Ironheart Finale Recap: Riri’s Mephisto Bump

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We find ourselves revisiting an earlier event from the series: After burglarizing the mansion we now understand was Parker’s father’s, Parker and John part ways. In a tunnel, Parker encounters a mysterious figure cloaked in shadows. At long last, it seems we’re about to uncover some secrets! This enigmatic character offers Parker access to a door that mysteriously appears in the gloom.

In this vibrant diner, I find myself seated opposite an intriguing individual. As we settle in, my curiosity is piqued, “Who are you?” I ask, somewhat bewildered. This enigmatic character, portrayed by Sacha Baron Cohen, conceals his true identity until later in the episode, yet it’s eventually revealed that he’s Marvel’s adaptation of Faust’s Mephistopheles, known as Mephisto. Fans have eagerly anticipated Mephisto’s appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe for decades, and here he is, with a voluminous hairstyle and piercing, calculating eyes. He inquires, “May I gaze at you?” and it seems like an apt question when facing Anthony Ramos for the very first time. “Impressive,” Mephisto muses, seemingly echoing the thoughts of us all as he takes in my visage. Indeed, he speaks for all of us in admiration.

In a conversation that feels like a deal with the devil, Sacha assures Parker that in return for fulfilling his deepest wishes, he only wants something of little consequence to him. However, we know this is untrue, as we’ve seen throughout the series how Parker has been gradually corrupted by evil.

Parker struggles to express his deepest desire, leaving Mephisto uninterested right away. Frankly, I’ve found Parker’s motivations dull throughout this story. He’s a tragic character, but unlike Marvel’s compelling villains, he lacks enjoyment. Eventually, Parker confesses to Mephisto that he aspires to be a king. On one side, it seems like a lack of creativity. On the other hand, it’s a naive wish for a man whose personal growth was halted when his mother passed and his father abandoned him at 12 years old. Without hesitation, he accepts Mephisto’s 360 deal, unaware that it will eventually cost him about 70% of his skin.

Currently, Parker finds himself in a grand feast, ensnared beneath his hood more than ever. He reluctantly makes Zeke join him for a meal, as Zeke continues to taunt him. I enjoy the subtle tension between them. Unfortunately, this intriguing relationship will crumble when Parker uncovers Zeke’s deception about Riri’s death.

In the garage, Riri unsuccessfully attempts to rebuild N.A.T.A.L.I.E.. Frustrated, she slips into her suit, believing that since magic stole Natalie, it can also bring her back. This idea doesn’t sit well with Zelma, our resident sorceress. Before departing once more on her self-centered journey, Riri expresses gratitude to everyone in the garage for their assistance.

As a die-hard cinema enthusiast, I’ve been following Parker’s journey closely in this series, and it seems he’s just as single-minded as ever. In almost every episode, I’ve echoed my screams into the abyss, urging him on, and now, finally, he’s managed to conjure Mephisto. Yet, instead of reveling in his success, Parker is accusing Mephisto of breaking their pact. He’s been feeling less than regal lately, but I can’t quite see how that’s Mephisto’s doing when it was Parker who exiled all his faithful subjects. Victory doesn’t seem to satisfy him; he yearns for more. Mephisto offers a tantalizing proposition – if Parker can keep hold of what he has, there might be more in store. To me, that sounds less like a promise of desire fulfilled and more like a precursor to an impending end.

In the following sequence, Riri arrives at Parker’s hideout to discover Zeke there instead. Employing tech-speak, they devise a plan whereby Riri strikes Zeke in the abdomen. This maneuver would enable her to override Parker’s control over his body and abilities. Evidently, there remains some faith between them, as Zeke consents to this unconventional strategy. Though I don’t grasp the underlying science, I admire the pragmatism of their actions. When successful, Riri inquires if they are friends once more. Zeke replies that Joe is a relic, and he’s not naive, so no. Label me optimistic, but I still nurture hopes for their friendship – or at least an extended truce.

Riri locates Parker and goes straight to the point; she desires that cloak. Parker criticizes her for wanting it for personal gain. I understand that losing Natalie twice has been tough on Riri, but if she’d allowed herself time to grieve the first loss, she wouldn’t have created a copy. If she hadn’t made a clone of herself, she wouldn’t be putting everyone she cares about at risk now, as she tries to retrieve it.

In my humble opinion, as a movie enthusiast, Riri revitalizes her state-of-the-art iron armor, while Parker unleashes a fresh wave of demonic might. His visage distorts briefly, flashing fangs in an unsettling display. It’s a tad intense, yet nothing too outlandish. After a fierce battle, Riri sets off an emergency sequence that tragically detonates the suit. In the ensuing chaos, Parker vanishes and reappears, brandishing two weapons aimed squarely at Riri. “Trusting you was perhaps misguided,” he laments, “but not entirely unreasonable given our financial arrangement for the iron suit.” Frankly, I wouldn’t go as far as to label it misguided, but it certainly was recklessly blind. Let me remind you, she repeatedly emphasized that she was only collaborating with him due to the monetary incentive from the iron suit. C’mon, man. In the climax, Parker vows retribution for John’s demise as he fires… at a hologram!

