Ms. Marvel 1×06 “No Normal” gives us a gratifying season finale that encapsulates the message of family. Family doesn’t have to be blood, and this episode proves that your support system can extend beyond the confines of genetics. While Kamala’s family and friends are beyond supportive of her, we see her community rally around her superhero alias.
After all, it’s only on TV that we see a superhero that protects US. Unfortunately, it’s only on TV where we see law enforcement in the wrong. Even on TV, both these scenarios can be scarce.
The villains in this episode are not as easily identified. They are villains that many minorities come to blows with regularly, only to be told that it’s the cost of our culture. Despite doing good beyond the bare minimum, the villains in this episode can only focus on the possibility of threats.
Yet, they never see how they might be a threat. I mean, if they do something wrong, then it’s all about lost potential.
Any government agency in the media showcases the hero or the clean-up crew for the hero’s work. They validate the hero to prove that “yes, this is an admirable person who can save the world.” Ms. Marvel chooses to show that we don’t need validation from white saviours or the state to identify as good people.
This finale made Muslims feel like superheroes and showcased that we must stick up for our own.
FAMILY
Ms. Marvel shows us what a supportive and loving family Kamala has. From a new suit, with an authentic Pakistani design and her signature kaaf logo, to being worried about her safety, their love for her shines brighter than her powers. Also, it’s interesting to see the overprotective desi household dynamic mixed in with superpowers.
By the way, that suit is perfect. This brilliant mesh of modern and Pakistani casual allows Kamala to have a super suit that is religiously appropriate.
Her mom telling her dad when she wanted to make the announcement, and Aamir overhearing because their dad always has his phone on speaker, is so reminiscent of a desi household. I mean, CMON. Also, Aamir making fun of her shows us how natural and well-written these family and cultural dynamics are.
When Kamala’s fighting? Her family is front and centre. They push every boundary to protect her and to stand with her. Aamir even comes to the high school and crashes her solo plans so that he can help and babysit. Listen, it’s a desi family. It does not matter if you have powers; your mother will still send someone to chaperone you.
While I love Aamir’s dynamic with, and Muneeba’s gracious acceptance and trust of Kamala, that conversation with her father is everything. *someone pass the tissues*
I’ve got a dad just like hers, and the conversation they had, a mix of heartfelt and joking, reminds me of the countless hours I have spent talking my dad’s ear off. Unfortunately, there aren’t many dads like Kamala’s in our culture. Many of our dads are still unlearning their tough personas, which takes time.
I got lucky, and so did she. To see these emotionally intelligent dads in South-Asian culture proves the show went farther than the superficial. Also, the link? Kamala = Marvel in Urdu, and she is Ms. Marvel, but also a mini Carol Danvers WAS EPIC. So much cultural excellence.
FRIENDS
Now, Ms. Marvel 1×06 had some unusual team-ups. Initially, it was hard to believe that Zoe would get her hands dirty, but she was precious. The plan to buy them time to get Kamran to the bay and Kareem was genius with a hint of cinematic graphic excellence. I’m not exactly sure how Kamala drew that plan so fast and SO WELL, but hey…
They used the entire team’s strengths — not just Kamala or Kamran’s powers. Dressing up the same, the fire extinguishers as fog, and Zoe using her platform to rally the community was exactly what was needed. It brought some people closer, like Zoe with the group, and it brought Kamala and Nakia back together.
We got to see Bruno, getting Kamran by train to the mosque and the school. He didn’t stop or think for one second about what could happen to him. He just did his best to help out a friend in need.
Listen: I was rolling on the floor laughing at the scene where the boys have their hats on. “Halal” being on Kamran and “Haram” being on Bruno is just perfection. It’s like approved vs. western in human form.
Speaking of the boys, I STILL DON’T KNOW. While I love all three, I felt for Bruno when Kamala and Kamran almost kissed. I’m a sucker for the best friends trope. Sue me. In all honesty, I don’t know if Kamala should focus on boys when she has all these new powers to figure out. Also, religiously, I would like to see these relationships done right.
Kamala’s friends are her lifelines, especially considering they helped save her life. They also manage to teach each other. Nakia teaches Bruno about the troubles of being Muslim, and they teach Kamala about loyalty. No matter what, they stuck with her, planned with her, and helped her until they got caught. Even then, their only concern was for her safety.
FOES
When this bitch got fired, I think I screamed. It’s bad enough that Kamran has new powers he did not ask for, and his mom is dead, but now he also has to deal with Damage Control hunting him. That’s why I could not be more proud of Kamala for doing her best to get Kamran out of the city, to Kareem, without causing any issues.
This agent has nothing better to do. She has been hunting them from the moment she was assigned the case. She disregarded every order her superior gave her and did not give a shit that they were kids. So yeah, when she got fired, I jumped with joy.
Despite her insolence, the community met her with peace as she entered the mosque and had their IDs ready to go. Also, her use of force on these kids, even if enhanced, was unnecessary. However, Kamala doesn’t let a single Damage Control agent get hurt.
When Kamran found out his mom died and started to lose his temper, Kamala protected the agents and ensured that nobody lost their lives. After all, “there’s just us and what we do with what we’ve been given.” Kamala chose good, and she chose to be the best person she could be.
Sheikh Abdullah said, “just because someone treats you as their enemy doesn’t give you the right to treat them as yours.” Kamala takes this to heart. She protects everyone, even those who have hurt her, because she knows the pain and does not wish it on anyone.
The mosque community bands together to protect Kamala, but they don’t hurt or fight back against those who believe they are threats. They rally around Kamala, but they don’t initiate anything. They don’t fight because they believe it will be okay if they do nothing wrong. No matter how hard it is to believe that in this day and age, it was refreshing to see this bit of faith that many Muslims rely on.
WHAT’S NEXT?
We’ve already gotten a glimpse into what future seasons could look like. At the very least, we know that Bruno is going to Caltech and maybe made a move. Nakia is taking centre stage at the mosque to handle all the issues, and hopefully, she didn’t pick that one as her boyfriend, cause girl.
Kamala’s family is as strong as they could be as they navigate this new identity of hers, while giving her the space to identify herself. Hopefully, we’ll continue to see the supportive family dynamic we have seen this season over the next.
Most importantly, let’s hope that future seasons bring to light the struggles of Muslims and continue to represent the culture of Pakistani Muslims accurately. Let’s hope that the characters are always as well written as they have been, and let’s hope that the effort put into the authenticity of the scenes and music continues.
Let’s also find out what Kamala is! Because, as we know, she is a mutant, and for some reason, she can change between herself and the actual Carol Danvers. Here’s to finding out next season and an enormous thank you from every Pakistani-Muslim for this majestic season.
Ms. Marvel‘s entire first season is streaming on Disney+.
