Marvel's Iron Fist

:

Season 1
  • Network: Netflix
  • Series Premiere Date: Mar 17, 2017
Season #: 2, 1
User Score
6.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1318 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 758 out of 1318
  2. Mixed: 192 out of 1318
  3. Negative: 368 out of 1318
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  1. Thylbanus
    Mar 19, 2017
    7
    The series certainly isn't as bad as has been stated by the mainstream reviews. It's like any origin story, it starts a bit slow. There are a bit of disjointed episodes. The directors don't seem to be on the same page and this clearly hurts the flow.

    The worst part is the music. It's just horrible. It's a mishmash of Mass Effect and Tron: Legacy for the ambiance music, with a rare    The series certainly isn't as bad as has been stated by the mainstream reviews. It's like any origin story, it starts a bit slow. There are a bit of disjointed episodes. The directors don't seem to be on the same page and this clearly hurts the flow.

    The worst part is the music. It's just horrible. It's a mishmash of Mass Effect and Tron: Legacy for the ambiance music, with a rare touch of trance. Then the artist music in it is just the worst and actually detracts from the scenes.

    The acting is anywhere from adequate to moving. Finn seems to be VERY subjective to the director. He has some quite acceptable and even fun/impressive. Then he has others where it is just cringeworthy. Fortunately, that director only had that one episode. Jessica Stroup is about the most consistently good actress in the series, followed closely by Wai Ching Ho who will just creep you out at times (though the same bad director used her HORRIBLY in his episode). Rosario gives here worst performance from across the Netflix/Marvel series overall.

    The writing is about all that saves this series from dropping to a 5 or 6. The execution is often the problem. The obviously largest impact is the directing, followed by the acting and music. Perhaps a new producer might be able to get a hand (not a pun, seriously) this and wring the bad directors out and get a competent music director to perhaps bring in a little asian undertone to the ambiance music and chose some fitting artist music that is more fitting to the scenes.    … Expand
  2. yellowpride
    Mar 19, 2017
    2
    I feel like several aspects of this show are actually not that bad, and certainly not as bad as some reviews I've seen. While there weren't any particularly notable fight scenes, I didn't find the fight choreography, overall, to be noticeably bad. The dialogue isn't great and the overarching plot is a little ridiculous, but, even with that, it's still mostly a middling quality superheroI feel like several aspects of this show are actually not that bad, and certainly not as bad as some reviews I've seen. While there weren't any particularly notable fight scenes, I didn't find the fight choreography, overall, to be noticeably bad. The dialogue isn't great and the overarching plot is a little ridiculous, but, even with that, it's still mostly a middling quality superhero show.

