10 Recent TV Shows That Failed Hard (But Should Have Been Great)

10. Marvel's Iron Fist

An argument can be made that the character of Iron Fist as a comic already felt a little goofy and dated in a modern age. Yet, as proven by Matt Fraction and Ed Brubaker's 2006 comic reboot, in the right hands his legacy can be enthralling storytelling. So the prospect of having the character join the high-calibre slew of Marvel/Netflix shows that came before, had several expecting a strong outcome.

Instead, we were given a show that felt like a true chore to sit through, with a cliched superhero origin tale with story beats that had been done better in movies (Batman Begins, Dr Strange) and TV (the early seasons of Arrow). It didn't help that it was all delivered with the amount of enthusiasm of the show-runner reading out a checklist.

The lead actor Finn Jones lacked the charm and range needed to give the whiny lead any depth or sympathy, and he was amateurish in the martial arts department too. Add to that a rushed production filled with cheap CGI and underwhelming sets, plus two lacklustre villains.

It was an ordeal that basically made Luke Cage's uneven elements feel like The Wire in comparison. At least that show had passion - something this quick attempt at filling up the Defenders roster was sorely missing.