Squad Review: Ms. Marvel Episode 2

It's been a tradition here on the Bro Force Squad Podcast to review every episode (with the exception of "What If") of the MCU Disney+ shows, and with me being unable to corral the other Bros to record one for Ms. Marvel, we're taking it back to a good old Squad Review as I'll give you my thoughts on the latest series introducing us to Kamala Khan. We dive in as always, using the four Bro Force Squad criteria for tv shows. Today we tackle episode 2 and what it's setting up for the rest of this very intriguing entry to the MCU.

ACTING - Iman Vellani continues to dazzle as Kamala, and in this episode we get to see more of her rich heritage and the unique perspective it brings to the MCU. I appreciate how this show can be viewed through two lenses really, a coming of age piece for Kamala, and a super hero show set in the MCU.

Rish Shah is introduced as Kamran, and his character from the jump definitely gives off vibes of being much more than he appears. We get a little tease at the end of the episode on what his role could be, and I felt he brought a good energy to the show. I think he's written a little too cliche, but knowing he's putting up a facade and not really having his full intentions at this point it worked for me.

Just had to mention Arian Moayed returning as Agent Cleary from the Spiderman MCU films. I love the inclusion of Damage Control in this show to give it some MCU tie ins, and his sarcastic approach to all these interrogations is absolutely hilarious. I hope he sticks around for a few more episodes.

STORY - My one critique of this show so far is that 1/3 of the way through we really have no idea what it's about, or who could even be our looming villain. I know that's taken a backseat to develop Kamala's character and introduce us to her world, but we need some information on the narrative sooner rather than later. The Bruno and Kamala dynamic continues to drive this show for me, and getting to see her start to develop her powers feels very reminiscent of the Sam Raimi Spider-Man film and how super powers serve as a great allegory for coming of age in high school.

The whole Mosque Board election storyline is also really interesting, and the name "Illumin-Aunties" might be the greatest coin of phrase I've heard all year in anything. I can't get enough of the gossiping amongst all the people in Kamala's community and there seems to be plenty of interesting characters that we could see going forward.

BEST SCENE - I'll have to go with the entire scene that took place at the Eid event where Kamala, Bruno, and Nakia were both helping Nakia campaign, and trying to get some info in Kamala's Nana and the possible connection to her gauntlet. The way the scene was shot and edited felt like I was actually going around to the respective booths and felt really unique to the MCU. Of course it culminates with Night Light making an appearance and showing how Kamala is still getting a feel for her abilities. Also, Ice Cream Pizza is pretty hilarious and gross at the same time.

THEORIES AND QUESTIONS -

T - With the introduction of Kamran we could see Bruno turn pseudo-villain in a bit of jealousy. I'm not predicting a full on Ned Leeds as the Hob-Goblin, but I could see him resenting Kamala for dropping him once this new guys shows up. Especially if Kamala has to keep who Kamran really is a secret and can't give him the real context of what they're ultimately doing together.

T - Kamran's mother will be our main antagonist. Nothing to base this on except for that brief vision Kamala had, and we have no real foil yet unless you count the difficulties of sneaking home without your parents catching you.

Q - Would you vote for Nakia or Rasheed if you were Kamala's dad? I don't appreciate being blackmailed, but has Rasheed has his time in the sun and it's time for a new generation to lead? These are the real questions.

In summation I think this show has a very unique style of storytelling which is a great use of the Disney+ format for the MCU. Kamala Khan is such a vibrant character I'm excited to see where the series ends up going, even though

I think there needs to be some more plot development in episode three. Let us know what you think. See you all next week!

-JH