Category Archives: Marvel on Disney +

Percy Jackson and the Olympians S2 E3

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“We Board the Princess Andromeda”

The third episode of Percy Jackson’s second season dropped recently on Disney +, and it continues to be a fun ride, filled with a lot of Green mythological goodness.

Based on the Sea of Monsters book, this episode brings Percy face to face with Luke once again. The ship that Hermes sent Percy aboard last episode, turned out to be Luke’s very own vessel. Thanks a lot Lin-Manuel.

We got a return for Adam Copeland (formerly Edge in the WWE, now Cope in AEW) as Ares. Ares backed Clarisse, who decided to head after the Golden Fleece on her own. Ares provided her with a crew of undead seamen, who were in no rush to accept Clarisse as captain… that is… until they were. She gave a speech and turned all of their thoughts around. It felt a little weird.

The Great Prophecy has been weighing down Annabeth, but Percy has been letting her keep the secret. He told her he did not need to know. Of course, she ended up telling him that he could be the demi-god that destroys the age of the Gods.

Big news. This was a solid episode with the interactions between Percy and Luke and Annabeth.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians S2 E1, E2

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“I Play Dodgeball with Cannibals”

“Demon Pigeons Attack”

The first two episodes of the second season of Percy Jackson and the Olympians dropped on Disney + this past week. Last season, Percy Jackson was a surprise show for me. I had only intended on watching the first episode or so but it was such a good time that I looked forward to it every week.

Now, season two is here with a two-episode premiere.

Following the basic structure of the book The Sea of Monsters (although there are some apparent differences from the book), season two kicked off with some solid drama. Percy and Annabelle made it back to camp, Percy brought along Tyson, a cyclops, he had met at his school (turns out to be another child of Poseidon), and they started on a quest for the Golden Fleece.

Grover is in trouble, connected to the location of the Fleece. The dreams between him and Percy were important.

New head of the camp, Tantalus, was a big jerk. He was played by Timothy Simons, who I recognized, but could not place. He has been in several things including Veep. It was nice to see Lin-Manuel Miranda back in episode two as Hermes.

The confrontation with Percy and Tantalus at the end of episode two was exciting and it will set up the story moving forward.

Glad this one is back before Walker Scobell is too much of an adult to play this role. He sure grew a ton from season one. Like the Stranger Things kids…

Marvel Zombies E1-4

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I was not excited to see the new animated series from Marvel, Marvel Zombies. I do not hate zombie movies, and the Marvel Zombies in comics is not something that I have seen a lot of. I knew I would be watching eventually, but I was not counting down the days to watch it. In fact, i had forgotten it was on last night.

I can’t tell you how much I loved this four episode series. It felt like one giant movie and the story turned out beautifully.

Kamala Khan, Yelena, Kate Bishop, Ironheart, Shang Chi, Red Guardian, Jimmy Woo and Blade (as an agent of Khonshu) are some of the characters that we spend some time with, but there are a ton of Marvel characters that make appearances here, from Namor to Scarlet Witch to Baron Zemo. It was a fantastic use of the deep roster of characters that Marvel Studios can have.

We do include our What If Zombies cast as Spider-Man, Scott Lang (head with the Dr. Strange cloak) and Black Panther join us as well as we get a resolution of Zombie Thanos which was actually really strong and a great honor to T’Challa.

This is amazingly brutal and violent. There is blood all over the place. There are some epic zombie kills among these Marvel heroes.

I love the twists and the turns. The story is amazing. The ending was supremely awesome… and just as twisted as the story. I love the ambiguity of the end.

Iman Vellani is the lead protagonist and she does an exceptional job as Kamala Khan. She was such a perfect casting for Ms. Marvel.

I loved this. It was well worth the time.

Eyes of Wakanda four-episode limited series

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Marvel Animation released it latest animated series on Disney + this morning, executive produced by Ryan Coogler.

The four episodes were told across the history of the world, showing a group called the War Dogs and their efforts to retrieve artifacts that had been stolen from Wakanda. What felt like separate stories actually came together in a clever way in the final episode, “The Last Panther.”