    I think the main problem of the series, which knocks it down significantly, is that Danny Rand just isn't that easy to root for. He's oblivious and condescending and, at least once or twice an episode, he acts like a petulant toddler. I get that his violent outbursts are supposed to be indicative of his mental state and frustration with his circumstances, but it's difficult to take seriously, since so little narrative energy is spent on even acknowledging that it's a problem. Overall, he just comes off as an inconsiderate jerk, and it's tough to get invested in his journey, which is especially tough since his journey is the whole point of the show.    … Expand
  3. Mission_Creep
    Mar 19, 2017
    6
    THIS SHOW IS NOT A ZERO. It's also not The Wire.
    Watch it if you're into Marvel and plan on watching Defenders. If you are not a comic book geek or only into great TV, give it a pass.
    This is basically an 80's movie where a martial artist fights gangs, with less action and no T&A. It's a perfectly fine show, but it's not a stellar one. 6 out of 10 is fine. It's okay. It's all right. It's    THIS SHOW IS NOT A ZERO. It's also not The Wire.
    Watch it if you're into Marvel and plan on watching Defenders. If you are not a comic book geek or only into great TV, give it a pass.
    This is basically an 80's movie where a martial artist fights gangs, with less action and no T&A. It's a perfectly fine show, but it's not a stellar one. 6 out of 10 is fine. It's okay. It's all right. It's meh. It's not great, but it's not bad.
    I think there are a couple good performances, and then other acting that is more uneven, but I'm fairly picky and it never bothered me enough to roll my eyes or scoff.
    I've watched every Marvel series twice but I'll only be watching Iron Fist once. I don't regret watching it, I just don't need to see it again.    … Expand
  4. kirky12
    Mar 19, 2017
    10
    Pleasant surprise! Interesting watching Danny Rand attempt to make sense of his life. Great support cast. A mix of spiritual, emotional and physical. Fight scenes could be a little better but it captures the essence. Is building towards the Defenders tv show very well.
  5. Ledge_Pls
    Mar 19, 2017
    9
    At a time when I feel like superhero stuff is boring overdone and cliche and I was frankly tired of seeing them, Iron Fist captivated me. Maybe its my devotion to eastern philosophy and my love and respect for martial arts that has me biased, but I felt this was a great first season and already have more hope for this than Green Arrow. The choreography is a bit underwhelming, but that wasAt a time when I feel like superhero stuff is boring overdone and cliche and I was frankly tired of seeing them, Iron Fist captivated me. Maybe its my devotion to eastern philosophy and my love and respect for martial arts that has me biased, but I felt this was a great first season and already have more hope for this than Green Arrow. The choreography is a bit underwhelming, but that was honestly my only complaint. great show.… Expand
  6. TheDeuce
    Mar 19, 2017
    8
    It might not have the storyline and action of Daredevil, the truly twisted villain of Jessica Jones, nor the soundtrack and plot of Luke Cage, but Iron Fist does tick off the action box. The martial arts are good, even though the character development seems a bit forced. Seriously complicated plot twists that seemingly link everyone to everyone else, and The Hand controls it all ... exceptIt might not have the storyline and action of Daredevil, the truly twisted villain of Jessica Jones, nor the soundtrack and plot of Luke Cage, but Iron Fist does tick off the action box. The martial arts are good, even though the character development seems a bit forced. Seriously complicated plot twists that seemingly link everyone to everyone else, and The Hand controls it all ... except when convenient to further the story line. For a few nights viewing, it's good fare ... and should hold you over to The Defenders.… Expand
  7. abm0
    Mar 19, 2017
    4
    [Initial 4 episodes impression: 8/10]
    I already knew it was going to be about martial arts and "chi", and I was afraid of seeing the same tired sensationalist and juvenile way of presenting it, like "Look at me, I can kill you with my fancy Far-Eastern superpowers! I can solve any situation by kicking someone's ass with special martial-arts moves!", but no, it's not like that (so far).    [Initial 4 episodes impression: 8/10]
    I already knew it was going to be about martial arts and "chi", and I was afraid of seeing the same tired sensationalist and juvenile way of presenting it, like "Look at me, I can kill you with my fancy Far-Eastern superpowers! I can solve any situation by kicking someone's ass with special martial-arts moves!", but no, it's not like that (so far). The Asian martial arts side of it is being handled more maturely than I'd dared hope, he's got much more of an actual-monk type attitude about him (though of course he's not quite a Buddhist, as he still seems to care about some worldly attachments). But 4 episodes in, I'm really digging this - it's already better than Luke Cage and definitely better than the "Daredevil" trainwreck. It remains to be seen if it rises to the level of Jessica Jones by the end of the season.

    [Update after episode 7: 6/10]
    Welp, that's that then. I'm starting to understand what the critics were talking about. In episodes 5-6 this thing takes a nosedive and turns into yet another Daredevil: excessively frequent and long and boring and tiresome fights. On top of that, its IQ drops to half, with characters doing things for stupid reasons, a good chunk of the dialogue now written by Captain Obvious, worthless fights set up just to showcase a comical array of implausible enemies that look like a Mortal Kombat character roster, and the overall story losing all direction and depth of purpose.

