They did it! Marvel finally brought in a character that every fan wants to see in the universe. I do not want to spoil the show with the finale. Yet, it is easy to say that it is one of the best Marvel has done. Ironheart sticks the landing and makes us excited for the future of the Marvel universe.

Ironheart’s final three episodes was released on Tuesday July 1st, which honestly was a mistake for Marvel and Disney+. With how fast the series shifts tone and features important character moments. It even features moments that will have a ripple effect throughout the universe. This should have been a weekly release that allowed the audience time to digest what has happened. From the introduction of two instant fan favorites, introducing a magical aspect to the story, and characterization shifts. Ironheart would have been even more memorable if Disney+ had faith in this project.

The first of the three part release was titled “Bad Magic” and fits the episode perfectly. This is the episode that humor and lightheartedness is removed from the series. Yes, there are humorous moments throughout the following episodes. But this episode has important moments that would shape the rest of the series. Riri’s continued struggles with anxiety and grief, the events of episode three caused her to spiral. A shift in character for Joe or who will be referred to Zeke for rest of the show. Riri’s refusal to believe in magic comes to a forefront as this episodes introduces her to alternate realities and the multiverse.

“Bad Magic” brings Riri into the realm of magic. It features the return of Madeline, played by Cree Summer, in Episode 1. Her daughter Zelma also appears. For comic fans this is treat, Zelma is Doctor Strange’s librarian. Why is that exciting? It introduces so many possibilities and the prospect of a Strange Academy series. Regan Aliyah gives such a dynamic performance that her scenes steal from Dominique Throne’s development as Riri. This is not a bad thing at all, yet it does cause a slight problem throughout the rest of the season.

Episode Five called “Karma’s A Glitch,” continues the trend of each episode getting better. This episode focuses on Riri’s survival without the suit and N.A.T.A.L.I.E, Joe’s transformation into an interesting character moving forward and Parker Robbins’ full transformation into evil. This episode takes the suit away from Riri, which causes one of the best action scenes in the season. Riri has to use intelligence to survive instead of armor and the direction of this scene was so damn good. If it was not for the finale, this would have been the best episode. It not only had a great action scene but also featured one of the most emotional scenes.

As much as I loved this show, Episode Five and Six feel like they could stand alone by themselves. A person could just watch these two episodes and feel satisfied. “Karma’s A Glitch” is the emotional punch before absolute chaos in Episode Six, “The Past is The Past”. Episode Six blew my mind. The episode included a character played by a brilliant Sacha Baron Cohen. This made it one of the most compelling 40 minutes of the show. I do not want to spoil the reveal of the character for those who have not watched it. I recommend watching this episode.

The finale episode’s main goal was to introduce a character that would be a presence throughout the rest of the phase and the universe as a whole. Does it deliver too! Unfortunately, this is a strength and weakness of the episode. Couldn’t take my eyes off a brilliant performance from Cohen and found myself not caring about Riri’s story. The theme of Technology versus Magic is strong throughout these three episodes, yet magic is more compelling. This episode does a lot of heavy lifting. It feels like it could have been the start of a new season.

Overall, Ironheart was a blast and I would put it among the likes of WandaVision, Ms. Marvel and Agatha All Along. Every character introduced in the series, I already to want to see again. Give me Zelma in every project based on magic. Give me Cohen in all future projects. Not to mention an ending that had me questioning rooting for Riri and the future of the MCU. You may not think this show is for you and that is ok. Yet I really recommend giving this series a chance, as a Marvel fan, you won’t regret it.