Read this Wonder Man review to see if the episode “Pacoima” is worth watching.
About Wonder Man
- Season 1, Episode 3: “Pacoima”
- Directed by James Ponsoldt
- Written by Paul Welsh & Madeline Walter
- Synopsis: Birthday parties are kind of stressful.
- Airdate: January 27, 2026
- Starring: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Ben Kingsley, Arian Moayed, X Mayo, Shola Adewusi, Demetrius Grosse, Dan Donohue, Kameron J Meadows, Ellis E. Fowler, Aisha Lomax, Daniel Augustin, Daheli Hall, Karina Bonnefil, Numa Perrier, and Cassandra Creech
If you want to avoid Wonder Man spoilers, skip to the overall section at the end.
Warning: Spoilers for Wonder Man Season 1 Episode 3 “Pacoima.”
Recap Wonder Man (2026): S1E03 – “Pacoima”
Episode three opens with a flashback to 13-year-old Simon Williams sitting in a doctor’s office while his mother, Martha (Shola Adewusi), anxiously explains that he had been left alone during what was clearly a house fire. Strangely, however, no smoke damage is found on him. Not a cough. Not a burn. Not even a suspicious eyebrow singe.
To the doctor’s surprise, Simon appears perfectly fine, which gives the whole situation an Unbreakable-style vibe — you know, the kind where you start wondering if the kid is about to bench-press a Buick. Meanwhile, knowing looks are exchanged between Simon and his brother about the stove, and the implication is quietly dropped like a match in gasoline.
Cut to the present day, where the head of Damage Control is shown being thoroughly irritated that their “incredibly expensive, state-of-the-art, high-security prison” remains embarrassingly empty. The prison, it seems, was meant to be filled — capitalism demands occupancy, after all. Employees are warned that more arrests need to be made or pink slips will be handed out. Agent P. Cleary (Arian Moayed) is visibly rattled, as though he already hears the HR email drafting itself.
Later, Trevor Slattery (Ben Kingsley) is approached by Cleary. Evidence from the fire, a laptop, and the infamous “port-o-potty explosion” is said to be nearly sufficient to bring Simon (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) in. Trevor, conflicted, insists Simon isn’t dangerous.
That concern is promptly ignored.
Instead, a wire is ordered to be worn, and Trevor is instructed to infiltrate Martha Williams’ birthday party in Pacoima. Information about the fire is to be gathered. His discomfort is noted, but Cleary delivers the classic bureaucratic ultimatum: cooperate or enjoy prison food. Subtlety, as usual, is not Damage Control’s strong suit.
Birthday Party Espionage (Or: How to Ruin Cake With Federal Surveillance)
As the day unfolds, Simon and Trevor discuss auditions. Acting, Trevor reminds him, is a job that can be done anywhere — including community theater, presumably sandwiched between folding chairs and lukewarm punch. They begin quoting King Lear, The Grapes of Wrath, and Amadeus, because nothing says “casual car ride” like aggressive theater-kid energy.
Eventually, they arrive at the party.
Simon’s Haitian mother warmly greets Trevor, who is introduced as an “industry friend.” Shola Adewusi is Nigerian, but she pulls off a flawless accent. The kitchen, renovated by brother Eric (Demetrius Grosse), is proudly displayed. Compliments are expected. Compliments are delivered. Meanwhile, Martha excitedly tells guests about Simon’s “movie” on “YouTube” — which is either adorable or accidentally devastating.
Eric soon appears and immediately chastises Simon for forgetting whipped cream, because every family gathering requires at least one minor, petty crime. Trevor is recognized as the Mandarin, though the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art alum explains — perhaps overshares — that the role had merely funded his former drug and prostitution debts. Casual small talk, obviously.
The fire is mentioned, and Trevor attempts to steer the conversation toward it. He is rebuffed with the grace of someone shutting down a telemarketer.
