When Marvel’s Iron Fist first started its run in 2017 on Netflix it received a lot of negativity. The early reviewers defined the show as slow, shallow, and poorly written. In spite of these claims, I sat down and binge watched all the available seasons. Yes, Iron Fist has its flaws. What I found is these flaws are what makes Iron Fist so special. The show is not mainstream and its plot is one of a kind. Scattered throughout the series is a number of unforgettable one liners that are both meme-worthy and applicable to real life. I have been shocked at the authenticity of Iron Fist and I am sad that there are only two seasons.

When he was ten years old, billionaire Danny Rand was presumed dead in a plane crash that took the lives of his parents. Miraculously, Danny survived the plane crash and was rescued by  monks. The monks took him to the birthplace of Kung Fu, Kun Lun, a mystical land outside of space and time. In Kun Lun, Danny was abused and put through a number of trials to take the mantle of Immortal Iron Fist. After becoming the Iron Fist, Danny abandoned Kun Lun to return home. Upon his return home (New York City) he finds his family company under the control of a shady organization known as The Hand. As the Iron Fist Danny is the sworn enemy of The Hand. Danny decides that he must use his Kung Fu and the Power of the Iron Fist to save his company and city. In the end Danny is forced to choose between his family and his responsibilities as Iron Fist.

At times, the flow of Iron Fist can seem very slow. With its countless one liners and five second scenes it can be easy to think that the writers were lazy. However, as the show progresses those conversations that seem so slow and insignificant become vital to the plot. I also realized and came to respect the slow pace of the show. It made it believable. For example, when Danny returned home his remaining family and friends had their doubts about him being the real Danny Rand. Danny struggles for episodes with his longing for acceptance. This way of writing is a more authentic representation of what people go through on a daily basis.

The producer of Iron Fist, Evan Perazzo has worked on a number of other Marvel related titles on Netflix. A few of his works include The Punisher, The Defenders, and Daredevil. All of his Marvel related works have had success on Netflix.

It is worth mentioning that the main character portrayed by Finn Jones has some really cringe-worthy moments. My initial thought was “Wow! The acting in this show is trash.” (That is why I loved the show when I first started watching it. It was cheesy and what is life without some cheese?) What I came to discover halfway through season one was that Finn Jones was nota bad actor; he was simply trying to make his character, Danny Rand, socially inexperienced and awkward. When I thought about Danny’s circumstances and the fact he lived away from the normal world for years the “bad acting” soon became phenomenal acting. This further reinforces my theory that the writers are not lazy, they just shoot to simulate real life experiences.

I recommend Iron Fist for die-hard Marvel fans, Martial Arts enthusiasts, and those who know the value of a cheesy film. Despite its flaws, the show is worth watching because it is so different from everything else on Netflix or Television. If you are looking to dive into an realistic and original superhero show, Iron Fist is definitely for you.