Ironheart Recap: A Brush with the Occult

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Parker is nostalgically recalling the old times before the Hood era, when he and John used to burglarize houses together and Parker didn’t have the stress of arranging any skin graft surgeries. John points out that this job isn’t about personal feelings, implying they might recognize the homeowner. Circumstances separate them when a guard discovers Parker looting the safe, but John assures him he’ll stick by his side – in essence, from then on. Raise a toast for a comrade who fell.

As a cinephile reminiscing, I can’t help but miss our dear “Cousin John,” a moniker fondly given by Slug. His honesty and deep passion for opera were qualities we all admired and wished we could have witnessed more often while he was still with us. Was he more of a Luciano Pavarotti or Plácido Domingo type? I can only imagine the enchanting melodies that would have filled our heist scenes if he had stayed longer among us.

Parker is more preoccupied with making Riri uncomfortable with his intense gaze than listening to his crew’s praises for his cousin, John. After finding focus, he shares heartfelt words about John’s steadfastness: “It fueled him, it shaped him, it ultimately ended him.” He encourages them to keep working as that’s what John would have preferred. I have my doubts if this is truly what John would have wanted, considering the chaos lately. Riri, sensing Parker’s mistrust towards her, asks about her part in the next mission. Parker replies in a chilling manner, “Yes, I have plans for you,” and if I were Riri, I’d rush to the lab with Natalie right away to upgrade that suit with countermeasures against Parker.

Riri and Natalie quickly examine the stolen hoodie swatch from Heirlum. Natalie proposes contacting Shuri for assistance, but Riri is reluctant due to her guilt about enabling crimes since her trip to Wakanda. Instead, they attempt to consult with Joe, but discover that police have already visited his home and the media has revealed his true identity as Ezekiel Stane, along with news of his arrest for the Heirlum robbery.

As a devoted admirer, if I were to express my thoughts about the situation, I’d say: If I had thought there would be a heartrending reunion through the prison bars when I swore to free him from the predicament I created, I was sorely mistaken. Ezekiel labels me as selfish, manipulative, and devoid of accountability, and in this instance, he’s spot on. It’s evident that there’s a motive behind my insistence on maintaining my indestructible armor, but the price – multiple felonies, jeopardizing the safety of my remaining friends and family, and causing turmoil among my fellow super-genius peers here – is simply too high.

Riri discovers that Parker has brought on another tech expert, but instead of immediately letting her go, he chooses to keep her close, possibly as a precaution. This leads Riri to beef up security at home. She provides Ronnie and Xavier with watches that can shield them in bulletproof bubbles when needed.

She questions Xavier about whether she’s a decent person, but he avoids giving a straightforward answer. This could trigger a moral dilemma for her. However, rather than guiding her to find her path again, Xavier talks about Star Trek with her instead of addressing her concerns. He advises that she shouldn’t worry about being considered good. But remember, this advice doesn’t apply to everyone – even Ezekiel (and possibly John) might have disagreed, if Riri hadn’t abandoned them in a room without air.

At home, Nat is eager for foot spas, popcorn, and girl chat. She’s curious if Riri and Xavier shared a kiss – though it seems N.A.T.A.L.I.E., the AI, might struggle with such sensitive topics. Nat, be mindful! The atmosphere here is tense with apprehension about murder and ethical dilemmas! Ronnie confronts Riri about the hidden traps and mysteries in their shared space, suggesting that Riri could benefit from some calming herbs. Not what you think, folks. She’s referring to crystals and chamomile tea. Riri shows unexpected interest in trying “the magic” Ronnie often mentions.

The following day, they pay a visit to Cree Summer’s Apothecary, which is also recognized as Stanton’s Sweets, Reads & More. Cree’s daughter Zelma notices Riri in attendance, not for amethyst or sage, but to decipher the mysterious energy she’s harboring. Indeed, Riri has brought Parker’s hood swatch to the shop for examination. Zelma, who is partially self-taught in sorcery, has received some training in Nepal under Doctor Strange. Similarly, Cree Summer (or Madeline, as the series prefers us to call her) had trained there until she departed after becoming pregnant with Zelma. Zelma then teleports her mother, Ronnie, and Riri to an alternate dimension of the shop, located beneath the showroom floor, where genuine magic occurs.

Zelma affirms that the hood comes from a different dimension and possesses a power far darker than any she’s previously encountered. Madeline is furious because Riri introduced such negative vibes into their sanctuary, and Ronnie is upset with Riri for deceiving her and making her look foolish in front of others. Madeline threatens to destroy the hood before ejecting them from the premises.

At the jail, Parker drops by Zeke’s cell, repeating his usual persuasive spiel. He offers them a chance to earn money and feel significant, or else spend their days behind bars. They both know the drill. I must admit, I like how he calls him “Zeke Stane” – it adds a touch of style to it.

Natasha and Rhodes head to Zeke’s hideout, planning to force entry but discovering a spare key hidden beneath the doormat instead. No matter which device she tests, Rhodey can’t crack the code on the hood piece. truth be told, what would destroying this single swatch achieve if the entire cloak is still in Parker’s custody?

As a movie buff, I’d put it this way: Finally, the gravity of Riri’s predicament is closing in on her. She’s struck by an intense wave of fear that even Nat can’t help her escape from. In a desperate move, Nat grabs Iron Man’s suit and takes off to summon backup. As the night falls, Zeke traces a glowing trail and manages to break free, only to find Riri’s tech-thieves loading up my gadgets into their spaceship. Looks like ethics took a backseat in this case! Meanwhile, Xavier gets snatched up by the super suit and lands right in front of a still-frightened Riri. Seeing me, she admits she’s exhausted.

It appears that the authors are attempting to challenge the stereotype of the Strong Black Woman in this narrative, making us feel for Riri’s burden as she shields her loved ones from additional sorrow and pain. However, I find myself frustrated by the decisions that have led Riri to this spiritual fatigue, and I can’t help but feel unsatisfied that she is now acknowledging that she may need assistance. The journey towards this realization has taken longer than expected, causing harm to those she cherishes deeply.

Overflowing with eagerness to spend another moment with her brother, Natalie discloses herself to Xavier, anticipating his joy. However, he reacts with horror, accusing Riri of exploiting Natalie’s likeness as a technological plaything. Trying to clarify that N.A.T.A.L.I.E., the AI, has become dear to her, Xavier orders her deletion instead. Ouch. That’s harsh. Natalie agrees, feeling even more disheartened when Riri doesn’t immediately object to erasing her. Heartbroken, she hastily departs.

At the hideout of the heist, Zeke trims his hair short as a sign of his wicked metamorphosis, becoming about 20 times more intense. Additionally, Slug’s bright yellow nail polish glimmers as they enter data into a device that possibly electrifies Zeke, turning him into a supervillain. Meanwhile, Parker’s quest for revenge intensifies, as he concludes the episode by ordering a hit on Riri using his deadliest allies, the Blood Siblings: “Riri killed John. I want her head.” I wouldn’t dare cross those pairs of fists, even with an iron suit protecting me.

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2025-07-02 06:55