When Netflix announced that they would be expanding the MCU by bringing The Defenders to life, Marvel fans were hesitant. The last time Daredevil got a live-action outing, it became an example of what never to do in a hero movie. Still, Netflix pushed on and dropped Daredevil, shattering the world's expectations and launching an interconnected universe for Iron Fist, Luke Cage, Frank Castle, and Jessica Jones. The move worked, and everything appeared to be moving along nicely. Each show reached a second season (The Punisher is set to receive a second season next year), as well as a crossover mini-series. There must have been forces at work behind the scenes that fans were unaware of though, because both Luke Cage and Iron Fist were canceled in October.
Now that it appears Netflix's Marvel run is slowing down, or presumably coming to an end, it's time to look back at what The Defenders brought to the MCU. Was Jessica Jones's feminist-driven plot right on time, or did it come off as trite? Did Luke Cage's blatant nod to the plights of being a Black man display Marvel's cultural insight, or was it just a tired PR move? Each Defender brought something important to the table, but some showrunners orchestrated their plots better than others. The Punisher shined a light on mental health in the veteran community, and strayed away from glorifying war and nationalist pride. Daredevil uses the hero's Catholicism as a backdrop to explore questions of faith, humility, sin, and sacrifice. With a different direction guiding the five heroes, each series displayed something exceptional. Based off plot, execution, structure, and impact, here is our ranking of Marvel's Netflix shows.
Sound off with your opinion in the comments.
Iron Fist
Iron Fist had a rough landing. The first season of the Kung-Fu themed series was a disaster, disappointing both critics and Marvel fans. Iron Fist actor Finn Jones was far from convincing, and the fight choreography was uncoordinated, unorganized, and an insult to viewers. The shining part of the first season was Danny Rand's relationship with Ward and Joy Meachum, his somewhat estranged family. The second season built on that dynamic, and also thrust Colleen Wing into the driver's seat. Although Typhoid Alice and Steel Serpent added a level of exhilaration that made Iron Fist's second season exponentially more entertaining than the first, Marvel canceled the series regardless.
The Defenders
The Defenders united Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Iron Fist, and Luke Cage for the highly anticipated mini-team up. Fans expectations were not met though, because the plot of The Defenders was unstable and unclear. Alexandra's motives aren't always clear, and not in the "clever villain" way. Her antics were stressful to watch, and Elektra's place as some world-ending weapon didn't make much sense either. How could one ninja defeat an entire city? The Defenders worked best when they played on the relationships of the heroes. Danny Rand and Luke Cage are polar opposites, one exists in a world of mysticism while the other is grounded in a harsh reality. Their conflicting energies work well together. Meanwhile, both Jessica Jones and Matt Murdock are committed to careers that rely on research and cooperation with the law. Their methods of pushing those around them away were mutually acknowledged, helping each character grow. Unfortunately, a forgettable plot and underdeveloped villain made The Defenders a dud.
Jessica Jones
Krysten Ritter pulled off the moody Jessica Jones miraculously, breathing life into a female character that stood out against Hollywood norms. Jones exhibited characteristics that film's usual reserve for their male characters. She was an unapologetic alcoholic that could handle her liquor, she cared little for the consequences of her actions, she had sex on a whim, and she even killed enemies when pushed to the limit. A stark contrast to the "damsel in distress," Jones added a healthy dose of feminine energy with the unwavering Trish Walker and the stoic Jeryn Hogarth. Jessica Jones season one also featured one of the most intriguing villains of the Marvel shows with Killgrave. The mind controlling maniac set up several scenarios of tense standoffs and kept viewers on the edge of their seats. The second season of the series was uneven at best, with the plotline surrounded Jessica's mother unraveling all the good the first season accomplished. Even with a lackluster second outing, Netflix and Marvel are working on the third season of the series.
Luke Cage
Luke Cage came at the perfect time for hip-hop culture. The Hero for Hire is based in Harlem, and in the first season, every episode is named after a Gang Starr song. Marvel's choice to shed Cage's typical costume and instead make him a bulletproof Black man in a hoody spoke volumes about the studio's awareness of what they were creating. Mahershala Ali and Alfre Woodard make for sophisticated and intellectual villains, while Diamondback brought a blaxploitation vibe to the first season. When the second season rolled around, showrunner Cheo Hodari Coker decided to name the episodes after Pete Rock and CL Smooth songs. Bushmaster also brought the scope of the show across the bridge, and fans were treated to the Caribbean vibes of Brooklyn. Luke Cage stood out as Marvel's most diverse and cultured Netflix show. Mike Colter was born to play Cage, but Marvel canceled the series in October, just days after axing Iron First. Speculative fans believe Marvel is building a Power Man & Iron Fist show, but only time will tell.
The Punisher
Jon Bernthal has an amazing way of mumbling words just loud enough for them to play on your every emotion. The Punisher made his first appearance in Daredevil season 2, but he was quickly rewarded his own show after impressing audiences. Bernthal plays Frank Castle, a tortured soul whose only purpose in life is to kill everyone who had a hand in the murder of his family. Marvel chose to play with Castle's origin quite a bit, making the anti-hero close friends with Billy Russo. Russo achieves his destiny by the end of the series, and becomes Jigsaw, and arch-nemesis of The Punisher. The gruesome, graphic, and emotional storyline touched on questions of mental health, specifically that of soldiers who return home after surviving hell overseas. The Punisher doesn't rely on the same humor that permeates the other Marvel Netflix shows, and instead, viewers are blessed with a truly mature and captivating series.
Daredevil
It doesn't get any better than this. Daredevil is the best live-action series Marvel has brought to life. Charlie Cox plays the blind Matt Murdock so well that it's hard to tell that he has perfect sight in real life. Even when Cox is at award shows, or a Comic-Con, that same searching look is etched around the wrinkles of his eyes, as if he needs Daredevil's powers in real life. Now spreading across three seasons, Daredevil's strength and success are dependent on three factors. The cast, the writing, and the choreography. Vincent D'onofrio is electrifying as Kingpin, Joe Bernthal and Elodie Yung were remarkable as Punisher and Elektra, and even Foggy Nelson and Karen Page fit seamlessly into the plot. The fight choreography for Dareveil is unbelievable, with each season finding new and inventive ways to film bloody brawls between The Man With No Fear and his foes. Unless Marvel has a much bigger picture in mind, there is no reason to believe Daredevil won't return for a fourth season.