She-Hulk: Attorney at Law showcases a beloved Marvel character. Tatiana Maslany plays Jennifer Walters, a 30-something attorney who is also a 6-foot-7-inch tall superpowered hulk. Having watched the first four episodes of the series, I can honestly say the show has captured my attention. Jessica Gao created the series with Kat Coiro and the usual suspects from Marvel overseeing production duties. Corio returns to the world of comic books following this past winter's Marry Me.
Jennifer's backstory is set up in the first episode with a slight change from the comics. Rather than getting a blood transfusion from Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo), Walters is accidentally cross-contaminated with his blood following a car accident. Jennifer's arc was set up right away in the first episode instead of taking a long time with her origin story. Typically, a series like this would end its debut episode with our heroine earning her power.
The screen presence of Maslany drew me into the show and the way the show humanizes the character. Even when Jennifer transforms into a Hulk, focusing on her human side is a good decision. Having missed Maslany's breakout role in Orphan Black, seeing her here was like discovering new talent.
Avid fans of Marvel Comics will appreciate the aspects that come from John Byrne's interpretation of She-Hulk during his"The Sensational She-Hulk." It was a delight to see our heroine break the fourth wall and speak directly to us. At times Jennifer knows she is a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
MCU fans will appreciate the return of Mark Ruffalo, Tim Roth, and Benedict Wong. Fans of DC comics will also enjoy Jameela Jamil's voice work in the Harley Quinn series and the recently released DC League of Super-Pets. Jamil portrays Titania, who may or may not be the show's primary villain. The first episode introduces Titania well. Kudos to the writers for making the character a social media influencer with incredible strength obsessed with She-Hulk. Supporting cast members are also reliable. Some of the characters fall into the typical role of MCU background characters. Ginger Gonzaga's portrayal of Nikki Ramos, Walters' best friend and paralegal, stands out.
Although there are action sequences, they aren't necessarily on par with The Falcon & The Winter Soldier. When they happen, they work within the show's context. Furthermore, Jessica Gao, the series' head writer, and Kat Coiro, who leads the directing team, communicated constantly. Cody Ziglar, Francesca Gailes, Jacqueline J. Gailes, Melissa Hunter, Dana Schwartz, Kara Brown, and Zeb Wells also write on the show. Their background is in sitcoms.
The show has a distinct vibe as the previous Phase Four shows did. Despite its sitcom feel, the jokes in the show work. Jennifer is in similar situations to my single female friends, professionally and romantically. Honestly, I think many single guys in their late twenties to early thirties will find something relatable in the show.
Light and fun, She-Hulk: Attorney at Laws is an appropriate introduction of the character into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Final Grade: B+
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