    [The End]
    4/10 it is, then. Another Daredevil-like disaster.    … Expand
  8. Karl70
    Mar 19, 2017
    9
    The show is very good. The cast is great and the story line builds the characters at just the right pace. The action is exciting and also well aligned with the narrative and not driven by a requirement to contain (x) number of fight sequences per episode. Every so often, metacritic "critic reviews" get it very wrong. This is one of those times. And once more people start actually watchingThe show is very good. The cast is great and the story line builds the characters at just the right pace. The action is exciting and also well aligned with the narrative and not driven by a requirement to contain (x) number of fight sequences per episode. Every so often, metacritic "critic reviews" get it very wrong. This is one of those times. And once more people start actually watching the show the user score will end up much higher IMHO. Iron Fist is a great compliment to the other shows in the Netflix/Marvel stable. Right up there with Dare Devil, Luke Cage and Jessica Jones.… Expand
  9. Seka_ars
    Mar 19, 2017
    10
    One of the best tv shows/battle scenes are very - very good, and plot is quite good
    So,White-racist critics are so wrong and i hope the defenders wont face the same crap couse it still quit good multi racisional film with strong female charachters
    9/10 but due to racists a think its 10/10
  10. reganator5000
    Mar 19, 2017
    8
    Whilst critics reviews rated Iron Fist poorly, I believe they were overly harsh. Despite not being the best of the netflix series, Iron Fist was solidly entertaining, and lacked the cheesiness that caused Luke Cage not to work for me.
    It is worth noting that pacing continues to be an issue for these series, and that Iron Fist contains less comedic elements than other series. The show does    Whilst critics reviews rated Iron Fist poorly, I believe they were overly harsh. Despite not being the best of the netflix series, Iron Fist was solidly entertaining, and lacked the cheesiness that caused Luke Cage not to work for me.
    It is worth noting that pacing continues to be an issue for these series, and that Iron Fist contains less comedic elements than other series. The show does however do a good job of presenting Danny Rand as a character, playing up a combination of naivite brought on by living outside the world and emotional trouble papered over by a calm exterior, played well by Finn Jones. Whilst the casting of a 'white saviour' is problematic as many have stated, it is only a little more pronounced here than in Batman or similar. In addition, Rand's role as an outsider in both worlds due to the young age at which his training began is used as a more significant plot point than would normally be expected, especially as his background becomes more clear- this does not excuse the issue, but the situation surrounding certain decisions in the plot does derive more meaning, and emotional significance than many takes on the trope. In fact, a more jarring casting decision seems to be that of Davos, one of Rands friends from the monastery who is explicitly stated to be a local, yet speaks with one of the most obvious south of England accents I have heard in American TV. Apart from this, Jessica Henwick as Colleen Wing provides a more grounded counterpoint to Jones' cheery optimism and bravado, getting the part spot on and forming a major draw to the series. The side characters are well played and mostly interesting, though the aforementioned pacing issues do lead to their stories being a little convoluted.
    In terms of the main arc and themes, loss and revenge feature heavily after the mid point of the series, whilst duty is another important factor in Rands development- I do however think the themes were a little unfocused and patchy perhaps because the writers lacked a good way to pair Rand's optimism and naivite with the more serious emotional aspects of the character. Iron Fist also takes a reasonably well discussed look at the cult like set up of the Hand, making good parallels with less respectable real world organizations and cults, especially given the mix of mysticism and pragmatic organization involved.
    For fans of Daredevil, the re-ocuring Hand are explored in more depth, with a generally good appreciation of the previous story-telling. It is especially notable that the events of Daredevil S2 seem to have quite depleted the army of ninjas available to them, with their leaders resorting to more conventional gun wielding goons at times- while this may be a reasonable plot point, as it seems unlikely the supposedly secret Hand could have literally hundreds of ninjas hiding just in New York, it does remove some of the threat from the hand, who are overall messier and less sinister than their previous counterparts. There is a notable exception to this, in a scene which directly calls back to one of their most nefarious activities, but otherwise their evil seems limited by comparison to Nobu's efforts in Daredevil season 2.
    Overall, whilst Iron Fist suffers from the same pacing issues as previous Marvel-Netflix collaberation's and lacks the intimidating bad guys of Jessica Jones or Daredevil, it is entertaining and is, even in its worst moments, on a level with some of the better seasons of non-MCU super hero TV. In fact, the only regard in which it suffers by this comparison is that, in being somewhat late to the party, it can be fairly criticized for lacking originality, given the reasonably well trodden path of its setting and world.    … Expand
  11. neefman
    Mar 19, 2017
    8
    I've watched three episodes with my wife and we are eager for more.

