Why I Think Ironheart is the Most Frustrating MCU Show

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The series “Ironheart” has faced an overwhelming amount of unwarranted criticism, with many viewers judging it prematurely before its release. Unfortunately, due to the widespread negative reviews prior to its debut, the show seemed doomed for failure, regardless of its quality. In my opinion, it’s one of Marvel Cinematic Universe’s weaker productions. The haters may claim that there are other reasons for its shortcomings, but I believe the poorly thought-out character choices and unengaging storyline are primarily to blame for why it fails to meet expectations set by previous Marvel television series. Granted, it might not be as disastrous as some other Marvel projects, but it falls significantly short of what was anticipated. From the treatment of characters to a confusing finale that likely won’t be continued in future seasons, “Ironheart” is a disappointing conclusion to Phase 5 of the MCU.

Riri Williams is Too Flawed of a Character

Dominique Thorne delivers a captivating performance as Riri Williams, infusing her character with a Gen Z appeal that harmonizes effectively with the rest of the cast. However, the script for her character poses challenges in terms of audience connection, as Riri seems to consistently make poor choices that strain the viewing experience. The series tries to rationalize this behavior by introducing traumatic events that she can’t seem to move past, but her actions are so puzzling that it’s hard to empathize with her. The show’s finale even tries to clarify the implications of her erratic decision-making within the MCU, but unfortunately, it arrives too late and fails to salvage the situation.

Riri Williams often comes across as excessively self-centered. Her mother, Ronnie, and friend Xavier try to help her break out of her tech-focused shell, but she perceives them as hindrances instead of expressions of care. This portrayal of compassionate characters being mistreated was difficult for me to reconcile with, making it challenging to become invested in the series. Normally, a character with flaws adds depth to a show, but Ironheart takes it too far in this aspect.

Riri isn’t the sole figure who takes poor choices; even The Hood, portrayed by Anthony Ramos, is difficult to support. His robberies involve tricking wealthy CEOs into signing contracts that share their business profits – an odd move that leaves one scratching one’s head. The writers’ attempts at creating a sympathetic villain for The Hood fall flat, resulting in a weak antagonist whose backstory, presented haphazardly in the final episode, adds little to his character development. Despite villains typically not being characters we root for, the showrunners’ attempts to elicit sympathy from viewers make The Hood an unimpressive adversary.

The Marvel TV Show Structure Has Never Worked

The structure of most Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) TV series seems to indicate a lack of understanding about how television should be produced, with exceptions like WandaVision and Loki. Despite the short episode count, these programs do not truly embody what it means to be a TV show. Instead, they often resemble extended movies filled with excessive filler and a hasty conclusion. Ironheart is one such example. The episodes frequently lack development and tend to recycle similar themes without much progression. When the finale arrives, it attempts to cram multiple storylines into a brief span, whether it’s setting up future events or quickly summarizing the primary message of the series. Although Ironheart ends with an unexpected twist, it fails to deliver a satisfying conclusion.

I found it extremely disappointing how the show developed Ezekiel Stane, portrayed by Alden Ehrenreich. What initially seemed like an intriguing exploration of legacy soon became a CGI-heavy villain with no real impact on the storyline. Moreover, the way his character’s arc was concluded left much to be desired, as he transitioned from a redeemable genius to a vengeful, small-minded antagonist. Despite Ehrenreich giving a solid and often amusing performance, the direction they chose for the character was very discouraging.

Although the show has its fair share of problems, it’s important to recognize some of its strengths. The direction in numerous episodes is remarkably impressive; the creators use letters displayed on screen to underscore significant moments, which adds a delightful touch to the show. For instance, from a “Gary’s” sign transforming into “Ry’s” during Riri’s work shift, or the word “ouch” appearing on a White Castle sign after Riri falls there, these subtle details added by the filmmakers significantly improve the viewing experience.

Ironheart might not be the “woke garbage” as some internet bullies claim, but its six episodes felt rather frustrating due to the screenplay and execution. Despite the intriguing future it sets up for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, I found it challenging to engage with the storyline. Kudos to Marvel Studios for attempting a fresh approach in character portrayal, but this time, they missed the mark.

All episodes of Ironheart are now streaming on Disney+.

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/ironheart-what-it-did-right-needs-to-do-better/embed/#

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2025-07-09 00:12