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

5. But Not As Bland As Danny

Iron Fist Review 2
Cara Howe/Netflix

Controversy aside, there were reservations over the casting of Finn Jones as Danny Rand. Although he was on the biggest TV show in the world, his character didn't exactly stand-out. It might be ok though, because Loras Tyrell is incredibly underwritten, so maybe we just hadn't had the chance to see what Jones could do.

It's time to end that theory. Jones isn't bad per se, but as the episodes unfurl it becomes clear that he doesn't have the charisma or screen presence to lead the show.

Danny Rand comes off more like a surfer dude than superhero; there's little to his performance (or indeed how the character has been written) to suggest that he's one of the most highly-skilled fighters in the world, nor does he captivate you in a way that makes you want to root for him or follow his journey.

I can imagine Jones playing better in the Defenders, when he doesn't have to lead the show and can provide a lighter contrast to the rest of the team. Here, though, he just doesn't have the force of personality to really make it work.

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.