    Pros: 1) The story is a interesting mix of rich power elites' misery along with the homeless' struggles, mental illness sufferers, and small business stress. 2) Iron Fist is basically a baby in many respects. he doesn't know how the world he is in operates and makes mistakes a juvenile might. This is different from    I've watched three episodes with my wife and we are eager for more.

    Pros:
    1) The story is a interesting mix of rich power elites' misery along with the homeless' struggles, mental illness sufferers, and small business stress.
    2) Iron Fist is basically a baby in many respects. he doesn't know how the world he is in operates and makes mistakes a juvenile might. This is different from the owrld weary Daredevil, Luke Cage, and Jessica Jones who have been savaged by the world Raynd is now a part of.
    3) Colleen Wing is a terrific sidekick, but is thrust into a more parental role than most. Her character shows stress of the real world like the rest of the Defenders, but she is kind enough to help Raynd. can't wait to see where this goes.
    4) The brother/sister relationship between the Meachum children really shines. They love each other but are both of various degrees of ruthlessness. Ward looks like the most stressed and tired 30 year old billionaire the world has ever produced.

    Cons:
    1) Some of the dialogue isn't well written. There is uncomfortable silence and cliche lines. This happens occasionally, but not often. Jone's is usually the victim and tries his best, but come on writers... make it a little snappier!

    Three episodes this series is so far just as good as the other three.    … Expand
  12. JorgeLestre
    Mar 19, 2017
    8
    Just finished binge-watching this show and I think this time I have to say that despite some cheesiness and some action sequences that needed some improvement, Iron Fist is throughoutly enjoyable and has charismatic charaters so I don't actually see why it is a "mess" and "dull" and whatever it is people are saying.
  13. avaz74
    Mar 19, 2017
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I am not sure what show the critics were watching, but I really feel they missed the mark. Not every character needs to be dark and gritty. Finn Jones nails the combination of earnestness, naivete, and warrior-monk spirit that are Iron Fist. I honestly had no idea that he would get what makes the character so special in the comics. Iron Fist isn't your typical batman/wolverine/daredevil/cage/jessica jones hardcase superhero and should'n't be played as such. Jessica Henwick also is an awesome Colleen Wing as are the Meachums.
    The story had me hooked and I actually enjoy the slow boil of the show as Danny finds his place in NY. A few other things I loved about the show:
    1. The very different fighting styles - Danny's style is very internally focused, very different than what we have seen so far in most shows. Tai Chi, Wing Chun. Maybe some Bagua ? . . . very cool mixing up the fighting styles of each Defender.
    2. Homage to the 70's kung fu flicks. Some Heroes of the East in there with the Japanese vs. Chinese styles as well as others . . .
    3. Some great character placement from the comics. Loved seeing the Netflix take on Bride of Nine Spiders . .
    At any rate - I was seriously worried after reading the early reviews - I am SO glad I went to watch it myself.    … Expand
  14. Useless_charlie
    Mar 19, 2017
    10
    Honestly, I enjoyed the show. It took its time to pick up, but I found it entertaining and good. The first season of Jessica Jones I liked, but I got bored and left at episode 6. So, if these critics are judging on the fist 6 episodes, they need to watch the rest of the story before they can judge. Like I finished JJ at episode 6, but I am not hating on it and saying it was boring. I'mHonestly, I enjoyed the show. It took its time to pick up, but I found it entertaining and good. The first season of Jessica Jones I liked, but I got bored and left at episode 6. So, if these critics are judging on the fist 6 episodes, they need to watch the rest of the story before they can judge. Like I finished JJ at episode 6, but I am not hating on it and saying it was boring. I'm just saying that that king of show isn't really me and Iron Fist is. All the JJ fans, I did like it, the story just didn't interest me. Anyway, watch the hole story before saying it's boring.… Expand
  15. Toophat82
    Mar 19, 2017
    10
    loving marvel's iron fist so far almost as much as i loved DC's Arrow tv show and even more then i did marvels luke cage tv show unlike marvel's Daredevil tv show which i disliked and i thought daredevil wasn't portrayed like the superhero and i would say mutate he is in comics with superhuman senses and reflexes that he gained from the barrels in the accident he was in as a child andloving marvel's iron fist so far almost as much as i loved DC's Arrow tv show and even more then i did marvels luke cage tv show unlike marvel's Daredevil tv show which i disliked and i thought daredevil wasn't portrayed like the superhero and i would say mutate he is in comics with superhuman senses and reflexes that he gained from the barrels in the accident he was in as a child and while he isn't no mutant he isn't the mere human blind vigilante in the tv show either that they try to potray and in law and order tv series fashion btw lol.

