Sunday Service

Disney+’s Spider-Man soars in two-episode finale

Wednesday Disney Plus released the final two episodes of its new animated series, Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man. This new take on Peter Parker becoming Marvel’s most popular superhero incorporates a litany of comic book lore to produce a fun, vibrant, and modern iteration. The two-punch finale found Peter facing his fear in another battle against Scorpion, while Norman Osborn’s full intentions are revealed in a stunning full-circle moment.

Not only do we see Peter embrace his newfound heroism, but we also see the series’s unexpected co-lead, Lonnie Lincoln, detour down a path of inevitable criminality. Lincoln joined the 110th Street Gang out of the preservation and safety of a loved one. It became a haven away from his noble pedestal; apart from everyone’s expectations of him to succeed. Naturally, this born leader’s characteristics would excel in any environment. It just so happens he’s found a new purpose in the streets.

The two episodes displayed the great care and nuance written in these characters. Osborn is charming and empathetic to Peter as a mentor, but he’s still a billionaire. One who has sided with Iron Man in the Civil War argument, believing mere mortals must match superheroes’ unchecked power. One almost feels sorry for Doctor Octavious. However, his solution to the problem isn’t great either, but we understand his motivations.

As we rapidly await a season-two renewal, this first season left us with much to look forward to. Nico’s secret; Jean’s true identity and purpose; the lone symbiote seeking a host — not to mention the radioactive spider still loose on a random kid’s backpack. But no other reveals gagged me more than Aunt May’s last-minute errand. As a casual non-comic reader, I was stunned.

For ten episodes in less than four weeks, Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man season 1 gets a strong 10/10.

Previously on As Kier Turns…

This week’s Severance saw our twisted workplace thriller embrace the melodrama as heartstrings crossed inside Lumon’s walls. As Mark and Helly consummate their relationship, Dylan G.’s congenital visits with his outie’s wife take a turn. Elsewhere, Irving met Burt and his partner, Fields, for what appeared to be an olive branch. But something is afoot with Irving B.’s new friend.

It’s interesting to see our main cast, viewed as not real people, experience love and care outside the platonic realm. But one must wonder what harm this may cause Lumon’s ultimate mission. Lumon seeks to dehumanize these copies so they can do their bidding without question. It’s hard to oppress people when they can’t form bonds or move as a community.

Apart from the tangled web of emotions, Milchick’s attempt to “grow” is an interesting take on shrinking oneself to fit a particular mold. We’ve been detangling Seth’s layers as a person all season long, specifically how he exists as a Black man in Lumon management. The proverb says we must work twice as hard for the same positions, roles and respect. Milchick has worked hard to be as poised and accomplished as his counterparts - who essentially are all realted to Daddy Eagan. That scene wasn’t so much a man trying to separate from his Blackness, but someone separating from a corporate culture that bemoaned any ounce of casualness.

I also loved the body horror tease as Mark survives re-integration. We tend to forget how grotesque the show can be. Not since season one with Petey have I squirmed at what was on screen. Even the thought of whatever is happening in the Exports Hall elevates the creep levels.

Four episodes remain in Apple TV’s most-watched show. And season three is being written now.

Coming Attractions

• 2.23 NBC’s Sunday launch Stephen Amell’s Suits LA and the dramedy murder mystery, Grosse Pointe Garden Society

• Paramount+ streams the second season of 1923

• 2.24 CBS premieres network’s first hour-long all-Black soap opera, Beyond the Gates

• 2.27 Prime Video, the new home for biblical drama The Chosen, premieres House of David