Iron Fist Season 2: Martial Arts Mysticism Rebounds

Netflix's "Iron Fist: Season 2" begins September 7, with all ten episodes set to digest. 

Season 1 gained great viewership, but many Marvel fans were disappointed that Finn Jones' bearded Danny Rand, aka Iron Fist, didn't don his famous, yellow mask, let alone his spiffy, high-collared suit.  (I confess, I'm one such stickler.)

Nevertheless, the mask (or a variation of it) will grace the sequel, but a publicity shot shows Sacha Dhawan's Davos, aka Steel Serpent, wearing it. Perhaps the show's rivalry will lead the disguise to leap from one man to the other, or maybe Netflix simply doesn't wish to spoil the big moment when our hero slips his on. 

Though the new season will elevate the dueling pair, Iron Fist will also patrol Hell's Kitchen in Daredevil's absence. It goes to reason, therefore, that a Defender or two might assist in that endeavor. Nevertheless, Tom Pelphrey; David Wenham; Jessica Stroup; Rosario Dawson; Alice Eve (as Daredevil's comic-book adversary, Typhoid Mary); Jessica Henwick; and Simone Missick (the latter two, burgeoning Daughters of the Dragon) are there to fringe the mystical melees.

My concern (beyond the obvious, costume deal) is whether Season 2 will include any '70s kung-fu vivacity. Alas, Season 1 and "The Defenders" fell short on that. Regardless of Iron Fist's revamped, Netflix status, the character remains linked to a time when Bruce Lee and related, martial artists ruled the action roost. To overlook this again would further dishonor those long-time fans who take pride savoring such. Here's hoping Netflix is magnanimous this time out. 

THE DEFENDERS: NETFLIX DELIVERS JUSTICE FOR ALL!!!

Our Harlem/Hell's Kitchen heroes are back--Charlie Cox as Matt Murdock/Daredevil; Mike Colter as Luke Cage/Power Man; Krysten Ritter as Jessica Jones; and Finn Jones as Danny Rand/Iron Fist--all assembled and equipped to kick some villainous ass and of course, bring justice to NY's meek and downtrodden.

The highly anticipated “The Defenders”, based on the popular Marvel comic-book series, is Netflix’s reply to Disney’s "Avengers" and WB’s "Justice League". The tone here is of its own variation: vicious, brooding and (chances are) woeful. (Jon Bernthal’s Frank Castle/Punisher would fit right in, if not for his loner disposition, but give it time…)

For the sake of this series, our heroic collective faces a baddie named Alexandra. Folks are wondering if she's a disguised element of Marvel's vast lineage, but whether she holds a historic link (let alone rubs elbows with the opposing force, the Hand) shouldn't matter to fans of "Alien", "Avatar" and "Galaxy Quest", for she's played by none other than Sigourney Weaver. Evidently, Weaver's character wields lots of big-city influence, but has any officious, self-serving opponent ever halted our defenders? Then again, who knows what devilish plan Alexandra may be hatching? (Say, wouldn't it be cool if it connects to a character otherwise thought defunct...one perhaps played by Elodie Yung? Hint, hint...ha, ha.)

Though Weaver's enigmatic "queen-pin" and her resulting actions aren't to be taken lightly, advanced footage for the show does present some wry banter for our admirable quartet, so though doom and gloom may predominate, we might at least anticipate some sporadic levity.

For superhero/comic-book fans, this is a golden age, with live-action adaptations riding an all-time high. Some, however, would take delight in seeing the trend end, but I emphatically say to hell with them. “Defenders” is another welcome chunk of good-vs-evil escapism and another reason why Netflix is fast becoming one of the most reliable entertainment sources around. Hey highbrow HBO—ya payin' attention?

All eight episodes of “Defenders” will be queued for viewing on Aug 18. Engage, enjoy...defend!!!

Netflix's Iron Fist Debuts!!!

During the martial-arts movie craze of the '70s, Iron Fist stayed steadfast and in the forefront among the comic-book counterparts. However, the chance for a movie version grew only prominent during the past decade, with Ray "Darth Maul" Park positioned for the lead. That obviously didn't pan out, but now, with Netflix embracing the Marvel universe as part of its profitable sector, the famed character manifests in a brooding series.

Finn "Game of Thrones" Jones stars as the billionaire, Buddhist monk/kung-fu expert, Danny Rand. During his stay in a monastery, Rand mastered the means to tap the mystical power of the Iron Fist (and now can become such personified). However, when he returns home to reclaim his family's prestigious company, circumstances push him more toward crusader than entrepreneur.  

In addition to Jones, the 13-part saga features Jessica "Game of Thrones" Henwick; Tom Pelphrey; Jessica Stroup; David "Lord of the Rings" Wenham; and Rosario Dawson, reprising her "Daredevil"/"Luke Cage" role of Claire Temple. Also, Carrie-Anne Moss, "Jessica Jones'" Jeri Hogarth, is set to guest star.

All episodes of "Iron Fist" will be available for viewing on Friday, March 17. The series will ultimately interlock with most of Netflix's other heroes, to be showcased in "The Defenders", a group in which Rand holds a leadership role. 

It appears "Iron Fist" will grant Netflix another winner, though for the character's fan base, its success will depend on how much it captures its Marvel mythology. So far, so good with Netflix's other comic-book interpretations, so let's hope "Iron Fist" emulates their precision, implementing a modern-day panache, but never losing sight of the character's hip, '70s roots. (Yeah, the chest tattoo may be on the mark, but a good shave and an iconic, yellow mask would be a promising step in the right direction.)