What can be said about Marvel’s latest Disney+ series, Ms. Marvel, that hasn’t already been said? I’m so in awe of the premiere episode that aired today, and I find myself at a loss of words. As a first-generation Pakistani-American, this show epitomizes my upbringing and childhood in ways that I could have never imagined.
If you would have asked 12-year-old me how I would feel if there was a Marvel Pakistani superhero, I’m pretty sure my heart would burst with excitement. After watching the pilot episode of Ms. Marvel, I’m happy to report that it truly is just as amazing as all the critics have been saying.
It’s witty, funny, goofy, creative, and will appeal to audiences of all ages. The quirky animation and Kamala Khan’s (Iman Vellani) unique perspective helps it stand out from the other Marvel shows that have come before it.
So, without further ado, let’s talk about the Ms. Marvel premiere, probably the best show we’ve seen on Disney+ thus far. SPOILERS ahead!
Hello world, this is Ms. Marvel, aka Kamala Khan
Kamala represents the inner child inside all of us, the child that dreams of being a superhero even when others say it’s silly. She is brought to life spectacularly by Iman Vellani. I know Marvel went through thousands of auditions before they found Vellani, but I am so happy to report that the wait was worth it. Vellani is perfection in every way and encompasses the heart and soul that Kamala has in the comics.
Similar to the comics, Kamala’s family and friends are front and center of her life. Kamala spends her day writing fan fiction about Captain Marvel, the Avenger she idolizes and adores. All she wants is to be just like her, and she has the chance at the upcoming Avenger Con. However, her parents are strict, specifically her mother Muneeba (Zenobia Shroff), and she’s not sure she will get the green light to go with her best friend Bruno (Matt Lintz).
What I love about this insight into a Pakistani family dynamic (and one that I can relate to all too well) is that it is so authentic. I can’t recall the countless arguments and pleas I made with my parents to go out with my friends just like Kamala did. It felt so relatable, and that made my heart full. Looking back, those arguments were silly, but watching it on Ms. Marvel gave me a nostalgic glimpse back at my childhood.
Throughout the episode, we’re privy to Kamala’s inner thoughts and her desires to be just like Captain Marvel. She has her own podcast, she writes fan-fic, and she’s even been working on her cosplay for the upcoming con.
Her grand plan was to pass her driving test so she could drive herself and Bruno to the convention without her parents finding out. The hope was to leave under the guise of running errands for her brother Aamir’s (Saagar Shaikh) wedding. Unfortunately, she fails the driving test by crashing into her proctor’s car, and just like that, her dreams of Avenger Con dwindle.
The Avenger Con plan
Kamala musters up the courage to ask her parents if she can go to Avenger Con, but she is met with a resounding no. In Pakistani culture (as in others), there is always a fear of what other people will think about your actions and behavior. Muneeba fears Kamala’s extracurricular activities will put their family in the spotlight and subject them to ridicule.
Of course, Kamala doesn’t see things through that lens. All she really wants is to win the cosplay contest at the convention and live her nerdy life. She asks Aamir for help convincing their parents, and it seems to work…with some exceptions.
Her father, Yusuf (Mohan Kapoor), has to take her to the convention, attend it with her, and then bring Kamala back home. It’s the only way they’ll allow her to go. But there’s one more kicker: she has to dress up like “Little Hulk” while her father is “Big Hulk.” I could not contain my laughter at the scene where Yusuf shows up in his Hulk costume, complete with green face paint.
It’s not the ideal option for Kamala and she promptly rejects it. Unfortunately, it’s the only one she has. Well, that is until she figures out how to fool her parents. She comes up with an elaborate plan that involves her sneaking out of the house and using a recorded voice to make her parents think she is in her room. Bruno is to wait for her outside her house with an extra bike as they make their getaway to Avenger Con.
While the plan sounds flawless in her head, it doesn’t exactly play out that way. Instead, she’s running late, she jumps out of her room towards a branch that breaks and falls to the ground, and she and Bruno barely make it onto the bus in time. Kamala even loses her bike in the process!
So, yes, it’s not the ideal start, but hey, they both make it to Avenger Con successfully!
Kamala’s powers
Earlier in the episode, Muneeba receives a package from her mother in Pakistani filled with things for Aamir’s wedding. In that package, there is an interesting-looking bracelet that we’ve seen Kamala wear in the promos.
She “borrows” the bracelet for her Captain Marvel cosplay, but soon discovers that it’s more than just an heirloom from her grandmother. When she puts the bracelet on, an array of cosmic colors takes over Kamala and imbibes her with powers.
These powers manifest while she is on stage for the competition, and they make quite a mess of things. We don’t know too much about her powers just yet, but from the little we do see, I think we are in for a treat.
Unfortunately, Kamala returns home to find out that her mother knew she snuck out and is incredibly disappointed in her. Now that is something I can relate to! Muneeba is unhappy that Kamala is so lost in her fantasy world and can’t seem to concentrate on the life she is living. It doesn’t bode well for their relationship but I have a feeling things are going to change dramatically as Kamala’s powers continue to manifest.
The episode closes here, but we do get a post-credit scene of a woman and a man watching a video of Kamala’s powers going crazy at the convention. I don’t know who they are, but the woman is super eager to bring Kamala in. Dare I say the adventure is about to begin?
As I’ve already mentioned, I’m so in awe of Ms. Marvel already, and we’ve only seen one episode. It has all the elements a comic book-inspired show needs. The world of Marvel is already so robust, and part of what makes it more beautiful here is the influences from another culture. As someone from that culture, I was over the moon to see the authentic clothes, the cultural music, and more throughout the episode.
I can’t wait for next week and the week after that, and the week after that. Honestly, I wish Ms. Marvel could go on forever!
Grade: A
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