In this situation, it appears that the true Riri is keeping the suit. She grabs the hood and Parker pleads for its return, explaining that he suffers without it. However, she acknowledges his complaint but persists in taking it anyway. This incident might be seen as a moment of triumph for Riri, as she seems to be putting an end to Hood’s mischief and claiming his power for herself and N.A.T.A.L.I.E. However, it’s important to note that Parker was never truly an adversary, and Riri wasn’t a hero either. Parker brought her wealth and the potential for respect and power, and he always fulfilled that promise. It could be argued that even the suit she wears was funded with money from illicit activities provided by Parker. Conversely, Riri has deceived him on several occasions, such as leaving his cousin to die and leaving him helpless on the floor at this very moment. Riri has now taken Hood’s armor and increased her own strength. But for what purpose?

In a mysterious eatery of the supernatural realm, Riri encounters Mephisto. It’s puzzling how she knew to seek him out there, perhaps it was an enigmatic pull from his cloak? Mephisto presents the same persuasive argument he offered to Parker. Over the ages, this speech has proven effective. Riri addresses him as Dormammu, which evidently offends him. He maintains that he can provide her with what she yearns for most, in return for something trivial that she won’t miss. The narrative shifts to Gary’s workshop, where Riri is engrossed in mathematical equations. Suddenly, Natalie appears. The duration elapsed isn’t specified, but Riri now wears her hair loose in a cascade of curls unlike any hairstyle she’s had throughout the series. She appears softer, more at ease, even happier. She confuses Natalie by saying she’s been eager to utter two words to her: “Run diagnostics.

The camera angle shifts to the diner once more, and Riri informs Mephisto that her deepest wish lies in the past, beyond reach. Mephisto acknowledges the challenge of altering death and sorrow, but assures her he can still offer assistance. Meanwhile, in the garage, Natalie questions Riri’s odd behavior, remarking she seems like an extra from a Star Trek episode; she is not her brother. She enquires about Gary’s whereabouts. Riri is taken aback by how lifelike N.A.T.A.L.I.E. appears. When she moves closer to inspect her, Nat pushes her forehead! A genuine physical interaction!

Could this scenario be a fictional reality, where Mephisto manages to resurrect Natalie? Or perhaps it’s a parallel universe where neither Natalie nor possibly Gary ever perished?

Riri returns to the diner, still undecided about Mephisto’s proposition. She desires guarantees that if she accepts his conditions, he will only want her, excluding others in her life. He consents to this. The specific thing she won’t miss much remains uncertain, but given mythology, it appears to be her soul. Yet, wasn’t the last remnant of a man who struck a deal with this devil cowering in fetal position, imploring her to restore his malevolent energy? And didn’t she spend the entire season suffering from panic attacks due to the fear that her loved ones would suffer because of her misdeeds? However, it seems these concerns are irrelevant.

We find ourselves once more in the garage, with Natalie still present. This confirms that she indeed agreed to Mephisto’s proposition, hoping for a reality where her friend remains alive. This situation certainly presents a tough moral dilemma. After an entire season of treading dangerous paths, seemingly for a vague “higher purpose,” Riri seems to have broken her final ethical bond in order to free herself from the deep-seated sorrow she’s been suppressing for five years. Riri embraces Natalie, welcoming her return, as the unsettling sound we’ve come to associate with Parker’s presence in the neighborhood edges closer to their heartfelt moment. Oh dear!

The conclusion is bleak, yet plausible. Riri’s actions throughout have shown us that she was primarily driven by self-interest, not justice or fairness. She always focused on protecting her loved ones and her own inventions. It’s unsettling to witness this play out, especially since we know none of her loved ones, including Ronnie, Xavier, and even Natalie, would endorse such a path. They didn’t ask Riri to alter the past; they merely asked her to accept it as it is.

It’s intriguing to consider where the story might lead if the series is renewed, given Riri’s current predicament. Typically, heroes embark on a journey of redemption after facing such severe setbacks. However, it would be fascinating to explore what that journey entails for a character who delves into dark magic and makes a deal with the devil by giving up something of minimal importance. Here’s hoping we get to uncover more about this!

In a bonus scene after the credits roll, Parker walks into Stanton’s and requests assistance from Zelma in locating powerful magic. He also wishes to explore the shop’s restricted area. It turns out that Zelma shares the same fascination with Anthony Ramos as many others, hinted by her enchanted expression. I’m glad to notice he’s not entirely out of action.

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2025-07-03 02:54