I was watching Fatman Beyond on YouTube when Marc Bernardin announced that he had written two of the episodes and that he was also a producer on the show. I have always been a fan of Marc Bernardin so it only helped my anticipation for the series.

Disney + dropped all four episodes on the same day.

The show included a trip to Crete, to the Trojan War and to China. The very end of the fourth episode connected the show to the greater MCU too, which was a really fun call back.

The episodes got better with each one. The show looked beautiful and the action was very dramatic and violent.

There were some characters that I had a harder time getting behind, especially in the earlier episodes. However, that was not as much of a problem for me as the show moved along.

I loved the use of Achilles in episode two and the use of the Iron Fist in episode three (which was probably my favorite one).

I like that some of the ideas of the show is that Wakanda is shown as not necessarily the heroic kingdom, a kingdom that only cares about staying isolated. There are some moments of showing this too. I like the shades of grey that the show provided.

This was a worthy addition to the Marvel animation cannon. It was a fun and quick watch.

Ironheart E4, E5, E6

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I had heard the rumors. I had heard the speculation. I knew of the comic story. I still did not believe it. After four years, since WandaVision, I had kind of given up the idea that we would ever see him. Then, episode six of Ironheart came about and…

Mephisto CONFIRMED!

Sacha Baron Cohen had been rumored to be playing Marvel’s big devil, but that was just something I never truly took for certain. Even when all the signs were pointing to it being true, I had trouble believing it. Then, there he was, standing in front of Anthony Ramos, giving him his magical hood, just part of the deal.

I loved Sacha Baron Cohen as Mephisto. he was creepy and played it perfectly. They did avoid the red skin, which I kind of wanted, but will probably be in his future.

The show also name dropped Dormammu as a way to try and swerve the people way from the idea of Mephisto. Riri went to try and get some help from… Zelma Stanton, who in the comics was a librarian who went to Dr. Strange with a mind maggot and she stayed as his apprentice for a time. She also became a teacher at Strange Academy.

These three episodes were really solid in my opinion. I do think the Alden Ehrenreich character, Zeke Stane, felt a little forced, but I do like Alden as an actor so I am able to let it be.

The very end of the sixth episode leads us to believe that Riri has made a deal with the devil himself as it looked as if Natalie was alive once again. It left this series off on a gigantic cliffhanger that kept me off-guard. Are there more planned with Ironheart or Mephisto? There has to be.

I thought this was a good show that I enjoyed. I was really engaged, especially with the arrival of Mephisto. It feels significant moving forward. Perhaps with the rumored supernatural phase that Marvel may be preparing for after Secret Wars.

Ironheart E1, E2, E3

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Riri Williams returned from her appearance in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever to her own Disney + series. Six episodes total, three debuting this week and then concluding next week.

I find that a strange release schedule. After watching the first three episodes, I think this was interesting enough to spread the release out more than two weeks.

Riri winds up in a heist crew to make money after she was expelled from MIT. The crew was led by Parker Robbins, aka The Hood (Anthony Ramos). The Hood has a magical cape that gives him a variety of powers. Anthony Ramos is awesome and brought some serious chops to the show. He was especially great in episode three.

Where did he get this magical cape/hood? In the comics, this is tied to Mephisto, but will he actually make his long awaited appearance in the MCU? It seemed for sure that Mephisto was involved in WandaVision, but never arrived. There have been rumors that Mephisto would be showing up in this series, but, again with all the rumors during WandaVision, I’ll need to see Mephisto before I believe it. Mephisto was named dropped in Agatha All Along so I guess we’ll see.

Dominique Thorne is really great as Riri. The show is giving us an intriguing relationship between Riri and her AI N.A.T.A.L.I.E., based on her best friend who died in a violent shootout along with Riri’s step dad, Gary. There are questions about the AI but I really enjoyed this dynamic between these actresses. Lyric Ross played Natalie.

Alden Ehrenreich was great too as Joe McGillicuddy, who is revealed in episode three as being the son of Obadiah Stane, aka Iron Monger from the first MCU movie, Iron Man. I liked this little twist (and it was funny to have Stane’s ashes in a Ziplock bag in Joe’s kitchen).

