She-Hulk: Attorney At Law Early Buzz: Tatiana Maslany Shines In Bold MCU Series
"She-Hulk: Attorney at Law" is promising to be a bold new step in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This isn't because the show is going to feature a galaxy-altering villain or a big cinematic battle, but rather, it's looking to be the opposite of many Marvel projects. From navigating the New York City dating scene to working on superhuman legal cases, "She-Hulk" looks to shine a light on the unseen, somewhat mundane events happening in-between "Avengers" team-ups.
Jennifer Walters (Tatiana Maslany) is your typical city lawyer in her mid-30s, trying to navigate her life in-between big cases. She also just so happens to be the cousin of the Incredible Hulk himself, Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo). After she accidentally comes into contact with her cousin's blood, Jennifer is now able to transform into a six-foot-four superhuman, appropriately dubbed She-Hulk. With the help of Bruce, she attempts to live as normal a life as she can possibly have, although that might prove to be pretty difficult.
Joining Maslany and Ruffalo are some familiar faces, such as Emil Blonsky (Tim Roth) and Sorceror Supreme Wong (Benedict Wong). However, there will be also be a slew of new characters, both superhuman and regular human, introduced in the series: social media influencer Titania (Jamilla Jameel), Jennifer's best friend Nikki (Ginger Gonzaga), company rival Mallory (Renée Elise Goldsberry), legal team ally Pug (Josh Segarra), and even Tony Stark-knockoff Todd (Jon Bass). Jessica Gao serves as head writer and showrunner, while Kat Coiro and Anu Valia take turns in the director's chair.
She-Hulk: Attorney at Law first reactions
So far, the initial reactions to "She-Hulk: Attorney at Law" are pretty positive. According to some critics, the show leans heavily into what has already been established in the MCU in ways some viewers might not expect.
#SheHulk has a surprising amount of ties to the rest of the MCU past and future and some legendary credits scenes on every episode.
It's very easy to get hooked on this show if you like fun.
— BD (@BrandonDavisBD) August 16, 2022
#SheHulk is simply stellar. It starts off fast,really fast, but as it went on it grew on me, and is easily one of my favorite MCU shows. The setting is pretty grounded but it does a great job at establishing itself in the MCU in a way that's both respectful to the MCU, 1/2 pic.twitter.com/NCJPM1D5Le
— Elijah Boxhill (@OpticalCinema) August 16, 2022
Marvel's #SheHulk is a VERY funny legal procedural that's lighter on action, but heavy on breaking the fourth wall. This is the most self-referential the MCU has ever been. Cameos & references galore + a dynamite Tatiana Maslany performance. Also, Tim Roth rules! pic.twitter.com/Sx3cDTVUa4
— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) August 16, 2022
#SheHulk: As the first series in the MCU to play out in a traditional episodic structure, it stands out from other shows in the franchise. A light, refreshing, and hilarious look at the MCU through a real-world lens, it's worth a watch for diehard fans. pic.twitter.com/N94gngZjTx
— Diego Andaluz (@thediegoandaluz) August 16, 2022
The MCU's first official comedy series seems to be a big step in the right direction for some fans, including /Film's Ben F. Silverio:
#SheHulk is sensational! Tatiana Maslany absolutely nails it as Jennifer Walters. The show is incredibly funny & proves that the superhero genre shouldn't be afraid to branch out into sitcoms. Can't wait to see more!
— Ben F. Silverio (@BSilverio20) August 16, 2022
I, too, am feeling the Marvel fatigue. And I was not really looking forward to SHE-HULK: ATTORNEY AT LAW for that reason. But my gosh this show (four episodes in) is so clever and funny. It's less about superheroes and more like watching an episode of Ally McBeal
— Mike Ryan (@mikeryan) August 16, 2022
She-Hulk: Attorney at Law far exceeds all of my expectations. This show is extremely self-aware & self-deprecating. In the first 4 episodes it has answered numerous burning MCU questions in very clever ways. It's hilarious, fun, & Tatiana Maslany is phenomenal!#SheHulk pic.twitter.com/DCkCDXRZvD
— Tessa Smith – Mama's Geeky (@MamasGeeky) August 16, 2022
She-Hulk is very fun, genuinely humorous and human. Really finds itself in 3rd ep. No major surprises or huge stakes but Maslany is immensely likable. The memes and thirst posts this show will inspire though...lmao 👀Credits tag in every episode. Effects look good. #SheHulk pic.twitter.com/ycKseOOLSa
— Richard Newby (@RICHARDLNEWBY) August 16, 2022
I've now seen the first four #SheHulk episodes three times, and they're everything I want them to be, and so much more. The show is breezy, unabashedly weird, and wildly entertaining. This sets a new gold standard for what MCU shows are capable of. pic.twitter.com/4Z8jAe293L
— Jenna Anderson (@heyitsjennalynn) August 16, 2022
However, others are not quite as enthusiastic, including /Film writer Valerie Ettenhofer:
I'm reading more comics and rewatching before I file my review, but my initial take is that She-Hulk is really, really, reaaaally not for me.
