Marvel and Disney's new 'She-Hulk' sitcom is more focused on laughing than smashing
Disney+ and the Marvel Cinematic Universe's new 'She-Hulk' streaming TV series starring Tatana Maslany and Mark Ruffalo is focused on laughing not smashing.
Since crashing into Disney+ and releasing a veritable fire hose of titles in 2021, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been experimenting with different types of genres. “WandaVision” was meta-commentary on the medium; “Loki,” a time traveling sci-fi adventure; “Hawkeye,” your classic holiday caper. More recently, “Ms. Marvel” aimed for a younger crowd with its teen-oriented series. But “She-Hulk,” also aimed at women, is Marvel’s first stab at situational comedy. This workplace-oriented sitcom features a single gal trying to balance work and personal aspirations while also transforming into a 6-foot-7-inch superhero at will.
This workplace-oriented sitcom features a single gal trying to balance work and personal aspirations while also transforming into a 6-foot-7-inch superhero at will.
Considering how many Marvel characters have comedic aspects, it’s a bit surprising it took 14 years and 45 titles before the MCU tried this more traditional storytelling format. It’s also a sign Disney genuinely believes the old ways still work, despite cratering broadcast ratings. And it does work, due to star Tatiana Maslany, who makes both her 5-foot-2-inch Jennifer Walters persona and her much taller and greener She-Hulk counterpart feels effortlessly distinct.
That success is the least surprising part of “She-Hulk.” Maslany is best known for her incredible star turn in “Orphan Black,” where she played an entire call sheet’s worth of unique-yet-cloned women. In that sense, playing two characters (three, if you add the fourth-wall-breaking Jen, who sometimes comes off as bonus persona), is a piece of cake. If anything, the ease with which Maslany carries the show’s premise makes one wish “She-Hulk” was willing to go bigger in scope. But by aiming for something akin to “Marvel’s Ally McBeal,” the studio basically guarantees “She-Hulk” is a TV-level hit. And that might be the best way to ensure its longevity — at least for now.
The MCU’s history with Hulk stories has been mediocre, at best. 2008’s “The Incredible Hulk,” which starred Edward Norton, did respectable box office business. But the critical reviews (and the star’s inability to work within the Marvel franchise system) meant the film and its supporting characters spent a decade being retconned out of the narrative. Mark Ruffalo, who took over the character, has never anchored his own film (a choice made due to rights issues). But even an attempt to give him a three-movie arc in “Thor: Ragnarok,” “Avengers: Infinity War,” and “Avengers: Endgame” had mixed results.
Rating: 5