'Ms. Marvel Episode 3: Destined' Review - Shaking Off The Y.A. Dramatics, Kamala Khan Grows Up
Ms. Marvel has finally found her footing with "Episode 3: Destined."
SPOILERS AHEAD.
Less playful in that high-school-teen-romp sort of way, the show seems to be ratcheting up the tension by finally introducing Kamala Khan's (Iman Vellani) purpose in becoming Ms. Marvel, while giving us the true heavies needed for a superhero narrative.
The episode begins in 1942, with Najma (Nimra Bucha) and a random crew digging through the ruins of an old temple, while the British are attacking the surrounding area. They soon find the magical wrist cuff that imbues Kamala with her abilities on a blue, severed arm.
It is soon revealed that there is a second cuff needed for what they are trying to accomplish.
Now we find out with Kamala that her great-grandmother (Mehwish Hayat) used to run with Najma and her friends, who are all Jinns (genies or demons, depending on the lore) - or, as they call themselves, Clandestines - thus making Kamala part Jinn.
Now banished to Earth from another dimension, I'll let you guess who the bad guys are.
Unaware of their plans to return home at whatever cost, the brunt of the episode revolves around Kamala's brother's wedding, her bestie Bruno's (Matt Lintz) hidden affection for her, and a pretty fun Bollywood dance number.
Not to mention the Department of Damage Control, who are basically a version of ICE that hunts down people with powers - now harassing the Mosque where Kamala and her family worship.
Things have finally come to a head.
During the wedding, Kamala is forced to clear out the guests after Kamran (Rish Shah), her thirst-trap love interest, and Najma's aunt, warns of an attack by the Clandestines. Pulling the fire alarm, she is now forced to finally show what her powers can really do.
This is the moment when the show finally grabs those who are craving more of a Marvel plot rather than Y.A. dramatics.
Kamala gets hurt, she is in peril, and she, most importantly, holds her own, even when she doesn't completely win the day. She grows up in a matter of minutes. This kind of tonal shift, bringing in the classic "hero's journey" narrative is what turns a just okay plot into something great.
For the first time in my watchthrough of Ms. Marvel, I actually look forward to seeing what's next for our hero. A slow burn for sure, but a worthwhile effort when credits roll.
