2023 was a rough year for Marvel Studios, as I explained in my review for "The Marvels". 2024 was looking to continue said rough patch with the first project of the year, "Echo." Along with reports of a troubled production, the Disney+ series was breaking the pattern by only having five episodes rather than six or nine and dropping all episodes at once rather than weekly; it seemed they were just throwing it out there to rip off the band-aid of another dud. As it turned out though "Echo" is the shot in the arm Marvel has been in need of.
As part of Marvel revitalizing their plans, "Echo" is the first series to be released under the "Marvel Spotlight" banner, designed to tell grounded stand-alone stories. Based on what we've seen with this series, this could be Marvel's way of bringing back the type of tone not seen since the Netflix line of series. Being the first TV-MA rated production from Marvel Studios, "Echo" breaks the mold and evoked the same feelings I had when "Daredevil" first began nearly a decade ago. The grittiness and ultra violence that helped each Defender series stand out has returned here, giving us some down and dirty action that will get your heart pounding; there's even a long tracking shot involving Daredevil in the first episode. While Marvel Studios has delivered (mostly) great series, "Echo" shows they can stray from the family friendly tone and still deliver the goods.
The release strategy was probably beneficial as well. This was a story that needed to be told all together (another Netflix comparison), and much like season two of "Iron Fist", cutting the episode count down shows they know when a story doesn't need to be stretched out if there's no substance.
The release strategy was probably beneficial as well. This was a story that needed to be told all together (another Netflix comparison), and much like season two of "Iron Fist", cutting the episode count down shows they know when a story doesn't need to be stretched out if there's no substance.
Reprising her debut role in "Hawkeye", Alaqua Cox shines as Maya Lopez. As a deaf actress and character, she does so well at conveying her feelings and emotions without saying a word. It's rare for a movie or series to have a main character like that, but it's nonetheless easy to become invested in her. I especially like the moments where all the sound goes away to experience things from Maya's perspective, which seems to happen during pivotal moments such as her (presumably) first kill.
What makes Maya's arc so interesting is that she's not initially heroic. Her goal at the start is to usurp control of Kingpin's criminal empire and she doesn't seem to care about putting her family in the crossfire to achieve that. As the series goes on though, Maya learns to break free from Kingpin's influence and embrace not just her living family, but her ancestors. Like their projects with diverse leads before, Marvel once again does a great job at portraying cultural heritage, this time showcasing Maya's Native American roots; it plays a part in her powers manifesting as well as receiving her "supersuit" and the Echo codename in the final episode.
Maya's interactions with her family are enjoyable as well, with good performances from each actor in their respective role. They also each played an important part of the series' climax, further cementing the theme of familial bonds; the grandfather (played by Graham Greene) isn't present for that, but he's still a great character throughout the series.
What makes Maya's arc so interesting is that she's not initially heroic. Her goal at the start is to usurp control of Kingpin's criminal empire and she doesn't seem to care about putting her family in the crossfire to achieve that. As the series goes on though, Maya learns to break free from Kingpin's influence and embrace not just her living family, but her ancestors. Like their projects with diverse leads before, Marvel once again does a great job at portraying cultural heritage, this time showcasing Maya's Native American roots; it plays a part in her powers manifesting as well as receiving her "supersuit" and the Echo codename in the final episode.
Maya's interactions with her family are enjoyable as well, with good performances from each actor in their respective role. They also each played an important part of the series' climax, further cementing the theme of familial bonds; the grandfather (played by Graham Greene) isn't present for that, but he's still a great character throughout the series.
Vincent D'Onofrio still casts a terrifying presence as Wilson Fisk. The series dives deeper into his father figure role to Maya, evoking a Thanos/Gamora like relationship. He cares for her and will go to any lengths to protect her, but goes to even greater lengths to avenge her betrayal. Looking to the future with projects like "Daredevil: Born Again" and "Spider-Man 4", Marvel is definitely building Kingpin to be a street-level Thanos, making my earlier comparison apt. The post-credits scene sets the stage for that, though I feel they'll be somewhat retreading ground from season three of "Daredevil."
"Superhero fatigue" may be affecting some, but "Echo" will give fans of all kinds a unique character along with what's been missing from Marvel lately. If you're a fan of what came before from Netflix and wanting something new of that variety, "Echo" should sate your appetite.
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