Episode 4 "Take Shelter" More Fighting. Last episode took a break from the action and this one opens with it. A brief skirmish in the Chinese restaurant gives us another chance to experience The Hand as an actual threat, though that threat mostly comes in the form of Elektra. Of course brainwashed never counts for much when it's a good guy and Daredevil is convinced there's still good in her or something. Which is about as cliche a way as you can carry out such a cliche plot development. It also means she's only able to be so threatening since we know when it gets really bad, she'll probably break free or something. The Hand comes together and we start to see the five fingers that comprise the leadership, all of which are familiar to us from their previous appearances in the other shows (mostly Daredevil and Iron Fist). We get to know Sigourney Weaver's character Alexandra a little better here, in terms of motivation, and the rift that has grown between her and the others over the centuries since they left K'un Lun. This isn't as compelling and Game of Thrones, but it's in that direction. It begs the question whether they will unravel and collapse upon themselves before the Defenders are able to do the opposite and unite effectively against them. Not Likely. The Defenders all reconvene, and though they might appear to finally be working together and coordinating their powers meaningfully, it doesn't last. Now I'm all for the team getting fed up with Iron Fist being a whiny brat, and beating him up, but I doubt the showrunners intended to be meta. As they argue about how to proceed, the bickering doesn't live up to Episode 4. Iron Fist really is unnecessarily petulant and it can get hard to watch. When it comes to blows, it should feel more fun than this. Yes, a Daredevil v. Iron Fist martial arts melee is exactly what I want to see, but this doesn't quite scratch the itch. It's too emo and not enough flare. Daredevil is back, and in full costume. This signifies many things, not the least of which is his new resolve and commitment. Stick even goes so far as to suggest he should be leading the team. But it's also disappointing to see that in his second appearance in costume, he's immediately torturing someone for information. Superhero as a genre already walks a dangerously fine line these days regarding the rejection of civilized law and order with any semblance of accountability, and the egotistical idolatry of "one man can make a difference" and "the ends justify the means" for defeating whoever's labeled "bad guys". It's a philosophical paradox increasingly important in an age of terrorists and social reactionism where people feel the need to take things into their own hands and do "whatever" it takes. Besides that, it's a tired cliche. It seldom moves the plot forward, really, and it's long since lost its ability develop any coherent characterization. Loved Ones are all gathered up and hidden together at the police station for safety because the Hand might try to go after them. This allows for a couple nice reunions, like Claire and Colleen Wing or Foggy with Karen Page. Or new combos like the much awaited meeting of Colleen Wing and Misty Knight, which failed to sizzle. The problem is they're briefer than I would've liked and less relevant than I initially thought. Though I appreciate any screen time for these likable characters, and any teases to their potential development, it's clear they're still basically being kept sidelined. Conclusion: You win some, you lose some. The episode helps where the series needed it to start filling in some holes and move things forward, but it's best parts are better in theory than execution. Episode 5 "Ashes, Ashes" Iron Fist is tied to a chair with Luke Cage baby sitting. You'd think this would be a great time for the two to establish chemistry and show how cool a Heroes for Hire series could be. Instead it's... okay. Both characters were simply developed wrong from the start. Luke Cage is too smooth and less street-wise and Danny Rand is too petulant and prissy when he should be channeling Keanu Reeves from The Matrix (or John Wick). A cool zen-master-type playing off a street-thug-type would be more compelling. As it is, Mike Colter's chill superiority rubbing up against Finn Jones' emo-mysticism is just awkward. Daredevil and Jessica Jones, on the other hand have chemistry. Their little side-mission to investigate the architect plays much more intimately as they not only elbow and jibe each other along the way, but sincerely bond. Charlie Cox and Krysten Ritter are just better actors. But they're also written far more closely to their tried and true comics' source material which helps. Twists and turns are what truly make this episode stand out and I don't mean the predictable papers hidden in the piano routine. Stick finally gets tired of working with these bratty children and takes matters into his own hands (hand?). But his betrayal is short lived as Elektra makes her move. After floating around Matt Murdock's apartment reflecting on her lost life, she finally absconds with Iron Fist only to betray The Hand afterall. Alexandra already admitted she was dying, but her increasing dependence on Elektra as her muscle didn't bode well for her. Just as they think they've got the upper hand, Elektra changes the game. Elodie Yung beautifully sells what might be the breakout moment of the series. Her complex facial expression speak volumes about her newly empowered identity and the threat she poses as much to the Hand as to our Heroes. Conclusion: Let's just finish this and binge the rest, shall we? Episode 7 + 8 Review
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