Marvel Just Recycled a Move From The MCU’s Most Successful TV Finale (& It Pays Off)

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It’s not hidden knowledge that Marvel Studios faces challenges in their TV productions. Their series often lack stability, and there are only a handful of satisfying conclusions within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It can be hard to recall specifics about the finale of Secret Invasion, except for Rhodey escaping from the Skrull compound and G’iah transforming into a Super Skrll. Conversely, WandaVision evolves from an intriguing mystery show to a CGI-heavy boxing match in its final scenes. However, one of the rare exceptions that manages to maintain consistency from beginning to end is Loki, which chronicles an alternate Asgardian’s attempts to break free from the Time Variance Authority.

Loki doesn’t shy away from taking risks, hinting at a mysterious puppeteer controlling the TVA and sending individuals to the Void. The Disney+ show deliberately saves the revelation for the final moments, a decision that ultimately pays off. Marvel Studios follows suit with their latest series, Ironheart, employing a similar approach, knowing full well that it works in their favor.

Loki‘s Big Bad Waits to Make a Grand Entrance

In a twist of events, Loki manages to flee New York using the Tesseract, believing he’s off the hook. Regrettably, the Time Variance Authority (TVA) is on high alert for his presence outside his designated timeline position. The TVA and its staff, unimpressed by Loki’s tricks, almost erase him from existence, but Mobius recognizes potential in him and spares him.

Mobius requires Loki’s assistance to apprehend another unruly variant of Loki. This other Loki, known as Sylvie, hints at the TVA having secrets yet undisclosed. Impressed by her words, Loki agrees to meet with the TVA’s higher-ups, where he discovers a shocking truth: the TVA’s leadership is actually robots that report to someone else.

Following his enlightenment, Loki encounters a Time Stick’s harsh consequences, finding himself in the Void. Here, he crosses paths with different versions of himself before reconnecting with Sylvie. Together, they journey towards the Citadel at the End of Time and come face to face with He Who Remains, a variant of Kang who dedicates his existence to maintaining the multiverse’s balance. He expresses his desire for an heir due to the potential havoc caused by releasing all the multiverse branches. Loki ponders this proposition, but Sylvie ends up slaying He Who Remains before he can finalize his decision, setting the multiverse free and spawning numerous Kang variants. However, Riri Williams is left contemplating an offer at the end of Ironheart, despite not believing she controls the fate of the multiverse.

Mephisto Makes His MCU Debut in Ironheart‘s Finale

Similar to the series ‘Loki’, it’s evident from the beginning that unseen forces are orchestrating events in this story. The character we follow, known as The Hood, is endowed with mystical abilities he can’t account for, using them for theft across Chicago. He enlists Riri into his group when his previous tech expert, Stewart, fails a mission. Despite knowing that The Hood and his gang are involved in illicit activities, Riri is drawn to the money without questioning its origins. However, following two jobs, one resulting in Cousin John’s death, she realizes that a life of crime isn’t for her. Yet, Riri continues to owe The Hood a debt, so she designs a new suit and confronts him instead.

As Ironheart prepares for her climactic showdown, Zelma Stanton infuses her suit with enchantments, boosting her chances in battle. Regrettably, during this process, the AI N.A.T.A.L.I.E. vanishes, leaving Riri devastated. However, in the aftermath of her confrontation with The Hood, a mysterious figure emerges, introducing himself as Mephisto. He proposes a deal: he can help her retrieve N.A.T.A.L.I.E., and I, being a fellow cinephile, couldn’t resist the allure of such an opportunity. To my amazement, Mephisto delivers on his promise, resurrecting Natalie and granting her a new lease on life. This unexpected twist in Ironheart elevates it from a good series to a must-watch one, much like the mind-bending twists in Loki before it, leaving me eagerly anticipating the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Ironheart is streaming on Disney+.

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2025-07-05 01:09