Early on in the third episode of She-Hulk: Attorney At Law, Jennifer Walters breaks the fourth wall and empathises with our eagerness to see Wong’s cameo. She assures us that this isn’t the typical Marvel show that relies on intra-universe cameos, before calling herself out for the two cameos we have seen in the show’s first two episodes. And yet, by the end of Episode 3, we see two more cameos which are peak-Marvel in their existence but never in treatment. That is how She-Hulk feels, three episodes in. It exists in a universe that plays by Marvel Studios’ rules but is subversive in its very nature. Its genius lies in how it parodies the formula by using it.
The episode has two set storylines — Walters’ defending Emil Blonsky’s parole request, and Dennis Bukowski suing an Asguardian con-artist for swindling him of money as Megan Thee Stallion (the rapper makes a hilarious cameo). Contrary to what we expect, this episode is full of flimsy lawyering, as both parties struggle to make any headway, and Walters finally seems to come into her own at the end. But this is not a plot-driven show, and somehow, that works.
She-Hulk: Attorney At Law ups its game in how the subtleties contribute to character-development and world building. We see Walters’ inner conflict when she deals with gossip cooked up by paparazzi. This sub-plot also adds new layers to the sexist world she inhabits, with anonymous men on the internet doubling down on how she is a ‘derivative of Hulk’, ascertaining her worth from her cousin. It almost feels poetic that the episode doesn’t have a Hulk appearance in it.
Megan Thee Stallion has a hilarious cameo where her identity is used by an Asguadian con artist. Marvel Studios
There are also the absurd rumours of her being pregnant with Abomination’s child and being rejected by the Avengers, both of which could easily be replicated in our universe if the Avengers existed here. Due to all these little touches, Walters is always relatable, even when she is her superstrong green counterpart, because at her core she is just an everybody trying to find her place.
The writing remains extremely tight, and the short runtime manages to achieve the impossible by telling a well-rounded story, maintaining connections with the MCU, giving its characters room to breathe and never feeling too stuffed. This is also the funniest episode yet (Abomination’s polyamorous arc is the most entertaining part of Phase 4).
Phase 4’s most recognisable character, Wong, makes an appearance. Marvel Studios
The larger question is how She-Hulk: Attorney At Law plans to utilise its remaining episodes. While each one has had a self-contained plot so far, it is debatable if a case-of-the-week format can power an entire season with novelty. If Marvel does have an overarching storyline, it is also worth asking when they plan to connect the dots, and will the character get real stakes to play with if they introduce a pivotal conflict late into the season. But most importantly, we want to know who are the remaining cameos lined up. Give us Episode 4 already!