    With iron fist he is portrayed as a super hero at least while there is still more they could do and add to portray him as he is in the comic books and should be on a tv show still a good start and alot closer and more true to comics then other recent on screen adaptations of marvel books. Keep in mind we are talking about fantasy and science fiction here it's not meant to be like our real world and that is why the comic books are beloved in first place because people want just that and expect something different from the world they live in and characters and worlds we can only dream of ever becoming, being, or seeing period.

    So when bringing marvel or even DC comics to life on screen peruod they should stay true to the comics as best they can both script and casting wise and keep the real word and its politics out of it because when fans watch these shows and movies that are fantasy and science fiction btw that is what they look for and expect to see and don't like their childhood memories and pop culture messed with period do that with new stories and characters not existing ones. All i got to say while they should and can do more to be more true to the comics and i didn't like the daredevil adaptation but with luke cage i saw promise and it started to get better for marvel shows even though still not there but with what they have done starting from the luke cage tv show and onto iron fist tv show now there is alot more hope for future of marvel shows and they surely now look more promising then before.    … Expand
  16. DirtyDave
    Mar 19, 2017
    4
    Slowly after the main character gets you to dislike him, the rest of the cast process to do the same with flat personalities, and at times, cringe worthy dialogue and acting. Fights lack spark. Twists lack surprise. And there's an absurd lack of iron fisting in this story. Tie in characters help, but not enough to save anything.
  17. Ikmia
    Mar 19, 2017
    10
    I really wish the critics were reviewing this based on the show instead of their preconceived notion that someone good at martial arts must be Asian. This show was very good! It did have a slowish start where they take the time to build up the character development and make you care about the characters going forward. It had great twists and turns, though one of the people that turn onI really wish the critics were reviewing this based on the show instead of their preconceived notion that someone good at martial arts must be Asian. This show was very good! It did have a slowish start where they take the time to build up the character development and make you care about the characters going forward. It had great twists and turns, though one of the people that turn on him you expect from episode one, so that wasn't much of a twist. As the show progresses, you realize that just because you thought you knew something to be true doesn't mean you were right. I urge fans of superheroes and comics to watch this and ignore the critics totally biased reviews.… Expand
  18. MFDOOM
    Mar 19, 2017
    10
    Great show that accurately represents the source material. I'd definitely be considered socially liberal in today's political climate, and I think the bashing this show has received for socioeconomic situation and race of the character are way off base. When the Marvel/Netflix team set out to make these shows they picked the defenders to do one by one followed by a team up show. TheyGreat show that accurately represents the source material. I'd definitely be considered socially liberal in today's political climate, and I think the bashing this show has received for socioeconomic situation and race of the character are way off base. When the Marvel/Netflix team set out to make these shows they picked the defenders to do one by one followed by a team up show. They stayed true to the source material and delivered each character excellently. Changing Iron fist's race or origin story would have completely ruined the show, just as removing the character and adding a different character to the team only to make the show more PC would have done.

    Secondly the pacing of the show is excellent. They did a great job slowly introducing the characters, the origin of iron fist, and the plot. If they threw it all at you during the first few episodes, it would have been ridiculous. Way to many shows and movies these days are all action with no plot and character development, and Iron Fist has plenty of both along with amazing action sequences.

