Seeing Red continues Ms. Marvel‘s hot streak. There are some questionable editing choices and the ending is a bit confusing. However, Ms. Marvel continues to shine on Iman Vellani‘s shoulders.
Kamala Khan and her mom are the only members of the main cast in Seeing Red. They visit Kamala’s grandmother and Muneeba’s mother in Karachi, Pakistan. Muneeba’s still angry at Kamala due to ruining the wedding. However, she decides to call a truce during this trip.
The family dynamic between three generations of Khans is terrific. I love how the series has dialed back on tension between Kamala and Muneeba. There’s still tension, but it’s quiet and from Muneeba’s side it’s more about trying to understand Kamala than it’s about controlling her daughter. Likewise, Kamala’s reasons for withholding the truth make sense.
What Seeing Red does for the Khan family also applies to the larger Marvel story going on. Seeing Red introduces Red Dagger. A hero from the comics who defends Karachi. Red Dagger and Kamala start off fighting, but once Red Dagger understands Kamala’s not a threat. He and his mentor Waleed explain more of the bangle’s origin, the alternate dimension and the risks the Clandestines pose. I’m really impressed with how Ms. Marvel continues to gradually expand its scope.
The fight sequences, especially the initial fight between Kamala and Red Dragger, are great. There are some editing choices in a chase scene, which are hard to follow and are reminiscent of Moon Knight at times. The ending of the episode is confusing as it appears to be another vision, but the lack of a color change makes it look like Kamala was transported to Partition-era India.
Everything Vellani does as Kamala continues to work. She’s great in the action sequences and continues to shine amidst the tough tonal balance Ms. Marvel requires.
With the overview out of the way, let’s dive deeper into the elements that stood in Seeing Red. There may be some minor spoilers. Ms. Marvel is available to stream on Disney Plus.
If you like the content on The Intersection and have the means, a donation is much appreciated. The Intersection will never have ads on the website. In order to expand coverage to golden-era tv shows and add new features, we need your help. You can provide a one-time donation via PayPal or Stripe below.
Kamala is Seeing Red
When Kamala arrives in Karachi, her grandmother sheds some light on the bangle but not much. Outside of sharing her grandaughter’s visions, Sana doesn’t have powers like Kamala. After meeting up with some relatives, Kamala heads to the train station she saw in her vision.
Kamala’s investigation stalls pretty fast. Red Dagger appears and the two younger heroes have a pretty cool battle. Kamala holds her own here. Once it’s clear Kamala’s not a threat, Red Dagger takes Kamala to his mentor Waleed. Like every other actor in this series, Vellani has instant chemistry with Aramis Knight. Red Dagger serves as Kamala’s guide through the authentic Pakistan culture. Knight does a great job in the action sequences as well.
Waleed explains the danger the Clandestines represent. Essentially, if the bangle is used it will create a collision between the two dimensions and destroy this world. The concept is very similar to the universes collapsing in Dr. Strange and the Multiverse of Madness.
The marvel worldbuilding continues to blend well with the family drama.
Three Generations of Khans
The personalities of Sana (grandmother), Muneeba (mom) and Kamala are fascinating. Kamala’s more carefree demeanor certainly takes after her grandmother. Although there are similarities between all three women.
The issues between each mother-daughter pairing are understandable. Sana has some resentment over Muneeba leaving for the United States. Muneeba is frustrated with Sana’s carefree nature. Kamala is still lying to her mom. Muneeba simply wants to know what’s going on with her daughter.
Seeing Red is mostly focused on the mysterious bangle and introducing Red Dagger. However, it’s the family elements that make the superhero theatrics matter.
Change in Scenery
Moving Ms. Marvel‘s events from the streets of Jersey City to Karachi is a smart, bold choice for the most part. The background visual flourishes are missing, which is a disappointment.
The Clandestines are able to escape Damage Control custody with ease. Najma knows exactly where Kamala is heading due to the shared vision at the end of Destined. Another battle and chase sequence with the Djinn occurs around the streets of Karachi.
Kamala’s not on her own this time. Red Dagger and Waleed help Kamala fight Najma’s family. The editing is pretty chaotic during this sequence. A particularly implausible scene involves Kamala driving a large vehicle and ramming said truck into one of the Clandestine’s.
Waleed is killed in the fight. Back at the train station, Najma strikes Kamala’s bangle with a knife causing a new vision. The muted colors of the vision make it tough to tell whether this is a vision of the past or something else. I assume it’s just a glimpse at the past, but some resolution of this story in the episode itself would have provided some clarity.
Seeing Red Final Thoughts
The ending of Seeing Red leaves something to be desired. However, the performance by Vellani, the introduction of Red Dagger and the dynamic between three generations of Khan women make Seeing Red a fun, imperfect journey.
The Review
Seeing Red
PROS
- From action to drama to comedy, Iman Vellani continues to shine.
- Introduction of Red Dagger.
- The dynamic between three generations of Khan women is wonderful.
- The initial fight scene between Kamala and Red Dagger is really cool and shows Kamala's growth.
CONS
- The chase scene near the end is difficult to follow.
- The actual ending is confusing. Is this just a vision? It's tough to tell based on the lack of visual cues.
- Colorful backgrounds takes a backseat in the episode.
