The Defenders

Season 1  Episodes 1-8

Netflix – August 2017

This series gets off to a slow start, but picks up in interest and intensity by episode 3. While Iron Fist was the weakest series of Netflix’s Marvel show group, (which includes Daredevil, Jessica Jones and Luke Cage), when mixed with the other characters, Danny Rand/Iron Fist becomes both humorous and watchable (as of episode 3). Making this series 8 episodes instead of 13 plus, encourages the action and dialogue to be stronger and better executed. The strength of this series is the interaction of the characters. While there are the requisite explosions and martial arts’ fights, most of the characters (hero or villain) ironically become more human through conversation. Soundtrack was done well, except for the hip-hop music played in the last major battle. The lighting was dim, probably to emphasize the subterranean location, but this choice made it hard to follow the action.

While the primary and supporting cast were well portrayed. There was one standout, Sigourney Weaver (as Alexandra Reid).  She was a villain more evil and more menacing than any Marvel/DC character in monster mode.

I recommend this series as a binge watch, as it becomes more cinematic and intense than when watched in 8 separate viewings.