Spoiler-Free ‘She-Hulk’ Episode 7 Review: Shulkie Can’t Catch A Break
Image Source: Wallpapersden
One thing I noticed about this episode was that, at times, it felt like it was directed by someone completely different. There were a lot of graphics that integrated with the scenes, which were more reminiscent of Ms. Marvel than previous episodes of She-Hulk. There were also more stylized shots and some cinematography that seemed less like a sitcom and more MCU. It was interesting and worked but also a bit jarring since it hadn’t been done in the previous 6 episodes. So far, it feels like She-Hulk can’t find its consistency.
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Episode 1 was a typical MCU origin story. Episodes 2 and 5 were set up or resolution episodes that felt like we were cheated out of better content that could’ve filled the time. Episodes 3 and 4 were fresh, funny, and very well executed, and then we had last week, which felt very typical average sitcom. This week we found ourselves with a situation much more like episodes 3 and 4, but it just wasn’t executed quite as well. The biggest problem was that the comedy felt a little forced. Don’t get me wrong, a group therapy session with D-list characters was a pretty good scenario. The whole premise of Jen being at Abomination’s retreat should have been gold. It’s the same ridiculous level as Donny Blaze of episode 4, but it didn’t land as well.
Let’s talk about Josh. The episode was off to a good start with him, and Jen was a solid start and cute. We then got a very accurate and relatable depiction of waiting for a text back which is the kind of thing the show does well. Unfortunately, it went downhill from there. We didn’t see much of him this episode but how they did handle him was disappointing. It seems as though what could have been a payoff to Jen’s trip through accepting herself as both Jen and She-Hulk in a rewarding way was sacrificed for moving along the meta-arc. It’s actually quite puzzling since it seems to muddy Jen’s character arc and the messaging of the show.
So far, despite her attempts at self-acceptance, Jen keeps trending toward leaving Jen behind as she does in the comics. It even flies in the face of her character arc and progress in this very episode during group therapy. Honestly, it’s even more frustrating since we could do without this meta arc. It feels like an afterthought, or they’re just doing it to tick off boxes. I’d be much happier if Titania’s meta arc were the only one, and they did a better job with it.
I was glad to see them returning to a more ridiculous premise this week. The characters were equally absurd and had a lot of potential. Unfortunately, there was mixed execution, and I was just left feeling like they could have done more with it. We also had no side plots this week, which was unfortunate since the supporting characters seemed to be building some momentum and are some of the best parts of the show. We got a lot of believable character development from Jen, but, as She-Hulk sometimes does, it was told but not shown. It still worked, but it’s an inefficient way to tell a story.
Image Source: collider
There was some effective 4th wall breaking, but I feel like it could be used more. She-Hulk often underuses its strengths and sacrifices the things that make it feel fresh and at its best to play it somewhat safe and retain an “MCU feel .” Some episodes feel over before far too soon because they’re trying to develop so many storylines they lose out on depth.
Much like the titular character, this episode in particular and the series feel like it’s struggling to find itself between 2 identities. It has shown moments of brilliance but also of disappointment. If there is a season 2, I hope they lean into the things that make it unique and practice the self-acceptance they’re trying to convey. With 2 episodes left and a Daredevil appearance still expected, I’m hoping that She-Hulk can finish the series at its peak.
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