Ms. Marvel’s episode 5 marks the near end for the series and though it might not be the best of the show, it is easily the most critical for the story.
Warning: SPOILERS for Ms. Marvel Episode 5.
Ms. Marvel episode 5 dives knee deep into the partition, and gives fans a look at Aisha’s story that has only been teased thus far. This episode did a great job of exploring the British rule and thankfully, did not shy away from the importance of the partition.
The MCU has had the problem of not exploring history enough in the part, especially history that is vital to its characters. About two-thirds of Ms. Marvel episode 5 was dedicated to the partition which fans will certainly appreciate.
In terms of story specifics, this episode is mostly backstory, but the fact that they didn’t shy away from the history makes it more of a trauma study not only on Aisha, but also on what people went through in the partition in real life.
There are complaints online that say this show is moving towards a more basic superhero plot, however it is doing just the opposite, in allowing viewers to transport back in time, and witness what many people were forced to live through. This is something that can, and should, be appreciated by the audience as it has never been touched in the MCU before.
There is a big reveal in Ms. Marvel episode 5 that progresses the story forward drastically, and that is the revelation that it was Kamala who saved her grandmother when she was a child. She is the one that lit her path with her light power so that she could find her way back to her father.
Time travel is never an easy subject, and is often difficult to pull off. Especially when the TVA and Nexus events are thrown into the mix, which fans saw in Loki. However, Kamala saving her grandmother is a really cool way to implement her into the partition story, and to give her a boost of confidence that she needs as a new hero.
When Kamala arrives back home, and in her own timeline, she convinces Najma, the villainous threat of the season so far, to sacrifice herself in order to save Kamran, and the world. It is after this that the issues with Ms. Marvel episode 5 bleed through.
One of the most relatable parts of this show is the conflict between Kamala and her mother. She is a teenager, and she is trying to experience life, and her mother is constantly holding her back. This is something that many people, heck most people, go through. When it is revealed that Kamala has the magic that her family often possesses, instead of getting more mad, this is what causes her mother to be ok with things.
Her attitude this far this season would make the audience think she would hold her even closer, and would not want her out roaming the streets and fighting crime, but instead she shrugs it off as no big deal. There is also the issue with Kamala’s powers being broad and generic, with no real specifics — at least not yet. However, it is still early for her, so perhaps there will be more clarity later on.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe Disney+ shows have not always hit the mark in the finale. All too often they build up to what should be an incredible finale, and then they don’t stick the landing. There have been exceptions, but it feels as though Ms. Marvel is going to be following in these footsteps. Perhaps next week fans will be pleasantly surprised with a great final episode, though.
With Najma gone now, there is no telling where this final episode will go. The Department of Damage Control is still very much in the picture, Bruno has some personal stuff to wrap up, and of course, Nakia is still unhappy with Kamala lying to her. With just under an hour left in season 1, Ms. Marvel episode 5 gave fans some great backstory, but concerns about how they can pull it all together in the final episode.
Rating: 7 out of 10
Next: Here’s Why The Future Of The MCU Is Bright
About Ms. Marvel
Marvel Studios’ “Ms. Marvel” is a new, original series that introduces Kamala Khan, a Muslim American teenager growing up in Jersey City. An avid gamer and a voracious fan-fiction scribe, Kamala is a Super Hero megafan with an oversized imagination—particularly when it comes to Captain Marvel. Yet Kamala feels like she doesn’t fit in at school and sometimes even at home—that is, until she gets superpowers like the heroes she’s always looked up to. Life gets better with superpowers, right?
MS. MARVEL is streaming now on Disney+.
Aryan is an aspiring content creator and journalist who loves all genres of movies. He is passionate about discussing and having conversations about anything and everything pop culture related.