Review: She-Hulk

There has been a lot of discourse surrounding the newest Marvel series coming to Disney Plus. The main topic of choice is the CGI. And while it is not incredible, it’s also not that big of a deal. The real question is, how is the show?

She-Hulk was one of my most-anticipated series for the streaming service, mainly because of who they cast as the title character. For those who are unfamiliar, She-Hulk is Jennifer Walters, a talented lawyer who just so happens to be the cousin of Bruce Banner. Following an injury, Jennifer is transformed into a Hulk and takes on the alter-ego of She-Hulk. The series is similar to the comics, but there are a few slight tweaks and surprises. The story is told through Jennifer as she breaks the fourth wall multiple times, giving Deadpool a run for his money. When a courtroom situation ends with Jennifer fired, a new firm takes her on to handle all superhuman cases.

The First 4 Episodes

So far, I have watched episodes 4 out of 9 episodes. There will be one a week every Thursday. Each episode has been under 30 minutes, but every single one has a fun end credit scene. While the episodes may be short, they pack a punch. The show is absolutely hilarious. The banter between Jennifer and Bruce will have you chuckling the whole time. There is also a ridiculously funny character in episode 4 that I can’t wait for you to meet. There are also great action sequences, but unfortunately, don’t expect any full-fledged Marvel-style fights. There are also some really fun cameos and answers to some of the MCU’s most asked online questions.

The Good

This is also the most feminist show to hit the streaming service. Jennifer is immediately in control of her new powers. Bruce is stunned, wondering how she is so advanced when it took him years to become “Smart Hulk.” Her breezy response is because women aren’t temperamental and have to be in complete control of their emotions 24/7. Any woman watching will immediately laugh because, yes, it’s true. There are many nods like that, including behavior in the workplace and the absolute terror that is dating in your 30s.

Tatiana Maslany is the perfect choice for this character. If you are familiar with her work on Orphan Black, then it will not be a surprise to know she’s able to play both roles effortlessly. She is a master at her craft and can easily switch from dramatic to comedic acting at the drop of a hat.

The CGI

Personally, I do not have a problem with the CGI. It’s not as bad as some are making it out to be. We are still able to see her facial expressions, and that’s all that matters. This is a streaming television show, so I wasn’t expecting the graphics to be as advanced as, let’s say, Endgame. That being said, for a streaming service, it’s not bad. It’s a tough job to make the main character that has to be full CGI for most of the episode believable, and the amazing graphic artists at Marvel do a fantastic job with what little time they are given.

The Issues

The first episode does feel rushed. Especially when we get to the origin story, it’s literally all of 5 minutes, which is kind of ridiculous. Some really great running gags are weaved in through each episode. A lot of them get a full conclusion with the fun end credit scenes. There is also no defined villain within the first four episodes, which I found confusing. This seems to be a week-to-week type of show, almost playing out like a 90s cartoon. Another issue is there is really no strong motivation for Jennifer’s character. Her problems are all surface-level, and there’s no real “lesson learned” type of plot.

The Conclusion

She-Hulk will not be for everyone. It’s a fun show to watch weekly, but no one will be staying up until midnight to catch the episode to avoid any spoilers. It’s just an enjoyable show with good humor and female empowerment. Jennifer Walters is a perfect hero for young kids to look up to. It’s great to see a confident, driven woman as the main character. There are great moments, and there are a lot of cameos. I’m curious where the plot will take us with only nine 30-minute episodes, especially since there is no solid villain within the first four. The show has potential and could serve as an easy way to catapult new characters into the universe. Marvel shows have all fallen victim to a slow start and rushed finale. I feel She-Hulk will be no different. But that doesn’t mean you won’t have a fun time watching.