Iron Fist Proves That The Pen Is Mightier Than The Sword | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Iron Fist Proves That The Pen Is Mightier Than The Sword

Marvel's latest Defender is the weakest one yet.

20
Iron Fist Proves That The Pen Is Mightier Than The Sword
cosmicbooknews

When it comes to Marvel, I was never really a huge fan, as I cared much more the heroes in the "Harry Potter," and in high school, the "Lord of the Rings" universes. As a fan of the "Batman Arkham" games, I naturally grew fond of that small subsection of DC. When it comes to naming heroes, however, thanks to the initial release of "Iron Man," Marvel has made sure to present its heroes in a light that appeals to everyone and not just the super-fans. Recently, Marvel has teamed up with Netflix, and over the past few years has delivered four shows based on heroes set in New York City, all building up for Netflix’s version of the first Avenger’s film, titled "The Defenders," but Marvel’s latest defender, as much as I was hoping, doesn’t seem to have landed a good punch.

I’m not here to debate whether Danny Rand should have been cast as a certain race, or if “the viewer” cares about the rich white boy fighting to get his family business back. Danny Rand is a fictional character, and arguing about his race is ad hominem, and not critique. In terms of the character himself, I don’t think a change of race could revive Danny Rand, no matter how long he’s been “dead.” He was beaten as a child and told that it would make him stronger, yet he still cannot control his abilities. Child abuse much?

Secondary characters in the Netflix Marvel universe have been for the most part extremely well written and portrayed, but for some reason, the ones in this show, even the returning ones, are just as weak as Danny. In the other shows, Claire Temple makes an appearance, and in all, she plays a vital role to the protagonist. With "Iron Fist," Claire seems much more strident and distanced than in any of the other shows. She feels like a different character.

When creating a 13 episode season of a show of this caliber, one must be able to see not only the rise and potential fall of good heroes, but the rise and subsequently potential fall of great villains, and again, "Iron Fist" fails to deliver. Harold Meachum’s ability to come back from the dead is completely brushed under the rug, for starters, and thus makes no sense why it seems to have so underplayed, especially in the eyes of Joy, who would certainly be seized by more fear than the few seconds she seems to give to doubt. Madame Gao is spineless in this, offering no reason to truly fear her, as Wilson Fisk and Daredevil did. The woman who kept people locked in cages while draining their blood from their veins is gone, and a vapid superfluous truth-sayer takes her place.

At no real point in the show is there ever any sense of real tension. Sure, there are a few tough moments to watch, but for the most part, I had no distinct feeling as I watched Joy and Wade be kicked out of Rand, or all the times Danny was told he wasn't thinking things through. And when you look past the weak plot, what then? There were attempts at showing greater themes, but none of them really held up. In fact, Danny’s one and only job was to defend K’un-Lun. How is is supposed to become one of Marvel’s Defenders, then, if he makes such a concerted effort to relinquish that duty from his shoulders? And what really makes him unique from the others? Jessica Jones and Luke Cage are both strong, and Daredevil is as agile as a ninja and can fight like hell. If there is something unique about Danny Rand, it has not come to light yet, so let’s hope that by the time Marvel’s "The Defenders" rolls around, he is able to actually stand out from his allies.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

179168
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

6340
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

451872
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

22952
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments