As Phase One of the Netflix Marvel saga comes to a close, discover which series ranked the lowest to the highest before Netflix unleashes ‘The Defenders’ on us…
4. Luke Cage
Luke Cage sets itself apart from the dismal setting of Hell’s Kitchen by depicting Harlem to be a troublesome neighbourhood, yet filled with soul and spirit. Mike Colter reprises his role as the man with impenetrable skin and emotions after his previous introduction in Jessica Jones (2015). Colter has the opportunity to add more depth and intrigue into his titular character after Jones and he doesn’t hold back. Netflix has successfully demonstrated how each of its titular characters differ from each other in terms of personality and fighting style. Cage demonstrates his brute force and wild striking to get the job done, though of course being virtually indestructible, he can afford to be a little careless. The series doesn’t limit itself to typical superhero drama like most incarnations, instead it/ tackles real world issues such as gun regulation and black rights. This sets it apart as a show out to bring current social issues into the spotlight as well as entertain.
3. Iron Fist
The newest addition to the Marvel Universe, Iron Fist steps out of the darkness that its predecessors thrive in and aims for a lighter tone without sacrificing action and violence. Although this show was met with less than favourable reviews, it still manages to captivate with its sense of mystery and spiritual action. The series follows Danny Rand (Finn Jones – ‘Game of Thrones’) as the new ‘Iron Fist’ – a warrior trained in Kung Fu from the mystical village of K’un-Lun and the ability to focus his chi into his fist, making it indestructible. Presumed dead, Danny returns to New York City fifteen years later to assume his rightful position at the head of his family’s company. However, his return isn’t met with reception that he had hoped. A new threat emerges in the form of ‘The Hand’, an elite organisation of trained assassins and sworn enemy of the Iron Fist. Danny struggles with the duality of his identity and the consequences of his morality in world that is foreign to him. Danny must choose between the responsibilities of his reacquired position in the world and his sworn duties as the Iron Fist. This instalment serves as the prelude to ‘The Defenders’ (2017), an upcoming series that stars all of the Netflix marvel characters so far, to battle a threat too big for them to handle individually.
2. Jessica Jones
The show follows ex-superhero, Jessica Jones (Krysten Ritter – ‘Breaking Bad’), in her new profession as a private investigator. Jones wrestles with her own issues of PTSD whilst struggling to cope with her new role in the world. Ritter tackles this role with a refreshing interpretation of a wise-cracking alcoholic heroine, influenced by the gritty nature of her past. Jones accepts a case to look into the disappearance of a young girl which leads her to Luke Cage (Mike Colter – ‘Halo: Nightfall’), a man with impenetrable skin and strength. Together, Jones and Cage investigate the disappearances, driven by their own morals and demons. However, Jones discovers that it isn’t that easy to escape her demons as a figure from her past re-emerges to serve as the main antagonist of the series. David Tennant (‘Doctor Who’, ‘Broadchurch’) assumes this role with a characteristic charm that almost forces you to like him, even though his actions rival those of Norman Bates.
1. Daredevil
By far the most smartly written of the available Marvel series’, Daredevil boasts a stellar cast, complimented with an abundance of smartly choreographed action scenes. Blinded in a chemical accident as a boy, Matthew Murdock (Charlie Cox – ‘Stardust’, ‘The Theory of Everything’) discovers that you don’t need 20/20 vision to fight crime. As a lawyer by day defending the wrongly accused, Murdock takes to the streets at night to deal out his own justice to those who escape the law. With an array of heightened senses, Murdock assumes the role as the defender of Hell’s Kitchen in New York City. Daredevil’s brilliance stems from the writers including challenging antagonists that question the moralities of vigilantism in the forms of Wilson Fisk (Vincent D’Onofrio – ‘Full Metal Jacket’, ‘Jurassic World’) and The Punisher (Jon Bernthal – ‘The Walking Dead’, ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’). Look out for Season 3 in 2018!