Neighbor Esther claims she doesn’t like Simon and prefers Eric, labeling him the “nice” one. (Narrator voice: This assessment will age poorly.) Other guests offer little information. Two cousins tease Trevor in Haitian Creole (Kreyòl ayisyen) while fishing for superhero stories about Captain America (presumably Sam Wilson), only to be caught when Simon reveals he understands them. Awkwardness is served alongside the appetizers.
By now, Trevor’s spy mission feels less like espionage and more like emotional damage with potato salad.
Family Dinner Meltdown: When Passive Aggression Goes Superpowered
Dinner is eventually served, and Eric quotes their late father: “This chicken tastes like it was… born to be in this sauce.” It is unclear whether this is heartfelt or simply poultry poetry. Either way, the meal quickly shifts from wholesome to hostile.
The conversation turns toward Eric’s stable insurance career. A job is offered to Simon. Tension is immediately generated. Simon insists he is working. Trevor attempts to advocate for his friend but only succeeds in making himself look suspicious. Eric questions Trevor’s presence entirely.
Trevor retreats to the bathroom to call Cleary and reports that nothing useful has been uncovered. Cleary, continuing his streak of charm, reiterates the prison threat like a villain who skipped sensitivity training.
Back in the kitchen, Martha confides in Trevor that Simon has always struggled to make friends. A childhood memory is shared: Simon fell off his late father’s bike, and afterward, he thanked his mother for “loving” him. The loneliness is framed not as new, but lifelong.
The moment lands softly. Surprisingly soft. Almost too soft for a Marvel show. (Don’t worry — chaos is coming.)
Gifts are opened. Simon presents an ice cream maker. Eric, whose kitchen remodel has apparently been emotionally upstaged by frozen dairy, begins complaining about money. He says that he paid for the gift. Then, because humiliation apparently pairs well with dessert, he forces Simon to admit he was fired from American Horror Story.
Eric keeps pushing.
And pushing.
Finally, the island — yes, the fancy renovated island — is smashed by Simon in a burst of rage.
The destruction is delivered with trailer-worthy impact, but in context, it hurts more. Super strength isn’t flashy here. It’s sad. And expensive.
Somewhere, Home Depot quietly wins.
Trevor’s Choice and the Quiet Betrayal That Wasn’t
On the drive home, Simon admits that this side of himself has never been seen outside the family. His powers are confessed as mysterious, unwanted, and deeply inconvenient. He fears exposure, especially with references made to DeMarr “Doorman” Davis — a name ominously parked for the next episode.
Trevor, attempting comfort, quotes Henry Francis Lyte’s hymn “Abide with Me,” recalling how it had been sung with his mother before she died. The relationship between the two men is deepened again, gently and sincerely.
Then reality crashes back in.
Simon vents his frustration about “talentless fools” booking jobs while he remains unemployed. It’s bitter. Raw. Very actor-coded.
Trevor pulls over, claiming he needs to pee. Instead, the memory card from the listening device is quietly destroyed. The evidence is erased. The wire is effectively rendered useless. His choice is made.
When he returns, Simon looks crushed. A call from his agent has come through.
Callbacks.
For both of them.
For Wonder Man.
As “Catch a Falling Star” plays, the credits roll — cheeky, tragic, and just ironic enough to sting.
Because nothing says hope like federal crimes and unresolved trauma.
Classic Marvel.
Overall: Watch Wonder Man (2026): S1E03 – “Pacoima”
Watch the Wonder Man episode “Pacoima” because the show manages to make a family party into high drama. The episode deftly weaves in Abdul-Mateen II’s Haitian heritage and themes of isolation and loneliness. The acting by Simon’s family was perfectly cast, and the full reveal of Williams’ origin is both confusing and intriguing.
I’m giving this episode 3.5 out of 5 stars
All episodes of Wonder Man are available to stream on Disney+.
Click the link to read our review of the previous episode, “Self-Tape.“
Wonder Man Season 1 Reviews and Recaps:
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