“She-Hulk: Attorney At Law” Early Reactions Call Tatiana Maslany a Super Addition to the MCU
She-Hulk: Attorney at Law has cleared the most crucial hurdle of all—you care about its main character. This is one of the common themes of the early reactions to Marvel Studios’ latest Disney+ series, introducing Jennifer Walters (Tatiana Maslany) to the MCU as a fourth-wall-breaking tour de force. It’s unsurprising that a performer as talented as Maslany has pulled it off, however—she’s been aces in everything she’s in. Still, it’s heartening to hear that She-Hulk is a fun, funny, and satisfying new addition to Marvel’s growing series slate. The fact that Maslany breaks the fourth wall and addresses the viewer directly also makes She-Hulk the first pure comedy in the MCU, even if it’s a comedy with a super-sized lead and some formidable villains.
A little background on the show before we get to the early reactions. Maslany’s Jennifer Walters has a very famous cousin—Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo)—who has a big part to play here as her mentor (of sorts). Her day job, as the show’s title makes clear, is working as a practicing attorney. Yet she’s no ordinary lawyer—she’s representing some of the “eccentric superhumans” that are popping up all over the world, which includes Emil Blonsky (Tim Roth), also known as Abomination, who you might remember tried to kill the Hulk a while back. Roth is coming in for a lot of praise from critics, too.
Jen will be undergoing a lot more than work stress, of course. She’s got the added burden of trying to figure out how to live her life with the incredible powers vested in her after an accident has given her Hulkian super strength. Luckily, her cousin knows a thing or two about living life as a super strong green person. The vibe of the show is that of a legal comedy with an MCU kick.
Joining Maslany, Ruffalo, and Roth are Benedict Wong, reprising his role as Wong, Jameela Jamil as Titania, She-Hulk’s rival, Ginger Gonzaga as Nikki Ramos, and Charlie Cox, reprising his role as Matt Murdock/Daredevil. The series was created by Jessica Gao, with directing duties led by Kat Coiro and supplemented by Anu Valia.
Now that you’ve got the lay of the land, let’s have a look at what critics are saying. She-Hulk: Attorney at Law premieres on August 17:
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
#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
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
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 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
I’ve see the first four episodes of #SheHulk, and they’re just a delight. It’s part superhero show, part legal procedural comedy. It really feels like a show rather than an 8 hour movie, and is pretty well paced accordingly pic.twitter.com/zu5Ww6sSDn
— Arezou-Deetoo (@ArezouAmin) August 16, 2022
Had a blast at the @SheHulkOfficial premiere 💪 It’s SO much fun! You’re going to LOVE Tatiana as Jennifer Walters #SheHulk #SheHulkAttorneyAtLaw
And ALWAYS good to see Xochitl! pic.twitter.com/LJgUgBb3z0— Julian Hilliard (@_JulianHilliard) 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
After watching the first 4 episodes of #SheHulkAttorneyAtLaw I’m all in. #TatianaMaslany nails the role but have to give Jessica Gao huge props for the great writing.
Wasn’t sure about the series going in but it’s so much better than I expected. Can’t wait to watch more. pic.twitter.com/EBfUwxDfxS
— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) 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
For more on She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, check out these stories:
Watch “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law” Star Jameela Jamil Become Supervillain Titania
First “She-Hulk: Attorney At Law” Clip Reveals a Lesson in the Hulk Lifestyle
“She-Hulk: Attorney at Law” Trailer Reveals Two Hulks, One Abomination & One Frog-Man
Marvel Studios Chief Kevin Feige Teases “She-Hulk,” “Secret Invasion,” “Loki” Season 2 & More
Featured image: (L-R): Mark Ruffalo as Smart Hulk / Bruce Banner and Tatiana Maslany as Jennifer “Jen” Walters/She-Hulk in Marvel Studios’ She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2022 MARVEL.
