IRON FIST Season 2: 7 Things That Worked And 3 That Didn't (And One That Was Really Freaking Stupid)
Season two of Iron Fist is now on Netflix, so we're breaking down everything that did and didn't work in the show this year, including something monumentally stupid. Needless to say, SPOILERS follow...
Iron Fist season one was Marvel first small screen flop; viewing figures on Netflix may have been good but the critical response was not and Danny Rand was branded something of a failure as a result. The Defenders went some way in redeeming him as did a brief appearance in Luke Cage season two, and Iron Fist's sophomore run is a definite improvement - mostly thanks to Scott Buck no longer serving as showrunner!
But what about the show worked this year and what didn't? For that matter, what was one seriously stupid decision made by the series? Here, you'll find our look at all of that as we delve into season two to bring you an in-depth review and some ideas about where things go next. So, to check out this list, click on the "View List" button below and find our Easter Egg breakdown right here.
Didn't Work: Joy Meachum's Villainous Turn
Well, this was underwhelming. While Joy constantly points out that she wants to make Danny pay for coming back into her and Ward's life and turning everything upside down, she does have him to thank for getting rid of not only her abusive, manipulative father but The Hand as well (a sinister group using Rand Industries for nefarious means). This is why her team-up with Davos simply doesn't work here.
That's emphasised by the fact she later chooses to turn on him after Walker advises Joy to keep her distance for reasons which are never really made clear beyond the fact she, you know, doesn't like him! The whole thing is pretty lame and while Ward's story arc works well, Joy sadly feels like dead weight.
Did Work: Daughters Of The Dragon
Iron Fist season two might as well just be a backdoor pilot for a Daughters of the Dragon spinoff series because everything Colleen Wing and Misty Knight do here together works perfectly, and that fight with the Crane Sisters simply served to emphasise that. Presumably, season three of the show will focus on these two protecting New York City but a show of their own would be no bad thing down the line.
Didn't Work: A Watered Down Typhoid Mary
While I can't say anything bad about Alice Eve's performance in the show, neither Mary nor Walker make a massive impact beyond being a formidable fighter. Her story arc isn't overly interesting (a secretive past is nothing new) and the slow burn approach to unveiling Bloody Mary is a mistake.
Sure, you could argue that this is an origin story but did we really need that to play out over ten episodes? Eve does a great job of portraying the villain's two distinct personalities but her character could have been anyone and fans of the version from the comic books will definitely be disappointed.
Did Work: The Incredible Action Sequences
The first season of Iron Fist didn't fail to deliver in terms of action sequences but the fights here are even better and there's not a bad one among the bunch. Whereas they felt a little staged last time around, they flow really nicely here and Iron Fist is now definitely up there with The Raid when it comes to delivering top-notch action sequences after this second batch of episodes. That may seem like high praise but there's no way that you can say these are any less compelling or exciting.
Didn't Work: Danny Rand: The Series
One of the biggest complaints fans had about the first instalment of this series is the fact that Danny Rand could only use the power of the Iron Fist now and again, an idea which was a far cry from his comic book counterpart (and feels like a Scott Buck call after seeing what he did to the Inhumans).
Unfortunately, season two makes an even dumber decision by taking Danny's powers from him fairly early on and then leaving him without them right up until the last scene. It's a baffling move and one which makes zero sense because there's no way Marvel can believe that fans tune into Iron Fist to see Danny in a knee brace without his powers and undergoing training it's hard to imagine he needs.
Did Work: The Iron Fist
As I mentioned above, while it was unbelievably foolish to take Danny's powers from him, getting to see Davos wield it was definitely fun and it was nice seeing the hero whip out its powers pretty much whenever he liked rather than needing a snack and nap between each usage! For the first time since The Defenders (sort of) and Luke Cage season two, Danny Rand actually feels like the real Iron Fist.
Did Work: A Shorter Episode Count
Like most of you, I was initially a little disappointed to hear that Iron Fist season two would feature only ten episodes instead of the usual thirteen because despite the fact that one of the biggest complaints about these shows is that they're too long, three hours less of them isn't something to celebrate!
Regardless, ten episodes definitely works in the show's favour and this more concise style of storytelling could be something that the likes of Jessica Jones and Daredevil should also adopt now.
Did Work: Davos' Story Arc
While it probably could have been handled a little better, Davos' story arc is definitely satisfying for the most part and seeing him become Steel Serpent and start wiping out criminals all works really well. It is a shame that things come to an end for him with a whimper rather than a bang and the show not fully embracing his Steel Serpent identity makes a possible return for the villain feel ultimately unexciting.
Did Work: The Ending
Colleen Wing is an undeniable highlight of Iron Fist season two and while her becoming the new Iron Fist is a pretty unexpected and weird move, that final shot of her wielding that powered up sword is undeniably cool. However, the real bonus here is the reveal that Danny is hunting down Orson Randall, the man who was known as the Immortal Iron Fist before he ultimately ended up winning the role.
The reveal that Danny has got his hands on Orson's trademark pistols and is somehow wielding the power of Iron Fist in both hands is definitely interesting (and confusing) and it's obvious now that the third season - and there really should be one - will have to delve into what happened during that time!
Did Work: Ward Meachum Is Redeemed
There was nothing necessarily wrong about Ward in the first season of Iron Fist but it definitely feels like season two redeems him in a lot of ways, particularly when it comes to his relationship with Danny. Yes, pretty much everything with Joy is a chore but it feels like he's in a good place by the time the story wraps up and having him join Iron Fist on his journey definitely feels like the smartest move.
Really Freaking Stupid: No Costumes
I literally cannot get my head around this. Marvel clearly felt that flashbacks to Danny Rand and Davos' battle for the right to become the Immortal Iron Fist would be enough to placate fans because that's the closest this season gets to showing the comic book costume. Danny runs around in a hoody and face mask near the start of the season but that soon goes away and there's no reason why he couldn't have at least worn the classic mask now, especially after embracing his destiny as a hero...temporarily!
Bizarrely, Davos actually dons the classic mask and looks like the Steel Serpent for all of ten seconds before he chooses to remove it. Typhoid Mary, meanwhile, never wears any sort of costume which also makes no sense because that would have been a great way to show off her different personalities. Yes, these shows are grounded but costumes work in these adaptations; didn't Jeph Loeb get the memo?