Netflix series: Defenders
August 23, 2017
With eight 45-minute episodes released on Netflix, “Defenders” was potentially a show that I could easily binge watch in a day. However, as I kept walking away from my laptop or opening new tabs to keep myself entertained, it took me three tedious days to finish the first two episodes, and I was left with little hope for this pseudo “Avengers.”
“Defenders” is a disappointing break in Netflix’s streak of successful originals. The concept of bringing Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and Iron Fist together into a team to fight against the Hand, an organization whose motives I still cannot understand, seemed promising enough. However, it has been poorly executed. Even after two episodes, the characters have rarely come in contact with each other, and the anticipated moment of their alliance continues to feel like a distant dream.
While the four Marvel heroes may be used to and insistent on working alone, they find that their goal of keeping New York City safe is too big for any single one of them to handle. Determined to take down their common enemy, the Defenders ultimately decide to work together.
As someone who was unfamiliar with these heroes, I spent the first episode feeling as though I had just began reading a book from a random page. Even when I was finally able to distinguish the four separate storylines, it seemed like I was lacking the extensive backstory needed to understand each character. However, I can easily see how someone who was invested in the comic-book heroes prior to the first episode would immediately enjoy the show.
Aside from the insufficiency of clarification, the plot moved remarkably slow. The first two episodes lacked substance and could have been easily condensed into one, instead of being stretched out.
The cast of “Defenders” is the show’s one redeeming quality. Krysten Ritter brings her fantastic portrayal of Jessica Jones from her successful solo show. Jessica is witty, bold, and completely indifferent to the thoughts of others; all characteristics that match Ritter’s niche. Sigourney Weaver is also fantastic as Alexandra, the main antagonist who is connected to the Hand. Weaver portrays Alexandra as the scariest type of villain, as she wrecks havoc with full control and an almost disturbing composure.
While the female leads are the clear standouts, Charlie Cox was engaging as Matt Murdock (Daredevil), and I found myself getting excited over how overwhelmingly cool his character was, both as a blind lawyer and a secret vigilante.
The first couple episodes of “Defenders” left me confused and bored, only the slightest bit interested, but no combination of these feelings could compel me to continue watching. While the show may redeem itself as it moves forward and the heroes finally come together, it is too little too late.