— Valerie Ettenhofer (@aandeandval) August 16, 2022
Saw 4 episodes of #SheHulk // #SheHulkAttorneyAtLaw: It's a misfire. Ally McBeal, But in a Marvel Universe should be a clever idea & yet...Gender observations are basic & sound smug. An absentee villain. 4th wall breaking is Fleabag-gy, yet true to comics. Tatiana Maslany is great pic.twitter.com/HNAfrtxgxZ
— Courtney Howard (@Lulamaybelle) August 16, 2022
I've seen the first 4 episodes of #SheHulk and I'm sorry to say it hasn't really worked for me so far. I don't mind comedy in Marvel. I just didn't like...THIS comedy. It further underscores what I see as an MCU identity crisis. More when the full review embargo drops Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/CzWcgjh2W1
— Dan Murrell (@MurrellDan) August 16, 2022
I watched the first four episodes of #SheHulk and oof. Tatiana Maslany is giving her all but amid the unfinished CG and the lack of structure, this MCU lawyer comedy loses its case. It wants to be Fleabag so bad with its fourth wall breaks but bares no personality whatsoever.
— Rendy Jones (@rendy_jones) August 16, 2022
#SheHulk...isn't great. Love Tatiana Maslany, really enjoy seeing Jen struggle w/celebrity, maintaining a personal life, & being respected as a woman in the work place. Great to see the MCU FINALLY embrace proper TV...sadly being a bad ABC sitcom isn't enough. pic.twitter.com/zpksx1v13r
— Griffin Schiller (@griffschiller) August 16, 2022
Despite this, one thing that many can agree on is Maslany. She has been consistently cited as the show's MVP, relishing in her role as Jennifer.
I've seen the first 4 episodes of #SheHulk and this thing is basically firing on all cylinders for me. Tatiana Maslany is pitch-perfect and Jennifer's relationship with her cousin Bruce is so relatable. It's incredibly charming and, most important, you care about Jen so much. pic.twitter.com/ViNTIImd7C
— Adam Hlaváč (@adamhlavac) August 16, 2022
The first four episodes of #SheHulkAttorneyAtLaw delivered exactly what I hoped we would see from one of my favorite Marvel characters of all time.
Jennifer Walters is going to be a LOT of people's new favorite, too. The writing was sharp and Tatiana Maslany is perfectly cast. pic.twitter.com/bC3u4UIWXg
— Hector Navarro (@Hectorisfunny) August 16, 2022
Full review later, but in short, She-Hulk would actually benefit from more room to breathe. The half-hour, case of the week format actually hurts it, but Tatiana Maslany is worth watching despite the show's clunkiness. https://t.co/gthJgTA9Q7
— Sarah Marrs (@Cinesnark) August 16, 2022
I'll start out my thoughts on #SheHulk by saying Tatiana Maslany as Jen Walters is an absolute revelation. The first episode is a bit of a slow burner, but the show grows stronger with every instalment. The mid credit scenes are perhaps the most amusing ones in Marvel history. pic.twitter.com/qHz7NRGGcN
— yasmine!! (@byebyebucky) August 16, 2022
Overall, it looks like the reception to Marvel's begrudgingly newest superhero is pretty positive so far, if not flawed in some aspects. Perhaps these will strengthen over the course of the season, as only four episodes were screened for review. If you'd like to put the evidence seen above to the test, check out "She-Hulk: Attorney at Law" when it premieres on Disney+ on August 18.