The third chapter of She-Hulk: Lawyer She-Hulkincluded one of the most controversial post-credit scenes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The most curious thing is that it is not due to the information that he contributed to the chapter or some new character in the overpopulated superheroic world. In fact, the sequence shows Jennifer Walters, along with singer Megan Thee Stallion, dancing twerking.
The short sequence sparked immediate criticism on social media. On the one hand, a group of fans insisted that the series was the lowest point in the series. At the same time, there were complaints about the alleged sexualization of Jennifer Walters’ character.
But he also brought a particular issue to the center of the controversy. Had the series misunderstood its seemingly feminist tone?
That uncomfortable controversy for which there seems to be no answer
Several of the accusations against the image of Jennifer Walters dancing in a style that is considered directly provocative and sexual pointed to the general tone of She-Hulk: Lawyer She-Hulk. During her promotion, it was emphasized that the famous Hulk’s cousin would embody a type of heroine unknown to Marvel.
Without ambitions to save the world, and with a carefree and irreverent style, the central element would be his peculiar personality. Which included a new point of view on women in the productions of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Could be She-Hulk: Lawyer She-Hulk the way Marvel explored a different direction with its female characters? The first two chapters showed her able to laugh at herself and full of good intentions, but without epic aspirations.
At the same time, the series gave a glimpse, in a hilarious context, of the difficulties that a contemporary woman must face. From the mansplaining to family criticism. Jennifer Walters seemed to epitomize a type of close, complex, three-dimensional figure. A pending issue for Marvel since the premiere of its first great success in 2008.
An unnecessary scene in She-Hulk: Lawyer She-Hulk?
But the post-credits scene of the most recent episode seemed to contradict the above. The image of the character doing twerking baffled fans and made them wonder about the nature of the project. It was even publicly questioned if the studio lost its ability to create endearing and epic symbols. Beyond that, the debate focused on the feminism of She-Hulk: Lawyer She-Hulk as a proposal.
That such a scene be included, does it detract from the apparent political commentary of the series? It is a question that has been asked frequently during the last week. But that also covers the entire series. Until now, with his air of sitcom series B, pays direct homage to its paper equivalent. A carefree and mocking version of the world of superheroes.
At the same time, it celebrates a type of strong and independent woman, far from the tormented personalities or turned into symbols of Marvel. But the dance — which was called vulgar on social networks — puts the series in a difficult and complex point. Did the production betray the essence of its premise?
A problem of approach from the origin
In order to answer this question, another question must first be clarified. Is really She – Hulk: Lawyer Hulkaa feminist series? That was the big question that was raised after the premiere of its first chapters. After all, she is about an empowered heroine dealing with current debates about gender and power. But she does not espouse a specific message.
More than that, is a very different figure from the usual female character of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Irreverent enough to ask questions and use the possible political commentary in his favor. Something that Jennifer Gao’s script made clear from the beginning of the story. However, the series is also focused on breaking paradigms about the Marvel formula and just making people laugh. Works? Not at all.
The production seems to find its best moments in its feminist vision. At least, in the power of her character as an individual. The subtle layer of analysis on power relations is part of the identity of the series. Something that caused the controversial dance to seem unnecessary and even just a way to achieve popularity.
But actually, She-Hulk: Lawyer She-Hulk it just showed Jennifer having fun. No one coerced her, forced her, nor was it a demeaning scene or in contempt for her quality as a woman or representative figure. So the remarks have a more or less direct relationship with the personality of the program. Specifically, the way she relates to the big current political issues.
Marvel and the great arguments of our time
So far, Marvel’s experiments to make content more relevant and less superficial have not been entirely successful. Loki introduced the sexual orientation of its titular character in a scene that caused a stir and disappointment. On the other hand, the appearance of a couple of mothers for América Chávez caused the sequel to Doctor Strange It was banned in several countries.
Just the powerful premise of Falcon and the Winter Soldier was luckier. Especially when the series focused on analyzing the environment that could surround a national hero like Captain America. Several of the show’s big scenes delved into concrete questions. Could America accept a symbol of good embodied by a black man? In the end, the argument showed that Marvel could analyze difficult topics with success and relative fluency.
With She-Hulk: Lawyer She-Hulk, Marvel was expected to iron out a critical element in their big issues. The studio is frequently criticized for its heroines, almost always bordering on irrelevant or killed to protect others. At best, comforting figures next to a masculine one.
The unfulfilled expectations that She-Hulk embodied
Could Jennifer Walters be more than a damsel in disgrace or an emotionally one-dimensional woman? The character opened up a possibility of transforming the Marvel formula on an essential level. In fact, Gao insisted that there would be a lot of “girl power” in the story. Also, that the entire plot would focus on a strong, funny, intelligent and bold heroine.
However, the premise is also a production with a goal: to create new spaces for Marvel. One of them seems to be to find a stratum less heroic and closer to the ironic than She-Hulk: Lawyer She-Hulk try to represent. Without achieving it? The most complicated point of a debate that is increasingly difficult to overcome.
A considerable risk for Marvel
So far, the show fails to fully capture the attention of the audience. In the same way that mrs marvel — another plot and cultural experiment — has achieved lukewarm critical success and much less public success. Did Marvel fail again to find a new look at their settings?
The question is uncomfortable in the face of a phase five that should point in a specific direction, be more adult and mature. For now, She Hulk: Lawyer She Hulkit remains a risk that does not find true success.
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Much worse: facing a content-saturated and cynical audience. Is it the wrong time for a production with a very particular personality? Without a doubt, it is the hardest lesson that perhaps Marvel will have to face.