“The People vs Emil Blonsky”

At the three episode mark you would expect that a new series would have found its tone and rhythm, and that certainly seems to be the case with She–Hulk: Attorney–at–Law. If anything the show most resembles hit 1990s comedy-drama (or ‘dramedy’, if you particularly like portmanteau words) Ally McBeal. It has the bright-eyed lawyer lead, the supportive gal-pal paralegal, the male idiot comedy relief, quirky humour, and in both franchises Robert Downey Jr won’t be making an appearance any more. It is no bad thing, so long as you engage with its humour and style – this third episode is partly based around an Asgardian shapeshifter being sued for impersonating Megan Thee Stallion. It is actually the perfect test case, even more so than the two preceding episodes. If this episode appeals, I am pretty sure that you have found the comedy for you.

Of course She-Hulk bolsters its appeal with a cavalcade of returning MCU characters: Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo) in episode 1, Emil Blonsky (Tim Roth) in episode 2, and now Sorcerer Supreme Wong (Benedict Wong) in episode 3. The series being what it is, it even has Jennifer Walters (Tatiana Maslany) point out the overreliance to the audience. Acknowledging it does not excuse it, of course, and sooner or later this series is really going to need to find some characters of its own. It seemed to in episode 1, with a super-powered Jameela Jamil (The Good Place) violently bursting into a courtroom. I do keep wondering if we are ever going to get back to that. Not this week, which is instead split between Asgardian shenanigans and the parole hearing for criminal Emil “Abomination” Blonsky.

The show’s greatest asset by far remains Tatiana Maslany in the title role. Her light, amiable delivery makes one actively want to like the show around her. Her comic timing and delivery – particularly the sparing moments of direct address – are absolutely top notch stuff. She makes you really hope that Marvel Studios pay to keep her around for future projects.