Marvel's Iron Fist: 10 Spoiler Free Reactions To First Six Episodes

9. The Hand Are Still Frustrating, But Madame Gao Is An Interesting Presence

Iron Fist Review 2
David Giesbrecht/Netflix

How you feel about the Hand emerging here may well depend on your response to them in Daredevil Season 2. Personally I thought they were a cool concept - who doesn't love ninjas?! - but the execution was lacking.

Once again they're spending the early parts of the season largely in the shadows, and again it feels frustrating to watch. There's a lot of talk to the Hand's game, but not a lot to show how they're this powerful ancient society now spreading their influence all over New York.

if there's a positive to this, it's Madame Gao, who first appeared in Daredevil. While she may look like a little old lady, she's as fearsome as they come, and the person who best establishes what threat may actually be posed to Danny.

Still, it's hard to to see the Hand turn up and think that we'll get any real answers or even much forward movement as the season progresses. Danny may be their sworn enemy, but we already know they're going to be in the Defenders, and the bigger roles and reveals will likely be saved for then. It also means that they'll have been the villain (or one of the villains) for 50% of Netflix Marvel shows by that point. Interconnectivity is good, but that's a bit much.

Contributor
Contributor

NCTJ-qualified journalist. Most definitely not a racing driver. Drink too much tea; eat too much peanut butter; watch too much TV. Sadly only the latter paying off so far. A mix of wise-old man in a young man's body with a child-like wonder about him and a great otherworldly sensibility.