Karma's a Glitch

The journey with "Ironheart" continues to raise numerous questions. The creators' passion for the series is evident and shines through in several moments, lending the show a sense of sincerity and creative energy. However, the storytelling often feels constrained by the limited runtime, leaving insufficient space for meaningful character development or narrative depth. While the recent episodes have offered moments of entertainment, the overarching storyline is becoming increasingly muddled, with character arcs unfolding inconsistently. This latest episode reflects that ongoing pattern-delivering a mix of standout highlights and notably weak moments.

The overall structure of this episode is notably uneven. Its erratic pacing and disjointed transitions between action sequences and character moments create a sense of narrative fragmentation. The episode opens with an action-heavy sequence involving Riri and Parker's crew, only to shift abruptly into an extended montage, disrupting the momentum almost immediately. It is unclear why the creators chose not to escalate the narrative at this point, especially when audience engagement should be a priority. Moreover, the opening action sequence itself lacks energy, portraying Parker's crew as largely ineffectual and further diminishing narrative drive. While it is refreshing to see Riri involved in action outside of the suit, the execution lacks consistency and impact. The second half of the episode further disrupts the pacing, though it compensates somewhat with meaningful character moments-particularly the interactions between Riri and her mother, and the evolving relationship between Riri and N. A. T. A. L. I. E., which reaches a critical turning point here. Despite the show's brief runtime, the writers deserve credit for not overwhelming the narrative with too many plot developments, instead allowing the various threads to coalesce in a way that builds momentum for the finale. Additionally, given that the series has consistently explored the intersection of technology and magic, it is satisfying to finally see those elements meaningfully converge.

"Karma's a Glitch" may not represent the series' strongest episode, but it does contribute meaningful character development for its lead and establishes some momentum heading into the finale. However, the episode suffers from erratic pacing and uneven character moments, which dilute the emotional impact of the arcs and, at times, make the viewing experience feel laborious.

While I felt the episode's pace slowed down after the halfway point, I still think it was a very good episode.

First off, the fight scenes were great. I could genuinely feel Riri was in real danger (especially with Zeke). The tension was handled perfectly, the CGI was very well done, and that hit she landed on the truck was FIRE!

I absolutely loved the character development. It's fascinating to watch how Riri gradually lowers her defenses and reveals her deepest wounds. That garage scene with her father was one of the episode's most beautiful moments: trying to escape your demons and fighting to forget sad memories can also make you stop remembering the happy ones.

By the way, Ronnie Williams is one of the best moms in the MCU. She deserves happiness!

As for Parker, while we finally learned his true motivations, I think the reveal could've been executed better. His father should've appeared earlier if they wanted his victory over him to carry more weight.

The redeeming part of the penultimate episode of Ironheart is that there is action. Even if it is not that good and rather incoherent.

Riri learns more about the Hood's magical cloak.

Soon she has to deal with the goons sent by Parker Robbins to kill Riri. Even though Riri tries to explain to them that Parker is not the good guy he claims to be.

Riri's big problem is that she cannot deal with the bionic upgraded Ezekiel Stane.

The episode is still mixed bag. Very few people act smart. Even Stane should had realised the price Parker would want him to pay.

In fact Ezekiel Stane as a character is such a mixed bag and contradictory.

This episode has to be the biggest mixed bag of the show, so far. The first half is borderline bad, with poor action (both choreography and VFX), a laughable script and some moments that just really didn't feel well thought-through. The second half, though, was a fun and emotional roller-coaster that sets-up the finale really well!

It's an incredibly messy penultimate episode to the show. Some scenes in the second half really show that this series could've had what it takes to be genuinely great, but it all feels so rushed. It feels like the writers didn't have enough time to actually write good dialogue, the action sequences are over before it feels as though they even began, and they plot is so incredibly predictable!

This episode captures everything wrong with this show, and although it's perfectly watchable and offers some moderate entertainment... It's just disappointing.