Ironheart Finale Review: A Devilish Twist That Redefines the MCU’s Future
Marvel’s Ironheart has landed its final punch, and it’s a knockout that no one saw coming. After a whirlwind six-episode run on Disney+, the season finale, “The Past is the Past,” delivers a blend of heart-pounding action, emotional depth, and a post-credits scene that’s sparking endless chatter among MCU fans. If you thought this show was just about tech-savvy suits and street-level drama, think again—Ironheart takes a daring leap into the supernatural, leaving us craving more.
From the moment Riri Williams, played with electrifying conviction by Dominique Thorne, returned to Chicago after her Wakanda Forever adventure, the series promised a fresh spin on the MCU. Riri, a brilliant MIT dropout, navigates a world where her genius for building iron suits collides with darker forces. The finale ties her journey together with a mix of family ties, moral dilemmas, and a villain who’s been teased for years. This isn’t just a show about a young inventor—it’s a bold step into uncharted MCU territory.
The episode’s centerpiece is the long-awaited debut of Mephisto, portrayed by Sacha Baron Cohen with a sly grin that’s equal parts charming and menacing. Fans have speculated about Marvel’s devilish antagonist since WandaVision, and his arrival doesn’t disappoint. When Mephisto offers Riri a deal over a slice of pizza, the moment feels both casual and cosmic, a testament to Cohen’s ability to balance humor with dread. Riri’s response—a nonchalant “Is that supposed to mean something to me?”—is a cheeky nod to the audience’s obsession with the character, but her choice to strike a deal with him sets up a cliffhanger that’s as chilling as it is thrilling.
What makes this twist so compelling is how it reshapes Riri’s arc. Unlike Tony Stark, whose recklessness was cushioned by wealth, Riri’s journey is grounded in struggle. Expelled from MIT and strapped for cash, she’s drawn into the orbit of Parker Robbins, aka The Hood, played by Anthony Ramos with magnetic charisma. Parker’s own deal with Mephisto fuels his quest for power, but the finale strips him of his demonic cloak, leaving him vulnerable yet determined. The post-credits scene, where Parker seeks out Zelma Stanton for “Supreme-like help,” hints at a magical future tied to the mystical corners of the MCU, possibly Kamar-Taj or the shelved Strange Academy project.
This supernatural shift is where Ironheart shines brightest. The show weaves tech and magic seamlessly, echoing the cosmic stakes of Doctor Strange while staying rooted in Chicago’s gritty streets. Riri’s new suit, forged with her family’s help and infused with magic, symbolizes her evolution from a lone genius to a hero who embraces the unknown. Yet, her deal with Mephisto comes at a cost—resurrecting her friend Natalie, only to plunge her into a moral quagmire. It’s a classic Marvel move: give the hero what they want, but make them pay a price.
The finale’s pacing is relentless, balancing intense action with quiet moments of reflection. Riri’s battle with a brainwashed Ezekiel Stane showcases her ingenuity, using a hologram to outsmart The Hood’s dark powers. Meanwhile, Parker’s meeting彼此
System: encounter with Zelma hints at a deeper connection to Doctor Strange’s world, potentially setting the stage for a crossover that could redefine the MCU’s supernatural narrative. Whether it’s a second season of Ironheart or a larger role in projects like Avengers: Doomsday, the possibilities are tantalizing. The show’s diverse cast, including standout performances from Lyric Ross and Regan Aliyah, adds emotional weight, making us care about these characters’ fates.
Ironheart’s finale isn’t perfect—some dialogue feels clunky, and the rushed release schedule raised doubts about Marvel’s confidence in the series. Yet, its bold choices and unforgettable twists make it a standout. This isn’t just a story about a new Iron Man—it’s a fresh, daring chapter that proves Riri Williams is a hero worth rooting for. With Mephisto in play and magical threads dangling, the MCU feels more unpredictable than ever. Don Diamond/10—absolutely Aladeen.