These episodes were quite long, in comparison to some other MCU Disney + shows. Episode three was 50+ minutes long. I like that a lot more than those short 30-35 minute shows.

I liked what I saw so far. I expect next week to bring the goods even more as each episode got a little bit better this week. Episode three was definitely the strongest so far.

Doctor Who S2 E8

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“The Reality War”

I am very sad. Ncuti Gatwa had his final episode as The Doctor as the character regenerates after a huge battle with the Roni, Omega and an attempt to save Poppy, the little girl who turned out to be the real daughter of Belinda.

The action packed episode was thrilling and Ncuti Gatwa showed off his original variation of the Doctor.

We also got a cameo from a former Doctor, the thirteenth Doctor, Jodie Whittaker.

I know Ncuti Gatwa had his opposition among the Who fans, but I am here to say that I am now a fan of Doctor Who and it is 100% because of the work of Ncuti Gatwa. He has been the most amazing performer, with more emotion and energy than many action show leads. The Doctor was an original concept and Ncuti Gatwa feels like a breath of fresh air.

From the BBC, this is the statement made by Ncuti Gatwa after the end of this season:

“You know when you get cast, at some point you are going to have to hand back that sonic screwdriver and it is all going to come to an end, but nothing quite prepares you for it.”

He added: “There are no words to describe what it feels like to be cast as the Doctor, nor are there words to explain what it feels like to be accepted into this iconic role that has existed for over 60 years and is truly loved by so many across the globe.”

Gatwa thanked “Whoniverse” fans for “welcoming me in, and making this such a touching experience.

“I’ve loved every minute of it, but now is the time to hand over the keys to that beloved blue box and let someone else take control and enjoy it every bit as much as I have.

“I’ll truly miss it, and forever be grateful to it, and everyone that has played a part in my journey as the Doctor.”

Billie Piper appeared on the screen when the Doctor regenerated. I see that Piper was a former companion for the Christopher Eccleston and then David Tennant versions. The BBC article does imply that she may not have been officially cast as The Doctor yet.

Thank you, Ncuti Gatwa for one of the most human Doctors that we have seen yet. I will miss that tear rolling down your face seemingly every episode. Good luck with everything in your future. You will always be my Doctor.

Doctor Who S2 E7

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“Wish World”

It is May 24th, a date that has been of major significance in season two of Disney +’s Doctor Who. Exactly what the significance of that date is still a bit of a mystery (outside of it being the meta date that the finale was scheduled for on Disney +).

Last week, we saw a post credit scene where we see Mrs. Flood bigenerate into a second woman and it is revealed that she was The Rani, the last surviving Time-Lady.

And this episode started off with The Doctor and Belinda seemingly happily married in a world that felt unreal. There was a definite flavor of Doctor Who meets WandaVision in this episode.

Conrad returned as the man who was installed by Rani as the god-like being of Wish World. Still, even Conrad felt as if he were being manipulated by Rani.

As the Doctor slowly regained his memory, bizarre things were happening all over the place. We saw the return again of Ruby, who is always a welcome sight.

This episode was weird and wild, mostly setting up the big part two next week. They also mentioned Omega, who they said was the first time lord, one who created the Time Lords in the first place. This is a villain that apparently was around in 1972.

This episode did feel like it was here just for set-up, and not its own penultimate episode of the second season. I am looking forward to seeing how this wraps up, especially since the rumors are that Ncuti Gatwa will not be back for another season.

Doctor Who S2 E6

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“The Interstellar Song Contest”

We are just a week away from the May 24, 2025 date that has been causing trouble for The Doctor and Belinda this entire season. In the latest episode of the show, we learn (from a hologram of Graham Norton, of all things) that May 24, 2025 is the day that the earth is destroyed.

We saw a side to the Doctor that we have never seen before. Ice inside his heart… causing him to be vindictive toward Kid, our antagonist of this episode whose plan would see the deaths of 3 trillion people across the universe. While one could understand the anger directed toward such a terrorist, hearing those vicious words of violence and vengeance come out of the Doctor’s mouth was difficult to hear.

