Ms. Marvel season 1, episode 1 recap: Generation Why

The Disney Plus series Ms. Marvel season 1 episode 1 has arrived! Audiences are introduced to the Captain Marvel super fan Kamala Khan, her family, friends, and what surely will be the moment that changes her life forever.

Let’s not waste any more time and get into the recap!

Ms. Marvel Season 1 Episode 1 recap – Meet Kamala Khan

Ms. Marvel’s main character is Muslim American high school student Kamal Khan. She lives with her parents and older brother in Jersey City, NJ.

Her family, while very loving and compassionate are also a little old-fashioned. After failing her driving test, Kamala’s day doesn’t improve as she seems to be heavily ignored and somewhat teased in her high school and of course the school guidance counselor (which for some cliche reason are always trying to act hip when they need to simply relate to the students) expresses concerns about her not taking her future seriously.

This is a reoccurring theme through the entire episode as Kamala loves to daydream. She’s probably the biggest Captain Marvel fan in the world and recently made a video expressing this on her small YouTube Channel.

But all is not lost! She does have her friends, including her best friend, Bruno (who definitely has some unspoken feelings for Kamala).

The two are very excited to put the finishing touches on her Captain Marvel cosplay for the first ever AvengerCon! The only problem is Kamala has yet to ask her mom’s permission to go.

As mentioned earlier Kamala’s family is old fashioned and we see further proof of this when she and her mom go shopping for an upcoming family wedding. While Kamala is getting fitted her mom and the seamstress are gossiping over a young woman who decided not to get married and instead travel to find herself.

Kamala thinks it’s a wonderful idea, the women see it as a near disgrace. When Kamala gets home a package arrived from her grandmother in Pakistan.

Inside Kamala finds stunning relic arm cuffs. Her mother is quick to express the box is nothing but junk and has it moved to the attic.

Meanwhile Bruno teaches Kamala’s father how to use technology he created, similarly to that of an Alexa. After he leaves Kamala decides to ask her parents about attending AvengerCon, expressing how Bruno really wants to go and they decline.

Even though Captain Marvel’s costume covers her from head to toe, Kamala’s mother feels it is inappropriate. As much as Kamala has proven herself to be a good and trustworthy kid, they do not allow her to go.

Surprisingly they have a change of heart, but this only leads to more heartbreak. Kamala can go, if her father goes with her for two hours, wearing a Hulk costume while she wears a little Hulk costume.

Kamala is understandably embarrassed, and in the process, accidentally hurts her parent’s feelings. Bruno tries to make her feel better by revealing he finished her gloves for the cosplay costume.

Ms. Marvel Season 1 Episode 1 recap – AvengerCon

Kamala’s drive to attend AvengerCon is stronger than ever and with the help of Bruno they come up with an elaborate plan, which if successful, she’ll be able to return home without her parents knowing. Deciding to add her own personal heritage to her Captain Marvel cosplay, Kamala packs the cuffs from her grandmother.

After excusing herself from family dinner early, making a less than graceful exit from her bedroom window, arriving to the bus but leaving her bike behind, Kamala and Bruno arrive to AvengerCon! The two have the time of their lives until it is time for the Captain Marvel cosplay contest.

Kamala spots, unfriendly and possibly snobbish classmate Zoe also donning a Captain Marvel costume. Bruno assures Kamala she’ll still win.

Kamala gets dressed but accidentally forgets the gloves Bruno spent endless time working on in the women’s bathroom. When it’s time to go on stage she puts on the cuffs and immediately feels out of sorts.

She accidentally releases cosmic-like waves of energy beheading a giant Ant Man display. This leads to the whole AvengerCon essentially getting destroyed.

Bruno and Kamala escape unharmed but when she returns to her bedroom her mother is waiting for her. Her mother is visibly upset and disappointed with her daughter, claiming she doesn’t recognize her anymore.

She too, asks for her daughter to think of her future. But her mother’s words don’t mean anything to Kamala now that she has super cosmic powers.

Ms. Marvel Season 1 Episode 1 recap – New powers?

Ms. Marvel’s first episode reveals a special end credit scene you don’t want to miss! Kamala’s new powers unfortunately grab the attention of someone else.

During the incident at AvengerCon, someone filmed her using her powers. This video piques the interest of Special Agent Cleary, who some may recognize from the 2021 film Spider-Man: No Way Home.

If he is able to identify Kamala, then she may be in more trouble than she realizes. Not to mention the episode insinuated that Zoe may have recognized Kamala in the costume as well.

Ms. Marvel Season 1 Episode 1 review

As we predicted Kamala Khan has all the charm, quirk and humor we hoped for. Much like Kate Bishop from Hawkeye, Kamala is obsessed with the Avengers, in this case, Captain Marvel.

But her individuality is so much more than a crazed, imaginative fangirl. She, like most teenagers, gets stuck between being who they are and who they feel they have to be for their families.

While some families might embrace their oddball children, others don’t. Kamala is going to have a hard time being happy while also pleasing her family.

She’s not outwardly rebelling; she’s being herself which means she won’t share the same values or opinions as her family. It’s a tricky situation but one that we look forward to watching unfold as the season continues.

The episode contains amazing artwork, music inserts that flows and fits in so naturally, reminding me a lot of the style of the 2010 film Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.  A lot of attention to even the smallest of details was pure perfection!

Just where did those cuffs come from exactly? Are her powers permanent?

We can’t wait to find out!

What did you think of Ms. Marvel season 1, episode 1? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Ms. Marvel season 1 episode 2 airs on June 15, 2022 on Disney Plus.