Daredevil has returned! Three weeks after the first glimpse of his new golden mask, Matt Murdock has finally joined Jen Walters in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, and it doesn't let them down. In the most action-packed episode of the series thus far, Jen and her new superhero lawyer ally shine.
The She-Hulk/Daredevil team-up in the first two thirds of the episode, which is outrageously entertaining. It features equal parts squabbling and ass-kicking. While the stunning revelation in the program's final third sets up a spectacular conclusion.
In the first season's penultimate episode, "Ribbit and Rip It," Jen takes up Eugene Patilio's lawsuit against Luke Jacobson for creating a defective super-suit. Eugene Patilio is better known as the frog-themed vigilante Leap-Frog. Matt Murdock, who is representing Jacobson, wins the case right away because he is "a really good lawyer," and partners up with She-Hulk to fight Leap-Frog when he kidnaps Jacobson and compels him to create a new suit.
Tatiana Maslany continues to serve as the show's fulcrum as the contrast between relatable everywoman Jen and strong, superhuman She-Hulk. Yet, this week she also takes on the role from an entirely different perspective. With Jen's climactic burst of wrath, Maslany gives the character a completely new dimension, erring more on the side of a supervillain than a superhero before giving a contrite face to the camera in the jaw-dropping last shot. Todd Phelps, played by Jon Bass, is as hysterically repulsive as ever, while Griffin Matthews, the MCU's Edna Mode, makes a triumphant return as heroic fashion designer Luke Jacobson.
Charlie Cox, who plays Matt Murdock again, is the episode's star, though. Cox still possesses the effortless charm and genuine pathos that made his Daredevil portrayal so compelling in the first place. He and Maslany have great chemistry together on film.
The She-Hulk series' humorous tone and the realistic portrayal of Daredevil by writer Cody Ziglar are expertly balanced by Ziglar. Cox's Daredevil is every bit the fearless vigilante he was in his first appearance, but he also has his funny moments as Matt and Jen start to act like a pair of "buddy cops." Ziglar capitalises on the excitement of two lawyers joining forces for a superhero adventure by pointing out that they both practise advocacy.
Marvel fans were worried that She-Hulk’s silly portrayal of Daredevil would damage his reputation as a dark, brooding antihero. However, Cox plays Daredevil here with more of a knowing wink than a full-on goofy attitude.
Some Marvel fans have been growing impatient as looming payoffs have continued to linger week after week as a result of She-adventure-of-the-week Hulk's storytelling and constant cliffhangers. However, the payoffs in "Ribbit and Rip It" are definitely worth the wait thanks to a spectacular cameo by Daredevil and the conclusion of Intelligencia's nefarious agenda.
The stage is set for an exciting season finale the following week with Jen losing her cool and Damage Control prepared to eliminate her.
Performance | 4.6/5 |
Enjoyment | 4.7/5 |
Overall Rating | 4.6/5 |