Some “fans” may have raised objection to She-Hulk: Attorney At Law, but I’ll allow it
She-Hulk: Attorney at Law strides into the Marvel Cinematic Universe court of opinion to serve a writ of courtroom dramedy and superhero spectacle, filing appellate briefs from the likes of Ally McBeal and Boston Legal to supplement the metahuman mayhem with whimsical charm and sharp wit. Tatiana Maslany brings Jennifer Walters to vivid life, a lawyer-turned-Hulk navigating the chaos of her dual existence with a reluctant grace and a wry sense of humour that frequently breaks the fourth wall, inviting viewers into her zany, metatextual world.
From the get-go, Jennifer’s life is turned upside down by an accident that imbues her with Hulk-like abilities, thanks to a chance encounter with her cousin, Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo). Unlike many superheroes who embrace their newfound powers with gusto, Jennifer approaches her transformation with a mix of trepidation and resigned acceptance. She’s a character who never sought out the limelight, thrust into it by ironic fate, making her journey all the more relatable (even though we all delude ourselves that we would love to suddenly become superhumanly empowered).
In the pilot episode, aptly titled “A Normal Amount of Rage,” we see Jennifer’s initial resistance to her Hulk persona. The series deftly balances its comedic tone with moments of genuine pathos, as Jennifer grapples with her new reality. Her reluctant heroism is a breath of fresh air in a genre often dominated by grandiose ambitions and stoic sacrifices.
As the series unfolds, Jennifer finds herself employed at a law firm specialising in superhuman cases, a setting that serves as a fertile ground for both legal drama and superhero antics. In “Superhuman Law,” she’s tasked with defending Emil Blonsky, the Abomination, a role reprised by Tim Roth with a delightful mix of menace and mirth. This episode, like the series as a whole, seamlessly weaves courtroom intrigue with the fantastical elements of the MCU, creating a tapestry that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking.
“The People vs. Emil Blonsky” continues this trend, delving deeper into the legal ramifications of superhuman existence. Jennifer’s courtroom battles are interspersed with action-packed sequences and moments of levity, maintaining a light-hearted tone without sacrificing narrative depth. The media scrutiny Jennifer faces in this episode offers a sharp commentary on the invasive nature of public life, a theme that resonates deeply in today’s celebrity-obsessed culture.
The series reaches new heights of absurdity and brilliance in episodes like “Is This Not Real Magic?” where Jennifer takes on a case involving a magician using real magic. This blend of legal drama and supernatural chaos exemplifies the show’s willingness to embrace its comic book roots, offering viewers a rollercoaster ride of hilarity and high stakes. Jennifer’s character continues to evolve, her initial reluctance giving way to a grudging acceptance of her dual identity. Any appearance by Benedict Wong’s Sorcerer Supreme automatically makes the world a better place, adding delightful gravitas and humour to the proceedings.
In “Mean, Green, and Straight Poured into These Jeans,” Jennifer faces off against Titania, portrayed by Jameela Jamil, in a legal battle over the She-Hulk trademark. This satirical take on intellectual property law within the superhero context is both clever and engaging, showcasing the show’s ability to blend humour, drama, and real-world commentary with effortless finesse. The rivalry between Jennifer and Titania adds a layer of excitement, their confrontations crackling with energy and wit.
The series doesn’t shy away from exploring Jennifer’s personal life either. “Just Jen” sees her attending a high school reunion, struggling to maintain her human persona amidst the pressures of her superhuman identity. This character-driven episode delves into Jennifer’s internal conflicts, offering a poignant look at the challenges of balancing her dual roles. The humour remains consistent, with Jennifer’s fourth-wall-breaking commentary providing a self-aware critique of superhero culture.
“Ribbit and Rip It” introduces Leap-Frog, a new client whose case blends legal drama with superhero action. This episode’s fast-paced narrative and witty dialogue continue to entertain, while also setting the stage for the series finale. Jennifer’s legal acumen and superhero skills are both put to the test, highlighting her growth and resilience.
The finale, “Whose Show is This?” fully embraces the series’ meta-narrative – even changing the opening credits to deliver a fantastically observed pastiche of the opening of the classic 1970’s Incredible Hulk TV show opening titles – and sees Jennifer breaking the fourth wall to an unprecedented degree, topping even Deadpool’s antics. This bold narrative choice critiques traditional superhero storytelling, offering a unique and unconventional conclusion. Jennifer’s journey culminates in a celebration of her individuality and resilience, her character arc coming full circle in a flourish of wit and self-discovery. The show doesn’t shy away from calling out the misogynistic fanboys through its on-screen and off-screen treatment of the antagonist, firmly showing them their unimportance in the grand scheme of things.
She-Hulk: Attorney At Law certainly doesn’t skimp on the guest stars. Alongside Benedict Wong, Mark Ruffalo and Tim Roth, Charlie Cox follows up his cameo in Spider-Man: No Way Home, returning as both Matt Murdock and Daredevil to thrilling effect, bringing a slightly more seasoned counterpoint to Jennifer’s tentative steps into the world of super herodom and deepening the connectivity to the wider MCU, further expanding a shared universe that’s already bursting at the seams (by design, it would appear). The abrupt departure of Bruce Banner mid-series makes sense in terms of giving space for She-Hulk to find her own way, but his series finale last-minute reappearance introducing his son almost feels like a bit of a liberty as Marvel stumbles in its usually polished foreshadowing with an introduction that’s as subtle as an airhorn and conspicuously badly CGI’d.
She-Hulk: Attorney at Law is a vibrant addition to the MCU, standing out for its bold, comedic approach and its exploration of legal and personal issues within a superhuman context. Tatiana Maslany’s performance anchors the show, bringing depth and charm to Jennifer Walters. Despite the unjust criticism and overtly misogynistic backlash (which She-Hulk: Attorney At Law not only predicted but pre-empted), the series succeeds in delivering a narrative that is as fun as it is thought-provoking, challenging conventional expectations while honouring its comic book roots. It’s a refreshing take on the superhero genre, proving that there’s ample room for humour, heart, and a bit of legal wrangling amidst the high-flying action.