(Spoiler Warning!!!)
It has been a while since we’ve had a Ms. Marvel newsletter. I feel wrong about that because the series isn’t bad at all. I haven’t had time to talk about episode three, so I’ll have to divide this newsletter in two. One half will be on the third episode, then the second half will be on the fourth. I’ll have to shorten both installments. It means I might miss some details, and I apologize in advance. Bouncing off of episode two, Kamala discovered more of her powers. Bruno even stated her abilities didn’t come from the bangle. Interesting! With her newfound confidence, she had her eyes set on a new crush, Kamran. It left Bruno alone for a bit. Speaking of Bruno, he got into Caltech! The most significant moment of the second episode was the vision from the bangle. It led to the final scene where Kamran picked up Kamala after she escaped Damage Control. Kamala met his mother, who I believed was the same woman from the bangle vision. Now, where do we go from here? Let’s talk about it, comic comrades!
Episode Three
In 1942, Aisha and Kamran’s mother, Najma, led a group to the bangle. It was on a severed blue arm. Could it be a Kree? Also, did you see the ten rings? There might be a possibility of the rings and bangle having a connection. The group was looking for two bangles, but the British army came before they could find the second one. In the present day, Najma explained to Kamala that the bangle unlocked the Noor. Najma and her peers were from another dimension. They were exiled from their world, so they couldn't access their true abilities in this reality. Since Kamala is from this dimension, she can unlock the powers from the bangle. Najma stated that Kamala would carry the legacy of her great-grandmother, Aisha. She will be the one who sends them back home. In this conversation, she also said people from the Noor dimension are Clandestines, also known as Djinn. It made Kamala one of them. Kamala went to Bruno for help on interdimensional travel since he is the big brain between the two. Bruno mentioned Dr. Erik Selvig about the topic. I can’t remember the last time Dr. Selvig was brought up, but the guy is a scientific gem for the MCU. He is most known for his involvement in the first two Thor and the first Avenger films. The DODC came into the mosque to see if they could learn more about an enhanced individual at the mosque. With their shoes on too. The disrespect. Nakia stood her ground, and the DODC left with no information. Well done.
One of the aspects I love about this series is learning about the culture. We see the women participating in mehndi and stealing the groom’s shoes. It was quite wonderful, but it got a bit more serious when the topic of the new hero came up. Everyone had their opinion of Kamala, and they weren’t all nice. Kamala was in a dilemma. She had no idea how to come across as good. She opened up to Sheikh Abdullah, the head of the mosque. He explained that good isn’t a thing you are but a thing you do. Well said! Kamala opened the gift Bruno left for her. It was her signature mask. How exciting!! While Bruno researched the origin of Djinns, he got a helping from Yusuf. Djinns were pre-Islamic folklore from his translation. But he found out that if Kamala helps Najma, there might be dangerous repercussions. She texted Kamran that information, but Najma read it. Plot twist! Najma and her peers are the villains of the series. No matter what, she’ll force Kamala to portal them. After the amazing ceremony and the electrifying dance, Kamran came to warn Kamala. She quickly pulled the fire alarm to have everyone leave the room. Kamala was outnumbered, but it didn’t stop her. She put on a fight; it was impressive for the amateur hero. Kamala wasn’t alone, though. She had some help from Kamran and Bruno, and the DODC came in clutch. Before the arrests, Najma showed Kamala a vision of a train from the Partition. Nakia found out about Kamala’s power, and she was shocked. Back home, Kamala didn’t tell her family about her situation. It was sad to see her struggle alone when her family cares so much. Out of nowhere, Kamala received a call from her grandmother, Sana. She knew about the vision! Looks like a trip to Karachi is next!
