Marvel's reportedly developing a 'Defenders' project and here's why this revival isn't necessarily a bad thing

If Marvel is looking at reviving the characters, it's got another chance to learn from the mistakes of the pilot season.
PUBLISHED JAN 7, 2020
A still from Marvel's 'The Defenders' [IMDb]
A still from Marvel's 'The Defenders' [IMDb]

'Marvel's The Defenders' might have had a short run on Netflix, however, a recent piece of news hints at the return of the characters in the MCU. As reported by CBR, there are rumors milling about Marvel already developing projects featuring the superhero squad. Jessica Jones (Krysten Ritter), Luke Cage (Mike Colter), Iron Fist (Finn Jones) and Daredevil (Charlie Cox) might be in business again should this news be officially confirmed. 

There isn't much to go on, however, MCU Cosmic speculates Daredevil and the Punisher will be the first of the projects to take off. It also added that the latter may be seen in a Midnight Sons team with Doctor Strange, Blade, Moon Knight, Ghost Rider and Elsa Bloodstone (who is also slated for an MCU appearance)."

Leading us back to the question: Is this a great move? Honestly, it is. 'The Defenders' was great content and received a positive response. Rotten Tomatoes gave it a healthy 78% on the Tomatometer with the audience rating coming in a close 74%.  The critic consensus reads: " Marvel's The Defenders further develops well-known characters in an action-packed arc whose payoff packs more than enough of a punch to offset its flaws." Speaking of the flaws, fans did criticize the miniseries for the overall story, pacing, and the use of the Hand as villains, despite it being one of the binge-watched shows of the year. 

And they weren't wrong either. Early reviews that poured in hoped the show, if returning for a season 2 would do more to justify the presence of each superhero on the show. USA Today's review read: “Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and even Iron Fist deserve better. And it’s gratifying to remember that three of them will likely have better series to return to once they finish this mission. There’s no shame in admitting defeat, even for superheroes. Some acts are just better off going solo.”

Seconding this is Uproxx who said, "It would be nice if, at some point, both show and the team could justify their existence as something more than a package Marvel put together years ago in the hopes everything would work out." The Defenders were typical Marvel. Some high-octane action, a bit of comedy and moments that fluctuated between sheer brilliance and dry spells

The ending did leave the door open for a potential second season, and if Marvel is looking at reviving the characters, it's got another chance to set learn from the mistakes of the pilot season. And given the characters' chemistry and their rich comic history, 'The Defenders' coming back might not be such a bad thing after all.

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