IR TV Review: MS. MARVEL - EPISODE 5 [Disney+]

The context of Ms. Marvel comes down to the essence of her path. In Episode 4, Kamala Khan had her most eye opening perspective finally making her way to India to understand a little more of her lineage. The cliffhanger of that is used as a perspective to lead into Episode 5 which gives a texture of the backstory of the bracelet and part of the power that it wields. A good chunk of the episode is devoted to this backstory in explaining the reasoning of the Djinns in terms of how they have survived, not unlike the Eternals but from an alternate dimension. The depth of the reasoning and desperation to return seems a bit much, especially when the resolution comes about. But the focus, of course, is on Kamala's great grandmother and the path she took.

The continuation of family and acceptance backwards and forwards seem to wrap up a little better but the larger story save for one loose edge is left dangling although bigger fish likely are on the way once control and extent of her power is fully gained. The episode knows what it is doing which is paying off the exposition without explaining the actual mysticism that caused the consequence of what happened (with the exception of a photograph). The reasoning ties it off in a nice bow but almost too crisply in its efficiency whereas Episode 4 reveled in more of its intention, chases (shot on the streets of Thailand) and an overall better pace. But the final kernel to show the payoff of the season, in its own way, in terms of the personal connection for Kamala still has one or two more steps to go. B

By Tim Wassberg