Episode Four
Kamala and Muneeba were on their way to Karachi. At their arrival, they were greeted by Kamala’s cousins, Zainab and Owais, and Sana. Their home was very beautiful. The room Kamala entered was filled with paintings done by Sana. The art expressed her time during one of the hardest battles she had to face in her lifetime, which was knowing your place in life. Sana confirmed that Kamala was a Djinn. Well, that’s what her father told her anyways. Kamala was freaked out, but Sana saw no problem since it was only genetics. It was a tough time for Kamala. She had so much going on and felt nothing was going her way. Sana promised she would help Kamala understand what the bangle was calling for. I appreciate the focus on the culture. They didn’t shy away from showing the viewers the wonderful atmosphere that Karachi had to offer. The group split up, and Kamala made her way to the train station. At this moment, she faced a masked man. He wanted her to reveal her identity to him. They fought, but it ended quickly. His name was Kareem, and he was a Red Dagger. The Red Daggers protected the locals from enemies like Najma. Kareem took Kamala through a secret passageway where they met the leader of the Red Daggers, Waleed. He instantly knew Kamala was a descendant of Aisha. Waleed explained the Noor dimension and how it co-exists with the present world within the same space. Earth and the Noor Dimension were connected, but it was hidden and unseen by humans. The Veil of Noor kept the worlds separated. The Clandestines could unleash their world on Earth if they used the bangle to tear down the veil. Waleed saw the inscription on the bangle. It said, “what you seek is seeking you.” Could that be for Kamala?
Back at the DODC prison, Najma and the gang broke free. Najma decided to leave Karman behind since he tried to help Kamala. What a terrible mother. Kamala spent her night with Kareem and his friends eating and listening to live music. I’m not sure if we are supposed to root for Kamala to get with Bruno, Kamran, or Kareem? She has guys everywhere. Good for her, though! While Kamala enjoyed being a teenager, Sana and Muneeba spoke about their issues. Muneeba felt like her mother ignored her when she needed her the most. Sana focused more on fairytales instead of being a mother to Muneeba. It was very heartbreaking. The next day, Waleed and Kareem helped Kamala learn more about her powers. A delightful moment drastically changed when Najma and her peers came to fight. Shoutout to Waleed, though. He held his own against these folks. The fight inside turned into a chase outside in the street. Kamala demonstrated her powers more, which looked like she was getting a better hand on them. About half of Najma’s group is killed throughout the chase. Waleed sacrificed himself for Kareem and Kamala to escape the Clandestines. As Najma went to attack Kamala with her spear, Kamala blocked it using the bangle. And wow. She was transported through a portal to 1947. It was devastating to see the time of the Partition. Kamala was at the train station her grandmother spoke about. All these people were trying to get on the train. I didn’t think Marvel would even show this. What will Kamala have to do? Is this where the bangle will show Kamala her true purpose in life?
Final Thoughts
Whew. That was a lot, huh? Episode three was great. I was surprised by the change in origin for Kamala Khan. I really thought the direction was going to be Inhuman instead of Djinn. I thought it was an excellent opportunity to do so. If the creators have their story planned out. If it is executed well, then I won't mind. It was pleasant to see Kamala struggle with her identity because every teenager goes through that. It is difficult for her because she idolizes heroes. She wasn't sure if she was the right fit for the bangle. I loved seeing a wedding ceremony from a different culture than mine. It is such a beautiful thing to see. The action was fine, but I appreciated the use of Kamala's powers more. I can’t wait to see how creative she gets when she learns her full potential. I was sad when Kamala refused to tell her family about her problems. Yusuf and Muneeba repeatedly showed how strong their family is together. I believed Kamala should have told them. But a lone wolf has to do their thing. I had the same feeling about episode four as I did with episode three. There hasn’t been an episode that has stuck out for me. They all feel the same, which isn’t a bad thing. It is keeping its momentum. I’m ready for the series to take a big turn. It seems like we got that at the end of episode four too. Again, watching the culture unfold to viewers was awesome. I love the scenery. I’m happy that the directors, writers, and producers aren’t backing down from showing their culture to the general audience. My biggest problem was the editing and action in the fourth episode. It felt all over the place and a bit cheap. Some of the stunts were great, but other times they fell flat. It isn’t such a big deal because I’m more focused on storytelling. I’m interested to see Kamala grow as a hero and person. I want to learn more about her culture and the Partition. Does Kamala have time travel abilities? Is it just a vision? It was a chilling ending that has me excited for another episode!
Hello there! I’m happy you took the time out of your day to read my post. Remember, if you have any questions or want to have a discussion, leave a comment! The following newsletter will be on Ms. Marvel's 5th episode with some of episode three. Stay tuned! Happy days and take care!