Season 1 Episode 3 – Riri is uncomfortable being part of Parker’s crew-two more heists, max, and she’s out, she promises.
Please note, our reviews are based on likes and dislikes. These contain significant spoilers. If you haven’t already watched the episode, we recommend that you click off the article and come back once you have watched the episode. Enjoy!
What I Liked
The cracks are starting to show within the crew, especially between Riri and Parker. Their clash over moral ethics was genuinely compelling. Parker believes in doing whatever it takes, regardless of consequences, while Riri wants to stay grounded in doing good. It’s a philosophical rift that’s clearly going to deepen, and I’m here for it. Also, Clown mocking Parker’s cloak? Brilliant.
Joe standing up for himself was one of the best moments of the episode. He storms into Riri’s home, blueprint in hand, and demands her help. Riri is left completely speechless, which made me laugh. Joe’s a legend, and it’s nice to see he actually took Riri’s advice on board. Not long after Joe’s scene, Riri ends up being blackmailed by Natalie, too. That whole sequence was a highlight, entertaining and well-paced.
We finally learn what happened to Natalie. Riri has a panic attack while reliving the moment of her death. Natalie was shot inside the auto shop while Riri watched, helpless. It’s an emotional, impactful scene, and it now makes complete sense why Riri was so shaken when the AI version of Natalie first appeared.
The Heirlum heist doesn’t go as planned. I liked that the company’s boss doesn’t back down when Parker tries to intimidate him; he stands tall. Unfortunately, it doesn’t end well for him. Parker goes invisible, strangles him, and breaks his neck, quickly and mercilessly. When security arrives, we see Parker effortlessly take them down. His power level is finally being shown, and it’s genuinely impressive.
John discovers what Riri has been doing and sees her as a loose end. They fight, and it’s pretty evenly matched until the CO2 kicks in, leaving them both gasping for air. Just in time, Natalie shows up with the suit and covers Riri, saving her. Parker then asks her to fly back and find John, but Riri says he’s not moving, confirming his death. I was surprised, honestly. I didn’t think Riri had it in her, but it made sense. John would’ve killed her if he had the chance, and very nearly did.
Finally, Parker screams into the sky, presumably at whatever entity gave him his powers (Dormammu? A dark Doctor Strange?). The entity shows him visions of John dying and of Riri suited up as Ironheart. Safe to say: Parker knows. The episode ends with Riri in another panic attack, likely overwhelmed by the realisation that Parker’s coming for her. Things are about to explode, and I’m ready for it.
What I Disliked
Nothing to report this week.
Favorite Moment
In a twist I genuinely didn’t see coming, Joe reveals he’s Obadiah Stane’s son — Ezekiel. We haven’t heard Stane’s name since Iron Man 1, so this was a cool surprise. He explains the truth behind Obadiah’s death, which was seemingly covered up by Stark Industries as a plane crash. That reveal answered a lot of questions and added some unexpected legacy depth to Joe’s character.
Standout Character
It was close between Riri and Parker, but I’ve got to give it to Parker this time. His slow unraveling, the intensity of his action scenes, and how menacing he’s becoming, it’s the best we’ve seen from him yet.
Verdict
This was easily the best episode of the series so far. I expected a step up after my early reviews, and I wasn’t disappointed. When the credits rolled, I turned to my wife and said, “I really enjoyed that.” It answered key questions, delivered some strong character moments, and ended on a great cliffhanger. I just hope the show doesn’t lose momentum from here. After a slow start, it’s finally clicking, and it needs to keep that energy going.
Rating 8.8/10
The Review
Story - 9
Action - 7
Characters - 9
Entertainment - 9
Quality - 10
8.8
Great
This was easily the best episode of the series so far. I expected a step up after seeing early reviews, and I wasn’t disappointed. When the credits rolled, I turned to my wife and said, “I really enjoyed that.” It answered key questions, delivered some strong character moments, and ended on a great cliffhanger. I just hope the show doesn’t lose momentum from here. After a slow start, it’s finally clicking, and it needs to keep that energy going.
