ironheart Episodes 4–6 Review: Magic, Machines, and a Devil’s Deal

In the final three episodes of Ironheart on Disney+, the series pushes past its grounded beginnings and dives headfirst into a supernatural-tinged conflict that redefines what the show—and its lead—truly represent. While the earlier half introduced Riri Williams as a young genius grappling with her place in the world, these later episodes attempt to challenge her sense of control, morality, and identity. The result is ambitious, messy, and—at times—strikingly bold.

Episode 4: “Bad Magic”

Riri’s journey takes a turn as she returns home to Chicago and begins peeling back the layers of The Hood’s enchanted coat. As she grapples with the implications of magic interfering with her tech-based worldview, she teams up with Zelma Stanton, a mystic ally who nudges her toward accepting the mystical elements she can’t rationalize.

The episode leans heavily into the supernatural, introducing darker tones and atmospheric storytelling, reminiscent of a CW-style hero drama—but with the polish of Marvel’s budget. Riri’s frustration is palpable; her intellect is a blessing and a curse, making it hard for her to admit she’s out of her depth. The conflict here isn’t just with villains—it’s within herself.

Episode 5: “Karma’s a Glitch”

Riri begins constructing a hybrid suit, combining mystic energy with tech—a daring move that puts her at odds with both her values and her allies. As her relationship with Parker Davis begins to crack under the weight of secrets and betrayal, the episode accelerates toward a confrontation layered with emotional stakes.

But here’s where the show stumbles. For someone so brilliant, Riri consistently makes decisions that feel shortsighted or careless. While the writing is clearly attempting to show the recklessness of youth and grief, some choices come off as plot-convenient rather than character-driven. Parker’s descent into villainy also feels rushed, with his motivations muddy and his alliances even murkier.

Still, the visual execution of the hybrid suit and the use of magic-enhanced tech bring a fresh aesthetic that helps offset some of the narrative hiccups.

Episode 6: “The Past Is the Past”

The finale is where Ironheart makes its biggest swing—and mostly connects. After a dramatic battle, Riri manages to take down both Parker and Ezekiel, only to be faced with a far more terrifying force: Mephisto.

Sacha Baron Cohen makes his long-anticipated debut as the Devil of the Marvel Universe, and he is immediately magnetic. With long, disheveled hair and a slow, serpentine cadence, his presence commands attention. This is not the cartoonish demon fans may have expected—this is Mephisto as a seductive force, one that preys on Riri’s guilt, ambition, and grief. He offers her a twisted deal that leaves the season on a dark, uncertain cliffhanger.

Thematically, it’s a brilliant closer. Riri is no longer just building machines—she’s standing at a spiritual and emotional crossroads, one that challenges everything she’s believed up to this point. The Devil doesn’t just tempt her with power—he offers her an escape from pain. And that’s a dangerous proposition.

Final Thoughts

Episodes 4 through 6 of Ironheart elevate the series beyond its tech-genius roots, merging mysticism and moral complexity in ways that will divide viewers but spark deep conversation. Dominique Thorne remains the soul of the series, grounding even the most fantastical elements with emotional truth. Her portrayal of Riri is layered—brilliant, angry, grieving, proud—and her decisions, even when flawed, feel real.

However, the show still suffers from uneven pacing and some frustrating character logic. Secondary villains are underwritten, and the magical lore introduced feels rushed rather than earned. And yet, the ambition behind these episodes—culminating in Mephisto’s arrival—gives the series a jolt of narrative electricity it sorely needed.

If Ironheart gets a second season, it has the foundation to become something truly special. The tech vs. magic dichotomy, Riri’s inner turmoil, and the Devil lurking just behind the curtain all set the stage for a story that’s far bigger—and far darker—than it first appeared.

Verdict:

A flawed but daring second half, Ironheart Episodes 4–6 lean hard into magic, loss, and temptation. While not always graceful in execution, the emotional stakes and Mephisto’s arrival ensure this series ends not with a whimper—but a whispered threat.