Iron Fist Season 2 is Here: Does it Redeem Danny Rand?

Iron Fist’s first season was rocky, to say the least. Uneven pacing and strange narrative choices melded with poorly-choreographed fights to make a mess of a season. Glimmers of hope, such as Finn Jones’ occasionally likable but often whiny Danny Rand, got buried under half-hearted fights and boring board room meetings. Iron Fist Season 2, however, seems poised to change that. After we saw the trailer, we were cautiously optimistic. Now that the season is here, we’re happy to inform you: it’s awesome.

Netflix

The Immortal Iron Fist

Iron Fist is a tricky character to get right. For one thing, there’s the issue of casting. Many Marvel fans were adamant that a martial arts-focused, Asian-esque character should be portrayed by an Asian actor. The casting of Finn Jones was disappointing to these fans, and the first season’s lackluster narrative hardly helped matters. Danny often came off as preachy at best and an embodiment of the “white savior” trope at worst.

Thankfully, the often tone-deaf story has given way to a more thoughtful, respectful and likable Danny. In Defenders, we saw a somewhat more responsible, less hot-headed version of the character. By the time he cameo’d in Luke Cage Season 2 he much more closely resembled his comic book counterpart. Now, back in the spotlight of his own show, Danny is at peace with himself and ready to be the Defender of New York.

Old Faces, New Enemies

Davos, known in the comics as the Steel Serpent, makes his return this season. He feels as though Danny’s power, that of the Iron Fist, is his birthright, and Danny stole it from him. This story arc largely tracks from criticism of Danny as a “white savior,” both from within the narrative and from our own world. Davos is joined by Joy Meachum, daughter of Harold Meachum and a supporting character from the first season. The two seek to bring Danny low and take the Iron Fist from him so that Davos may wield it.

New this season is Mary Walker, known in the comics as villain Typhoid Mary. This unnerving villain has multiple personalities at war within her mind, and an unhealthy fixation on Danny Rand. She joins the main cast and brings an air of uneasy tension to the otherwise slam-bang martial arts proceedings.

Is Iron Fist Season 2 the Redemption we Hoped For?

In a word, Iron Fist Season 2 is excellent. The main cast is on point, with every dramatic beat and character moment feeling heartfelt and meaningful. Martial arts scenes are fast and intense, but readable and well-choreographed. Danny is a likable character you can root for, and the central conflict is truly gripping. While the show is far from perfect, it’s a much better representation of the character we love from the comics. We’d highly recommend this season to any fans of Marvel or martial arts!