TV Show review
November 21, 2017 · 50 min · TV-14 · Ended · Action · Drama · Sci-Fi · Fantasy · Adventure
Based on 3 seasons, 33 episodes · through December 13, 2019
Marvel's Runaways is a television show about six teenagers who discover that their parents are secretly supervillains. The teens must put aside their differences and run away together to stop their parents' evil plans. The series features a heavy focus on feminist activism through a main character who regularly lectures others on the patriarchy. It also prominently highlights a central queer romance and features diverse casting, including a race-swapped character from the comics.
Why 88%? See the score breakdownBreakdown
These are the editorial factors and ratings behind our score for Marvel's Runaways.
Woke representation / casting
The cast is highly diverse by design, with several prominent minority characters. The show also features a central LGBTQ+ relationship between Nico and Karolina, plus a gender-fluid shape-shifting character, Xavin. Molly was also changed from her white comic book counterpart to a Latina character (Molly Hernandez).
68%
Woke political dialogue
The character of Gert Yorkes is a self-proclaimed "social justice warrior" and feminist who frequently delivers lines targeting the patriarchy, traditional gender roles, and systemic inequality. Her dialogue is heavily populated with modern activist buzzwords and she openly lectures other characters about social justice.
52%
Identity-driven story themes
Finding one's "chosen family" and navigating queer romance are key thematic drivers of the narrative. The central romantic relationship between Nico and Karolina (dubbed "Deanoru") serves as the emotional anchor for multiple seasons. Additionally, Gert's feminist activism and anxieties about privilege directly shape her character arcs.
65%
Western institutional / cultural critique
The series heavily critiques wealthy elites, corporate corruption, and organized religion through the "Church of Gibborim," a cult-like parody of new-age religious organizations. The conflict is framed as a diverse group of progressive teenagers fighting against oppressive, wealthy, and hypocritical older-generation institutions.
48%
Woke character or canon changes
The show makes several notable updates to the comic source material. Molly Hayes is race-swapped into Molly Hernandez, a Latina character. Furthermore, the queer romance between Nico and Karolina is accelerated and given far greater narrative prominence compared to the early comic run.
52%
Anti-woke backlash and complaints
While not a massive mainstream controversy, the show faced noticeable pushback from some fans and conservative viewers who criticized Gert Yorkes as an "insufferable SJW" and found her constant political rants grating. Some comic fans also objected to the race-swapping of Molly and felt the queer romance was pushed too aggressively.
30%
Creator track record context
Showrunners Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage have a moderate score of 31, reflecting mainstream teen drama work. However, the writing staff includes several creators with strong social justice, feminist, and LGBTQ+ portfolios, including Tracy McMillan (65), Kalinda Vazquez (60), and Tamara Becher (68).
45%
Production