It shook Belinda as she heard him make his threats. It scared her and it scared the Doctor too.

There are some really fun moments in this episode, including a creative use of a confetti canon as well as two extraordinary skilled men in Gary and Mike.

Hey there Mrs. Flood, what’s up……????? Um, are you Bi-generating? Are there two of you now? “The definite article, you might say.” I guess she is coming for The Doctor now.

Was that Susan? The Doctor’s long missing, long mentioned granddaughter? Will she play a role in what is to come? I expect so.

We are heading into the two-part finale coming up of season two. I will say this every week, but I absolutely love Ncuti Gatwa as The Doctor.

Doctor Who S2 E5

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“The Story and the Engine”

I think this season of Doctor Who has been just exceptional. Every episode has been enjoyable and had its own brand of originality and creativity. This week, The Doctor goes to Africa for a story about stories.

Based inside a barber shop, the story was incredibly clever. The use of the barber shop to tell stories that then powered the barber shop was excellent. So was the antagonist who was intense and worked wonderfully off the Doctor.

The format of the storytelling was amazing, with the story that was being told being animated by the window of the barber shop. It was such an impressive piece of storytelling.

There was a wonderful story told by the Doctor during this episode that gave us some more background on Belinda and her career as a nurse. It was a lovely story about how she put her own wishes aside to help a sick woman in her hospital.

I don’t care what anyone says, I have loved these episodes on Disney +. I will be sad when the Doctor regenerates.

Light and Magic S2 E3

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“There’s No Going Back”

One more May the 4th watch. I watched the third and final episode of Light and Magic, the second season documentary detailing ILM’s history.

They talked about the work on Revenge of the Sith and then moved on to Pirates of the Caribbean. We see a couple of Oscar winning moments for ILM.

The creation of Davy Jones was one of the more intriguing parts of this documentary.

They looked at some of the competition that was springing up in the movie industry.

It was a fine conclusion to the second season, but honestly, there was not anything that really stood out as excellent in this episode. There was just a lot of interesting moments and images.

Doctor Who S2 E5

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“Lucky Day”

I loved this episode. Unlike a certain faction of fans online, I loved Ruby Sunday as the Doctor’s companion in season one of the show on Disney +, and I thought it was great to see Millie Gibson once again.

I was sad that we did not get much involvement with the Doctor in this episode, but I understand the importance of that for the character of Ruby.

We did get to see how much of a bad ass Kate from U.N.I.T. was though. Her scenes facing off with Conrad were intense.

This episode of Doctor Who dealt with the idea of misinformation and the spreading of lies and half-truths across the internet and social media. Conrad’s vileness through the second half of this episode spoke to the disillusionment of many people in our institutions because of this misinformation that has been weaponized by certain individuals and groups.

I did not see Conrad’s betrayal coming. Not even a little bit. As the show was setting up Conrad and Ruby as, apparently, a new and happy couple, I was buying into the relationship 100%. To reveal the truth in such a callous manner was tough to watch as Ruby did not deserve such hostility. I went from really liking Conrad, hoping that he could be another important piece in Ruby’s life and an ally for the Doctor, to absolutely despising the bastard. I will say that the fact that the ending clearly showed that, with Mrs. Flood’s arrival, Conrad has a bigger role to play this season. Actor Jonah Hauer-King does an exceptional job as this character. he made me hate him so much. I am glad that there seems to be more for him to do moving on.

I reiterate, what the heck is up with Mrs. Flood?

The monologue that the Doctor delivered to Conrad at the end was one of the sharpest moments Ncuti Gatwa got to have. There was something about that speech that felt off though. Perhaps the timing…

Doctor Who has been one of my favorite shows so far, as it has had a bunch of amazing episodes this season. It was great to see Ruby again and I enjoyed how the show delved into the idea that companions might have a difficult time getting back to a normal life after their time with the Doctor ended. One could even argue that Ruby is suffering from a form of PTSD, which is why Conrad’s betrayal was all the worse.

Light & Magic S2 E2

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“There Must Be A Better Way…”

The second episode of the second season of Light & Magic on Disney + featured heavily on the transition from practical effects to that of digital recording and the way in which ILM lead the way in the field of digital special effects.