    Iron fist and the rest of the Marvel/Netflix shows are exactly what I expect and want out of a comic book adaptation for TV!    … Expand
  19. azuric
    Mar 19, 2017
    8
    This is very odd from the critics. It may not be better than daredevil Season 1 & 2 but it definitely beats Luke Cage and Jessica Jones. The story is a comic book and is quite enjoyable to watch even if it lacks the highs of seeing the Punisher for the first time. Solid acting and some interesting and weird characters.
  20. Super-Evil-DOOM
    Mar 19, 2017
    5
    This is sad. I can't think of any of the many things Iron Fist tries to do, being done well. It's not funny, the drama's hammy, the action feels like a rehearsal more than it feels like a fight, story is all over the place with a ton of dumb characters that lack depth and motivations, all following behind one of the most miscast, poorly written, unlikable leads for a superhero propertyThis is sad. I can't think of any of the many things Iron Fist tries to do, being done well. It's not funny, the drama's hammy, the action feels like a rehearsal more than it feels like a fight, story is all over the place with a ton of dumb characters that lack depth and motivations, all following behind one of the most miscast, poorly written, unlikable leads for a superhero property that we've seen in quite some time. I wish this show was good or even great. I wish it didn't feel like a chore to sit through, but there are far too many flaws and hardly any good moments to counter-balance the weight. Iron Fist is Marvel Studios and Marvel/Netflix's first true failure.… Expand
  21. andylusive
    Mar 19, 2017
    8
    While this may not be the BEST of the 4 Netflix Marvels, it's far from the worst and there's plenty of action scenes to sate your kung-fu addiction. Not sure why so many critics are shouting about this show being racist or boring, though. I guess there's not much else going on in the world for them to pay attention to without drumming up some faux current affairs controversy over a comicWhile this may not be the BEST of the 4 Netflix Marvels, it's far from the worst and there's plenty of action scenes to sate your kung-fu addiction. Not sure why so many critics are shouting about this show being racist or boring, though. I guess there's not much else going on in the world for them to pay attention to without drumming up some faux current affairs controversy over a comic book tv show. Anyways, a good watch for anyone who's a fan of the source material.… Expand
  22. Righter
    Mar 19, 2017
    7
    Some problems, but overall, it's not half as bad as the critics make it sound, and much better than how Luke Cage turned out. I understand why some people are offended by the sight of a blonde white dude teaching Asians about Kung Fu, but there is a context. He IS the Iron Fist, and he spent his whole childhood and young adulthood training at K'un L'un from the best fighters. The show atSome problems, but overall, it's not half as bad as the critics make it sound, and much better than how Luke Cage turned out. I understand why some people are offended by the sight of a blonde white dude teaching Asians about Kung Fu, but there is a context. He IS the Iron Fist, and he spent his whole childhood and young adulthood training at K'un L'un from the best fighters. The show at least doesn't condescend to viewers the way Luke Cage did in its final episodes. Some things need to be fixed, though; the tattoo on the chest is off center, so that looks weird, the hand shouldn't just 'glow' - it should look almost like it's on fire, and the glow/fire should extend to the whole hand, not just his knuckles - that just looks weird. Also - when he 'cleaned up' and suited up, he should also have gotten a haircut to look more like Danny has recently looked in the comic books. The fight choreography could also be better.

    It's good that Davos was introduced since this could easily lead up to one of the better story arcs from the comic book, Lei-Kung, and all that stuff.    … Expand
  23. Cicero8
    Mar 19, 2017
    9
    I'm 9 episodes in, and so far I really enjoy this show. I'll be frank, I had no idea who or what Iron fist was comming into this series. I just figured it was some martials arts/shaolin style superhero series, and that's what it is. I can see why it's not for everybody though, some of the scenes could of been a bit better (which is why I did not give it a 10) but I still think it was worthI'm 9 episodes in, and so far I really enjoy this show. I'll be frank, I had no idea who or what Iron fist was comming into this series. I just figured it was some martials arts/shaolin style superhero series, and that's what it is. I can see why it's not for everybody though, some of the scenes could of been a bit better (which is why I did not give it a 10) but I still think it was worth the watch.

