I was really excited when I was given the opportunity to view episodes 1-6 of the second season of Iron Fist in advance so that I can write an early review. I suddenly felt like one of the writers for a foreign entertainment site, like 'Entertainment Weekly' that is given early screeners.
Will probabbly write another review for the full season. So here goes.
Last Asia Pop Comicon, Iron Fist star Finn Jones and new showrunner M. Raven Metzner were guests at the much talked about Netflix panel. So even if I wasn't a big fan of the first season, I wanted the second season to do better. Especially since Finn Jones is just so damn nice in person!
So having been able to watch half of the second season, this is what I have to say (so far) I'm glad that they fixed the problems that beset the first season. Such as having Danny Rand play too many roles:heir of Rand Enterprises, being this "barefoot billionaire" and of course, being the Immortal Iron Fist. It became confusing and you can't seem to pin Dani down, for the second season, Dani gives the reins of Rand Enterprises to Ward Meachum played by Tom Pelphrey (still my favorite character) and just focuses on being the barefoot billionaire. He's moved in with Colin (Jessica Henwick) so that's nice at least one of the Defenders has a stable love life.
Along with losing the golden locks, Dani is also less annoying and more brooding warrior. He takes on the responsibilities of being the protector of New York after the events of "Defenders" and while you can see that he's trying he's not exactly as popular as Luke Cage. He even avoids the media as much as he can.
I just don't get why Danny has to have a day job in a moving company. Hauling belongings from one side of New York to the next. Can't he just be like one of those rich eccentrics with charities?
Speaking of charities, Colin is busy with some volunteer work in the community which lands her smack in the middle of gang wars (of course it does) and it's up to Danny to save the day. Speaking of Danny saving the day, definitely a big improvement with the fight stunts and cheorography kudos to season 2 fight coordinator Clayton Barber, whose work includes "Black Panther" and "Creed".
That fight between the "Daughters of the Dragon" versus "The Crane Sisters" was lit!
Colin gets more responsibilities and it's nice to see her rise up as Dany's partner and not just be another pretty face on screen.
In Season 2, former allies become foes when Joy Meachum (Jessica Stroup) joins forces with Davos (Sacha Dhawon) against Danny. I get why Davos has a bone to pick with Dany; since he feels that he is supposed to be "The Immortal Iron Fist" but it's hard to understand Joy's intentions. It's really sad and twisted. Maybe she didn't come out from the wounds and pain of the first season so well. You know, Daddy issues. Davos with Joy's help goes to extreme measures to take what he believes to be his.
Speaking of foes, we have a new (hot) one. Played with an eerie intensity by Alice Eve. You may recognize her in "Star Trek: Into Darkness". Alice Eve is Typhoid Mary and she is a welcome addition, especially since Davos and Joy are still lacking on the "cool villain" department. For one, they have zero chemistry as a dynamic duo and as I said, I just don't understand Joy's drive. Also Davis doesn't seem to be able to carry the mantle of main villain so well.
Of course we have Misty Knight (and her Mazzerati arm) played by Simone Missick making an appearance. You know, she's really starting to grow on me. I didn't really like her when she first appeared in the first season of Luke Cage but I'm really loving her smooth "What about NYPD didn't you understand?" attitude.
Now this is just a theory but I have a feeling that she might be replacing Claire Temple as the character which ties all the Marvel Netflix shows together. Especially with still unconfirmed reports that Rosario Dawson will no longer be reprising her role. It was a bit surprising when Claire did not make an appearance, even for an on call emergency situation.
I'm glad that we see a it into what drives Davos to want to beat and hurt Dany so much, we even get a beautiful behind closed doors conversation when the audience is given a peek at Davos' past. Which is basically the inner workings of K'un-Lun and while I'm happy that we get to see more of the mystic place, I'm left wanting to see more.
Definitely a huge improvement from the first season, which was just so bad I don't even want to remember it anymore. The story is more focused and isn't trying to be in so many places at the same time. Hopefully they keep the pace until the end of the season.
Initial Rating: 7/10
