Marvel’s street-level superhero shows on Netflix have been a smash hit for the streaming service. Four series were announced back in 2013 that would then culminate in the event series of Marvel’s Defenders which is due sometime later this year. Before we get that team-up series, however, the final Defender still needs his introduction in Iron Fist.
The series is due to hit Netflix but has already taken a battering from critics who have reviewed the first half of the season. Even before anyone had a chance to see a single episode of the series, there were critical reactions to the casting of Finn Jones which some view as the outdated idea of a White Savior archetype in an Asian dominated storyline.
With the series’s hype wind seemingly knocked out of it, Finn Jones had a chance to defend against the negative reviews via Metro.
Both Finn Jones and series creator/showrunner Scott Buck have defended the series before from the casting criticism assuring fans that the series isn’t appropriating Asian culture nor promoting the idea of a white savior. So it comes as no surprise that they would continue to defend the series up until the premiere of the first season.
“Well I think there’s multiple factors. What I will say is these shows are not made for critics, they are first and foremost made for the fans. I also think some of the reviews we saw were seeing the show through a very specific lens, and I think when the fans of the Marvel Netflix world and fans of the comic books view the show through the lens of just wanting to enjoy a superhero show, then they will really enjoy what they see. I think it’s a fantastic show which is really fun and I think it stands up there with the other Defenders’ shows without a doubt. "
While it may be true that Iron Fist was made for the fans and not the critics, every season of Daredevil, Jessica Jones, and Luke Cage have been received with mostly rave reviews. Those shows are currently sitting anywhere between 76% and 98% on Rotten Tomatoes whereas Iron Fist is currently sitting at a paltry 14%. Our own review here at ScreenRant has marked Iron Fist as the weakest entry to date in the Defenders series.
Having said that, critics have only had access to the first six episodes of the series. The general consensus is that each of these Marvel/Netflix television series start strong but slow down mid-way through each season. It is entirely possible Iron Fist will break that mold and after these six episodes the series picks up and finishes stronger than any other season leading up to the Defenders series.
Daredevil seasons 1 and 2, Jessica Jones season 1, and Luke Cage season 1 are now available on Netflix. Iron Fist season 1 premieres on March 17. The Defenders arrive sometime in the summer, with The Punisher coming later this year. Premiere dates for the newest seasons of Jessica Jones, Daredevil, and Luke Cage have not yet been revealed.
Source: Metro
