The most recent episode of She-Hulk, avoids the Daredevil and Intelligencia teasers of earlier episodes in favour of another self-contained Jen-centric adventure. In an effort to remind you whose show this really is. This time, She-Hulk is at her best as we undergo supervillain therapy at Emil Blonsky's "wackadoo ranch." It is humorous, well-paced, and tonally distinctive.
First, a rom-com montage featuring Jen going on a series of sickeningly romantic dates with Josh, the supposedly ideal gentleman she met at her cousin's wedding. Before exchanging awkward goodbyes at the door, the couple strolls about Los Angeles hand in hand, looking at food trucks. He finally walks inside Jen's home one night, and the idyllic relationship crumbles. After a passionate night, she wakes up to an empty bed and unanswered texts.
Blonsky's parole officer Chuck Donelan requests assistance in checking on Abomination while Jen struggles with being ghosted because his inhibitor failed. To find out more, the two travel to Summer Twilight, Blonsky's Wi-Fi-free getaway. They discover the reclusive ex-supervillain running a shelter for disturbed people and showering them with inspirational quotes.
Tim Roth completely sells Blonsky's brilliant idea of superhero therapy in the role of Blonsky. In prior episodes, his heightened portrayal of the character was amusing but out of place. Nevertheless, in this instance, in a setting just as bizarre as he is, he works flawlessly. The supporting characters improve the sequence much more. Every single one of these D-list Marvel characters commits to the bit, from Man-Bull and a matador working out their issues by beating each other up to a scary vampire who pushes things too far.
She-Hulk probes farther when it could have all been mere window dressing. Jen first rejects assistance, but she soon finds herself in the middle of therapy where she opens up about her dual identities. Tatiana Maslany once again demonstrates why she is the ideal option to play Jen in this heartbreaking yet incredibly potent scene. She's developing into one of the most fully realised newcomers to the MCU as the show continues to expose her anxieties in harrowing detail.
The tone changes throughout the episode are effective, and the supervillain's orders to "murder Josh" are a wonderful use of humour to break up the serious tension. A noteworthy quality of "The Retreat" is how it seamlessly switches between several genres, blending romance, thriller, and comedy without feeling out of place. The music has a big part to play in that. Jen transitions abruptly from grooving to Dua Lipa to a three-day-ago scene in the film's closing moments. As Josh snaps a picture of Jen as she naps, the tension rises up. Amie Doherty's composition incorporates jarring tones, which results in an excellent spooky finale.
As we wonder, "Just who is HulkKing?," it's another cliffhanger, and we now have a new antagonist to deal with. Given how skillfully the writers have started to connect the dots in Jen's story, it appears that these narrative offshoots will all make sense as we approach the finale. However, it does feel as if we should have a clearer idea of where this show is going by now.
Performance | 4.7/5 |
Enjoyment | 4.6/5 |
Overall Rating | 4.6/5 |