TV Series: She-Hulk

I spent this evening watching the whole series of "She-Hulk", or to give it its full name, "She-Hulk, Attorney at Law". It's a cosy evening's viewing, because the episodes are so short. If you strip away the final credits, each episode only lasts 25 minutes. That's less than four hours in total. In the first few episodes I felt frustrated that they didn't last longer, but as the series progressed I accepted it. They said all that they had to say, and no additional padding was needed.

"She-Hulk" is a comedy series. I don't mean in the way that Marvel films have comedy mixed in with the action. (Often too much comedy, but that's a different matter). The whole She-Hulk series is intended to be funny, and there are only occasional action scenes thrown in. I'd call this a Marvel series for people who don't like Marvel, although I'm sure Marvel fans would appreciate it more.

The series deviates from the Marvel canon of what's written in the comics, but only in minor ways that don't spoil the story. In the comics Jennifer Walters' personality changes when she transforms into She-Hulk. As a normal woman she's quiet and reserved, but as She-Hulk she's outgoing and flirtatious. We don't see that in the series. She's always the same woman, and if she flirts as She-Hulk it's because it's what she's always wanted to do as Jennifer. It's a subtle distinction, and it's practically hidden behind the humour.

"She-Hulk" repeatedly breaks the fourth wall. In every episode there are scenes where Jennifer/She-Hulk turns to the camera and addresses the audience. This is an alienation technique that can be annoying if it's done badly, but in "She-Hulk" it enhances the series. There are cameos by characters from the Marvel films in almost every episode, so viewers who've seen the first 22 Marvel Cinematic Universe films will be at an advantage, but non-MCU-fans should pick things up quickly. There's no reason not to watch "She-Hulk", even if you've never watched a Marvel film or series before.

One of the first things I did after finishing my binge was to check whether there will be a second season. Evidently not, which is a shame. The series was intended to introduce the She-Hulk character, and she'll be in the films from now on. I can only hope that the fans will shout loud enough to make the Marvel creators change their minds and give us more seasons.

The series is available on Disney Plus. I doubt it will be made available on disc. Wait and see.