It started out talking about the elephant in the room, Jar Jar Binks.

Jar Jar is one of the most hated of Star Wars characters among a certain section of the fandom, but the doc looked at the creation of the character. They spoke to Jar Jar actor, Ahmed Best, who was not taking the criticism and anger of the character well. The comments of Jar Jar being a racist character or filled of racist tropes was difficult for him to hear. It got so bad that he told a story about him going on a bridge in New York with the intent of “showing them” how much it affected him. This story of a man having suicidal thoughts over the creation of a movie character was very powerful as was the resolution of the story. It made me think about my own feelings toward Jar Jar.

I was impressed with how much of the negative thoughts and criticisms this doc dealt with. They could have easily brushed that under the rug, but the doc still showed the push back ILM received for its motion capture and digital film from the movie society in general.

The doc spent some time showing how they were involved in the creation of digital tornados for films such as Jumanji and Twister as well as the massive wave from A Perfect Storm.

They spent a good deal of time telling about how they transitioned from Yoda being a puppet as he was in the original trilogy to more of a digital character and then eventually to a point where Yoda could have a lightsaber fight with Count Dooku in Attack of the Clones. One of the more fascinating parts of that section of the show was seeing how Frank Oz, who was puppeteering and voice Yoda, went through so much trouble and challenges with this extremely heavy puppet that he had to hold up with his right arm.

There is one more episode of season two to go. My guess is that it will focus in on Revenge of the Sith.

Andor S2 E1, E2, E3

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Andor season one has been the best Star Wars show on Disney + yet. Some might argue for the Mandalorian, but for depth and story, Andor took the prize.

Andor returned to Disney + for the long-awaited second season debuted with three episodes this past Tuesday night. I was unable to fit it into my schedule until this Sunday morning.

It was worth the wait.

It started one year after the end of last season and we see Cassian stealing a Tie-fighter. He was to meet for a drop off, but that turned into an immediate cluster as the rebels he met could not get along or agree on anything. Cassian was clearly just biding his time with these idiots.

On Mina-Rau, things are much worse, including a near rape. This was not something one would expect in the Star Wars Universe, but I could see it as a part of Andor. I loved the Skeleton Crew earlier this year, but that was clearly Star Wars for the young. Andor is Star Wars for the adult.

That does not mean that there is not humor to go around. There are some very funny things that happen, one of the major ones being a dinner date with Eedy Karn and her son Syril, who wants to introduce her to Dedra Meero. Dedra is a force and her scene with Eedy was epic.

The third episode ended with some tragedy.

Andor continues to be one of the best Star Wars shows around.

Doctor Who S2 E3

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“The Well”

One of the wonderful things about the Disney + series, Doctor Who, is that this character can be in any kind of type of story needed. Last week we had the meta episode with the animated character. This week there was a space sci-fi/horror story with a lot of tension and mystery. Doctor Who can do whatever you need.

This week was tremendous. The Doctor and Belinda showed up in a space military operation on an unknown planet in the distant future. They encounter a mysterious force that stands behind a person. It is connected to a story that Doctor Who had told previous when David Tennent was the Doctor. It was fun when Ncuti Gatwa said, in character, that he had been on this planet before, and we get a flash from that episode with Tennent.

I truly did not know what was going to happen with this story as there were just a bunch of characters on edge. The show also did a great job of building these side characters quickly so I felt something for them when they were in jeopardy. It was not just a bunch of cannon fodder (though there were some of those here too).

The episode continued to build the overarching mystery of the season with the question about why the Tardis can not return to earth in 2025. These people in the distant future had never heard of the earth or the human race even though The Doctor indicated that the earth should have been known in the time. I do like how they keep planting those seeds even if it is not the main thrust of the episode. Oh and Mrs. Flood is there again, just taunting us with her continual presence.

I am such a fan of this version of the Doctor so far. Ncuti Gatwa is such a strong performer and seems to have chemistry with everyone. He is emotional and powerful, oozing a confidence that is shaken over and again. I have not seen many other versions of Doctor Who, but this one had made me a fan.