s “Ironheart” pits technology against magic when Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne)—a young, genius inventor determined to make her mark on the world—returns to her hometown of Chicago. Her unique take on building iron suits is brilliant, but in pursuit of her ambitions, she finds herself wrapped up with the mysterious yet charming Parker Robbins aka “The Hood” (Anthony Ramos).
The series also stars Lyric Ross, Alden Ehrenreich, Regan Aliyah, Manny Montana, Matthew Elam and Anji White. Chinaka Hodge is head writer; episodes are directed by Sam Bailey and Angela Barnes. Executive producers include Kevin Feige, Louis D’Esposito, Brad Winderbaum, Zoie Nagelhout, Chinaka Hodge, Ryan Coogler, Sev Ohanian and Zinzi Coogler.
Marvel Television’s Ironheart launches on Disney+ on June 24, 2025.