    I think the shows martial arts could be better, but the story is refreshing. I don't really get to watch many modern day series where the protagonist is a martial arts master. If you don't like premise of the story, then this is probably not for you.

    Comparison to other netflix marvel originals:
    The others are better if you want my honest oppinion. That does not mean that this one is bad, it's just hat it's taking longer to speed up. I really started to enjoy it more about halfway into the series compared to the first couple episodes for the other series.    … Expand
  24. moonman1994
    Mar 19, 2017
    7
    So far I'm half way through the series (the same amount of episodes that the critics got to review it) and I can say I agree with the critics on several things. Iron Fist is without a doubt the weakest of the Netflix Marvel shows so far, it's the only Marvel show that has noticeable plot holes and Danny Rand is a bit of an idiot. But that all being said it's still a 6.5/10 show in mySo far I'm half way through the series (the same amount of episodes that the critics got to review it) and I can say I agree with the critics on several things. Iron Fist is without a doubt the weakest of the Netflix Marvel shows so far, it's the only Marvel show that has noticeable plot holes and Danny Rand is a bit of an idiot. But that all being said it's still a 6.5/10 show in my opinion and I'll explain why.

    Yes Iron Fist is weaker than Daredevil, Luke Cage, and Jessica Jones. The main reason is its lack of social commentary or not really it's lack so much as it's inability to approach it in the correct way. The clear commentary it is trying to make is a individuals versus corporate interest type of commentary. This is made clear by Danny's number of changes he wants to make to Rand industries when he's back in town. Unfortunately the show approaches this with little care by making Rand industries look evil in many aspects but at the same time making Danny look like a complete and total madman.

    Secondly there are some plot holes. They largely revolve around character motivation. Both Colleen Wing and Joy Meachum both do certain things that seem to go against their character. For Colleen it's her eventual cage fighting and for Joy it's her never ending flip-flopping on Danny while at the same time she's a decisive business woman.

    Thirdly you have to talk about Danny Rand. In my opinion Finn Jones portrayal of him is fine but he's written in a way that puts him in between having a sweet childlike naivety and being a madman for justice. The way he approaches situations is the main reason that he gets into trouble and it appears that he didn't learn social skills while growing up in K'un-Lun.

    Lastly, I have to address the idea of cultural appropriation a bit. In my opinion Iron Fist could have made great commentary on this aspect but instead they ended up with a show that was somewhere in the middle of being a straight crowdpleaser for classical Iron Fist fans and trying to highlight this issue. I feel like Danny correctly embraces his adopted culture but he does it so awkwardly that it can't help but come off a little bit like a white guy doing kung fu in a 1970s movie. It's clear that that they were cognizant of this criticism but opted not to really address it at all which is odd since other Netflix series (such as Master of None) address it perfectly.

    Now despite all that criticism... Iron Fist is very entertaining. There's something pleasant about seeing Danny half-blunder being a business man, half-blunder being a monk and half-blunder being a super hero. His goofy niceness and naivety makes him more human. The show also features both the characters of Colleen Wing and Harold Meachum which honestly are much more interesting to follow throughout the series. Especially Harold, what are his motivations? The pacing is pretty good it balances the Rand business drama with action fairly well and manages to still have the gritty Netflix-Marvel feel.

    Is Iron Fist the best Marvel show on television? No. But is it damn entertaining? Yes. Am I still excited for the Defenders? Of Course.

