Not we're getting somewhere. This could've been Episode 1, really. Or the two could have been conflated into one, 80-90 minute episode. We're no longer being presented with trite summations of our four key characters but rather learning more of them through their choices and behavior as they move. Instead of watching Matt Murdock wallow in angst about not being Daredevil, we see him in action and then the horror as he realizes his relapse. Instead of Jessica Jones waking up hungover in a bar to establish her snarky self-destructive disposition, we see her inner conflict come out through her begrudging investigation work, which actually moves the plot forward. Luke Cage stops talking about what kind of Harlem hero he wants to be, and he starts trying to save a kid. Iron Fist... Well he still sucks. So Luke Cage beats him up! In what can only be described as the first memorable moment of the series, Luke Cage's subplot finally crisscrosses with his inevitable best friend and partner Iron Fist (who sadly is only a tag-along in what I consider to be mostly Colleen Wing's subplot -- she's the one driving it forward and making choices while Iron Fist just emotes). It could've been choreographed better and sure, it played out with absolute predictability, yet there's something appropriate about watching the Ineffectual Iron Fist (as he should now be described) act out his ineffectuality physically on the bulletproof Cage. And as cliche as it is for superheroes to fight before teaming up, this feels just natural enough to be believable. It doesn't hurt that we as an audience also want to punch Iron Fist. Daredevil represents Jessica Jones. This too is the sort of twist that should've come a long time ago, but it's nice to feel the pace and purpose of the show finally get there. I actually enjoyed the many, many set up scenes that establish how this will come to pass (Foggy's reconnect with Murdock, as well as his secret mission from Hogarth), so it felt less predictable that the Cage-Fist fight, yet equally earned. Other standouts include a surprise cameo from Elektra and Daredevil's sensei Stick, and ever so few breadcrumbs surrounding Sigourney Weaver's probably centuries old nemesis. Right now she and The Hand are basically failing as villain's though, due to a lack of any significant villainy occurring onscreen. Even the earthquake was... meh. At least we're continuing to get more guest appearances from Misty Knight, Trish Walker and Jessica's boy-toy Malcolm. Colors continue to be a primary feature of the show's design aesthetic, I wish I could say I found them as potent as in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, or Wonder Woman, but they work well enough despite the continued color-coding (should I be worried what will happen to the lighting when these characters all finally meet up... at a techno rave?) What I really liked what the camera work again, and the use of disorienting angles and close-ups to convey a sense of confusion. With Matt Murdock it heightens his lack of sight. With Jessica Jones it highlights the maze her investigation is leading her down. Conclusion: We're getting there despite weak villains and angsty exposition. Daredevil and Jessica Jones are still carrying the show along with a few secondary characters. I'm looking forward to their arguing but I'm nervous Cage and Iron Fist won't be able to achieve the same banter... Episode 3 Review
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