Every Episode Of Wonder Man, Ranked Worst To Best

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Marvel has finally delivered a series that’s as good as WandaVision. While Loki came close, Wonder Man has the potential to become one of the best shows on Disney+, possibly even the best. What sets it apart is how different it is from other Marvel projects – and that’s exactly what the MCU needs right now. The show truly focuses on its characters, and never loses sight of that. Thanks to strong performances from Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Ben Kingsley, the central relationship feels authentic and genuinely heartwarming.

While this series doesn’t rely on flashy visuals, it’s easily the most captivating Marvel show released so far. It really highlights the talent of co-creator Destin Daniel Cretton, who is quickly becoming one of the MCU’s key directors. Though every episode is solid, not all of them are perfect. Let’s take a look at how they all stack up, from the first episode to the last.

8) “Self-Tape” (Episode 2)

The “Self-Tape” scene serves two main purposes: it confirms Trevor Slattery’s agreement with the DODC and proves to them that Simon Williams genuinely has superpowers. It also provides a heartwarming scene where Simon defends his new friend, Slattery, while they’re at Joe Pantoliano’s house.

Okay, so this episode mostly revolves around these two characters desperately trying to film an audition tape, and honestly, it’s a bit of a struggle just finding a decent place to do it. It doesn’t really move the main story forward, feeling kind of like a filler episode, if I’m being honest. Though, I did appreciate the little jab they took at how M3GAN 2.0 flopped right at the start – that got a chuckle out of me!

7) “Found Footage” (Episode 5)

Similar to the self-tape storyline in “Found Footage,” the pursuit of the kid who filmed Simon’s powers is entertaining, but doesn’t really impact the main plot. Just like that film’s ending – a police shootout where everyone escapes unnoticed – this subplot feels like a brief diversion rather than a crucial part of the story.

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with episodes being lighthearted, and that’s often exactly what Wonder Man aims for. The previous episode was an exception, but we’ll discuss that later. Just because these episodes, including “Self-Tape,” were ranked lower doesn’t mean they’re poorly made.

6) “Call Back” (Episode 6)

Whether or not you enjoy the film “Call Back” largely depends on how you react to Zlatko Burić’s unusual performance as Von Kovak. While he’s simply playing the character as it’s written, he definitely portrays him as quite strange.

This episode stands out as a strong story focused on a single location, and it offers a deep look into Simon’s character. We really see his insecurities, but there’s a particularly heartwarming moment where Slattery encourages him on Kovak’s porch – with the Los Angeles skyline in the background – to embrace his emotions instead of letting fear of his powers hold him back. The episode suggests Simon’s powers flare up because he’s suppressing his feelings. The episode ends with both characters landing roles in Wonder Man and driving off happily, which is a genuinely uplifting moment for viewers.

5) “Matinee” (Episode 1)

The film “Matinee” quickly and effectively establishes Simon’s character. In the opening ten minutes, we find out he’s an actor who is facing difficulties because he’s overly dedicated to his craft. We also see his girlfriend break up with him, and the film clearly explains both why he was fired from his role on American Horror Story and why his girlfriend decided to leave him.

Interestingly, Simon appears to recognize his own issues. He overstepped by offering too much unwanted advice on set and kept his distance emotionally. Though he says he wants to improve, it’s clear he’s unsure how to go about it. The show did a good job of making him seem like a genuine person in one episode. Slattery also feels more real this time around. Previously, he was mostly played for laughs as a constantly stoned character, but now we’re starting to see the potential for a much deeper and more developed personality, and it’s working really well.

4) “Kathy Friedman” (Episode 7)

In “Kathy Friedman,” we see Simon adjusting to his newfound fame, moving from a minor role to a major star. He’s also desperately trying to keep his abilities secret from Kathy Friedman, a journalist who’s constantly around him for a New York Times profile. While it seems simple enough, Friedman has a reputation for destroying reputations, so her presence creates a real threat for Simon.

This episode is also when Simon discovers Slattery’s connection to the DODC, leading to a powerfully acted and unforgettable conversation between them. Plus, the episode ends with a truly memorable scene: the main character unintentionally demolishes the film set where he works, making it one of the best penultimate episode closers you’ll find.

3) “Pacoima” (Episode 3)

The episode “Pacoima” cleverly uses a birthday party to create ongoing tension. While family gatherings can be awkward with difficult relatives, this party is exceptionally fraught. Simon is desperate to hide the fact that he lost a role on American Horror Story, both because he’s ashamed and because he fears his brother, Eric, will mock him for pursuing his acting dream instead of a more conventional career. Meanwhile, Slattery is simply there to dig up information about Simon for the DODC, and his clumsy attempts at espionage make it clear he’s not very good at it – he seems likely to be exposed at any moment.

Despite the serious tension, this episode is genuinely funny – particularly the scene where Eric calls out Slattery for being the Mandarin, and Slattery responds with a shockingly honest confession about funding his lifestyle. It’s a standout episode thanks to its heartwarming moments, especially the ending. Seeing Slattery destroy the wiretap is powerful, and the news that both he and Eric got callbacks for Wonder Man – after Simon falsely claimed he had one in front of his family – is a sweet and funny reveal. Shola Adewusi also shines as Simon’s mother, Martha, a name that seems to suit so many superhero moms.

2) “Yucca Valley” (Episode 8)

Though labeled a miniseries, Wonder Man ends on a compelling cliffhanger. The finale is excellent because it transforms a character initially presented as a joke – a fake terrorist – into a genuine hero. Ironically, he achieves this by returning to his roots as that fake terrorist, creating a satisfying and complete story arc.

The episode “Yucca Valley” is particularly moving. The phone call between Simon and Slattery, right before Simon finds out about Slattery’s involvement in the movie studio explosion, feels incredibly natural and realistic, like a genuine conversation between friends. While some viewers might wish Wonder Man featured more traditional superhero action, it demonstrates that the MCU can still deliver compelling stories. This was especially important after a string of recent films that didn’t quite succeed with audiences and critics – the show needed a win.

1) “Doorman” (Episode 4)

While the connection between Simon and Slattery is central to Wonder Man, the strongest episode surprisingly focuses on someone else entirely. It’s a black-and-white flashback that tells the story of a different character, DeMarr Davis, and we don’t see Slattery at all.

Davis accidentally gains the power to phase through objects after exposure to toxic waste. He immediately uses this ability to heroically save people at a nightclub, including actor Josh Gad. What follows is a compelling, though heartbreaking, story of his rise to unexpected fame and eventual downfall – a journey similar to Tony Montana’s, but without the violence or drug use. We sympathize with Davis because he’s a regular guy who doesn’t crave stardom, yet finds himself thrust into the spotlight through his connection with Gad. This leads to a strange situation: one actor becomes trapped in another dimension, while the other is constantly monitored by the government. The story is skillfully crafted and emotionally resonant, and it perfectly justifies the show’s rule preventing superheroes from becoming celebrities.

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2026-02-01 01:41