    Overall Score: 6.5/10    … Expand
  25. Nomoremrniceguy
    Mar 19, 2017
    10
    Ignore the critics, if you enjoyed the other Marvel/Netflix stuff then you will like this as well. I thought it better than Luke Cage and it gets better through the season.
  26. Fursnake
    Mar 19, 2017
    4
    Meh, meh and meh. I was familiar with the Iron Fist character back in the days of the comics, but didn't really follow the comics. I thought this might be a good martial arts based superhero show, but it is quite mediocre and lackluster. The main character looks like a wimpy hipster who never worked out a day in his life, just really unconvincing as a super powered martial artsMeh, meh and meh. I was familiar with the Iron Fist character back in the days of the comics, but didn't really follow the comics. I thought this might be a good martial arts based superhero show, but it is quite mediocre and lackluster. The main character looks like a wimpy hipster who never worked out a day in his life, just really unconvincing as a super powered martial arts superhero. It's really hard for me to take the main character seriously (and for the record I have no problem with the main character being white, I knew he was white back when the comics were around)The other characters are so so aside from David Wenham as the villain, I think he is the best part of the show. The acting is decent, but still feels lacking. And then we get to the fight scenes, something that should really stand out as awesome in a MARTIAL ARTS based show, but they don't. The fight scenes are incredibly underwhelming and more akin to Texas Walker Ranger than any quality wow-level martial arts that I expected. Gonna pass on the Iron Fist.… Expand
  27. Beeboop
    Mar 19, 2017
    1
    Acting is bad and the fight choreography needs more work. They made the lead role act like a child in man's clothing. This didn't fit his roll. The only thing good about this show is that it moves along at a decent pace.
  28. Skeletor71
    Mar 19, 2017
    8
    This is nowhere near as bad as the reviews say. Some bits are somewhat corny and the fighting isn't as good as Daredevil, but it's still an awesome show. Binging as we speak.
  29. MT_Tombs
    Mar 19, 2017
    10
    Considering there are 0 (ZERO) positive critic reviews for the show, it's obvious there is something more going on here than typical criticism. Overall, I'm seeing critics attempting to let everyone know how much they dislike white people doing martial arts. That's bizarre (just look at the critic reviews for Luke Cage, if you want to see EXACTLY what I mean). It's like the worst thingConsidering there are 0 (ZERO) positive critic reviews for the show, it's obvious there is something more going on here than typical criticism. Overall, I'm seeing critics attempting to let everyone know how much they dislike white people doing martial arts. That's bizarre (just look at the critic reviews for Luke Cage, if you want to see EXACTLY what I mean). It's like the worst thing anyone can do these days is be a white guy, especially in Hollywood. People make claims like "oscars so white" and such, but America is majority white, if the oscars represented America, then more white people would get awards than non-whites! Common sense. But these reviewers seems to be looking for racism or cultural insensitivity. As if no-one knew that the comic book this is based on has existed for over 40 years! Anyways, the show is good (granted, it probably didn't deserve a 10 - a better actor for Rand would've helped but, I'm trying to offset the "PC zombies"), Marvel has been handling all these shows excellently. Hope that Marvel (aka Disney) actually ignores these "critics" and the TV series don't go the politically correct direction of their new comics (which are selling MISERABLY compared to DC). It's truly sad that artists can do an excellent, solid piece of work and its hated by the "mainstream press" because of this PC, thought-policing, culture that's devestating the entertainment industry and education. It's an obvious problem to see by now (and bugged me enough to actually get my lazy-ass to write a review!).… Expand
  30. zorK90
    Mar 19, 2017
    8
    I don't get these so called critics, this is not a bad show. Most of the arguments as to why this show is "bad" are plain and simple stupid.

    Anyway I am enjoying it quite a lot and recommend it.
Page:

Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Most Discussed TV Season of 2017
11
#11 Most Shared TV Season of 2017

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
37

Generally unfavorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 21
  3. Negative: 11 out of 21
  1. Slate
    Reviewed by: Jonathan L. Fischer
    Mar 20, 2017
    30
    Unfortunately, the trouble with Iron Fist doesn’t end once you start actually watching the show, which like its character, is occasionally sweet, frequently maddening, and ultimately kind of lost in Marvel’s New York.
    Read full review
  2. Vox.com
    Reviewed by: Alex Abad-Santos
    Mar 20, 2017
    30
    The clunky dialogue often creates the sense that the show doesn’t trust its audience. ... Everyone fights the same, and no one looks interesting doing it.
    Read full review
  3. TV Guide Magazine
    Reviewed by: Matt Roush
    Mar 17, 2017
    60
    If Iron Fist pulls it punches in the originality department, it excels in thrilling martial arts action. [20 Mar - 2 Apr 2017, p.19]
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