In the season finale, Iron Fists collide as the fate of New York City hangs in the balance.

Things conclude in a rather satisfying way with the second season of Iron Fist. Everyone faces off and it’s all wrapped up in a way that makes sense. And with all the fighting, the body count is low. The series, both seasons, feature Danny’s positive outlook at things and this season emphasizes that in a lot of ways. But, before we get to that, lets talk about the action.

There’s lots of martial arts, some gun play, and it’s all really good. There’s some questions as to Mary’s ability to shoot, but the fights everyone has are good with choreography that feels well thought out. None of it is groundbreaking but it feels grounded in its own way. There isn’t anything too flashy and that’s a good thing as it fits the general feel of the season.

The episode suffers a little in that it drags on a lot as all the various plotlines are explored and checked off. What’s the deal with Colleen and the coin? What’s the deal with the corpse of the Iron Fist? What about Mary and her personalities? There’s so much to unpack and dissect in this episode. It sets up what’s to come for so many characters. It also leaves so many open questions not giving us answers.

There’s a definite Lord of the Rings drag it on vibe about it, even with time jumps, but there’s some great bits that takes what was Marvel’s weakest series and turn it into one of its stronger ones. And that ending! Um… yes, explore some more history of the Iron Fist! Can’t wait for the next season or whatever may come.

Overall Rating: 8.0

Facing a life-changing decision, Danny and Colleen debate their next move. Meanwhile, Davos’ contempt for mercy grows stronger.

Should Colleen be the next Iron Fist? Should Danny take it back? Since Danny lost his power, it seemed clear that Danny would gain his power back eventually but things are now up in the air as to whether he’ll get it back? The season took something that felt clear and put some doubt into it which, props to them, wasn’t exactly expected.

The episode also dives into the mystery of Colleen and the ledger. She learns some history about herself and this far into the season it seems a bit odd to have this plotline at all. With just one more episode to go, it all seems rather odd to have introduced any of what this episode reveals. There’s also a big question as to the point of it all other than adding some depth to Colleen’s character.

The episode is gathering forces for the good guys. Colleen is the one that seems to really be taking the lead in the last few episodes, the season as a whole. She’s the one that’s organizing and protecting her community it feels like with Danny being her weapon.

There’s some good fight scenes but this is an episode where the details stand out. There’s the detail of Joy surviving what happens to her, which is silly. But, both Colleen and Danny each have their moments. Colleen’s especially stands out for the choreography as well as what happens. Cars are dented, lots of them. It actually feels like damage is being done.

But, the greatest detail is in Danny and Davos’ fight and its ending. It proves Danny right in so many ways. Marvel’s Netflix shows have a habit of killing off the villains. Its become expected and honestly rather silly considering these heroes should be in jail for what they’ve done in some cases. But here, Danny’s optimism pays off as his plan works out. Will it in the end? We’ve got an episode to go but like Luke Cage’s second season, the end game of this season feels like it is paying off in a good way.

Overall Rating: 7.75

Joy offers Davos tips on appealing to the masses, Danny begins to understand his limits, and Mary seeks the truth about her past.

The villain who sees them self as a hero. We’ve seen that in shows and movies so many times before. Iron Fist has dove deep into that common plot with Davos. He’s not only taking on the gangs of New York City but he’s also training a new generation of warriors.

Joy steps in thinking a public relations blitz will help his situation and get him to not only be the hero he sees himself as but also get others to see that too.

And Davos takes that advice of course that goes sideways. We’re seeing the fine line between being a hero and being a villain and how simple it can be to go from one to the other. It helps put the various Netflix shows, and other live action Marvel ventures, or the fine line they all walk. It’s also a theme we see in Captain America: Civil War and the beginning of Avengers: Infinity War.

What’s interesting about the episode, and the series, is the shift in the character of Mary Walker. In the last episode we got her origin and this episode she’s dealing with her reality and situation. While it’s good to see that character through and not just drop her, the use of her is rather odd and and one has to question the introduction of such an iconic character to use her like this. It has to be going somewhere, right?

There’s a lot in the episode that’s predictable but it’s all well done showing a massive improvement from the first season. Things are plotted out better. The martial arts are better. The acting is better. Everything is showing growth and making this the Marvel Netflix show that earns most improved.

Overall Rating: 7.75

As Danny steps up his training, Davos ramps up recruitment. Ward falls prey to old demons, and Misty butts heads with a captain.

Danny’s hurting. His leg is destroyed and body is battered and Davos is running loose cleaning up the city from Triad criminals. The premise of the episode feels rather familiar as we’ve seen it play out a bit in Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy, complete with leg/knee brace.

But, where that movie trilogy is standard with the hero rehabing and defeating the villain, Iron Fist is going a bit deeper with a dual story of Ward and Danny. In previous episodes, Ward has related to Danny and the power of the Iron Fist. And for the viewer, that much like Ward, Danny has an addiction in a way to the power. He needs it to function. He needs it fight and attempt to do good. The concept shows little difference to an alcoholic who has to have a beer to function during the day. Colleen sees it too in the episode when Danny approaches her to train him so he can take on Davos. She realizes it’s as much about getting the power of the Iron Fist back as it is in defeating Davos and bringing him to justice.

The episode has some solid moments throughout, especially a conflicted police department that likes what Davos is doing. But, what stands out is that the episode relies on tropes but doesn’t completely fall into them.

We get the beginning of a training montage. We get Danny being hurt and broken and trying to train on his own. But, it’s all presented with reflections of themselves in other ways, like Mary/Walker’s scenes that also tie into the theme of addiction. That theme is what makes the episode go from eye-rolling prediction to something a bit more.

But, what I like the most at the end is that it feels like we’re getting a broken Danny who’s being rebuilt in a way for the viewers. It points to a season finale where we may finally get the shedding of bro-Fist and deliver us the Iron Fist we all want.

Overall Rating: 7.90

Misty and Colleen’s trip to the tattoo parlor turns painful — but not for them. As Davos crosses names off his list, Mary makes Danny an offer.

The episode feels like it’s about pairing up as it bounces around giving us moments for two characters at a time.

Davos and his new minion continue to beat up on criminals… that’s all you really need to know about that.

Joy and Ward have a moment to discuss their relationship and it’s a pretty solid discussion that’s full of emotion. In fact, it’s a pretty pivotal scene for both of the characters as they discuss not just their relationship but that with their father. We learn Ward was abused and felt he was protecting his sister. She blames him because while he did that, things are still messed up. It’s a great scene and two characters I’ve been on the fence on get a little better due to it. We also learn why Joy targeted Danny and why she attempted to get out, it all adds a lot to the characters, something rather lacking in that it fleshes them out nicely.

Mary and Danny go on a mission to try to find Davos in hopes of capturing him and doing the same thing to Davos that Davos did to Danny. Again, this highlights Danny being positive. He says Davos is “not a lunatic and guided by virtue.” It again shows Danny is a very different character than Luke, Jessica, and Matt. Each of those are at different points on the jaded scale, he’s not. He still sees the good in people no matter the horrible things they do. It again is also why it’s hard to relate to the character in this negative/dumpster fire of a world.

Then there’s the highlight, Colleen and Misty who pair up and again are the highlight. We need a “Daughters of the Dragon” television series after this and we get hints of that too. There’s numerous scenes of these two including an interesting one where Misty and Colleen discuss what their future will be like and what they want to do in their lives. It’s great to see these two banter like classic cop pairings and makes me long for more of it all. There’s also a fantastic scene of the two of them taking on the tattoo artists from earlier in the season. While it’s odd that tattoo artists are also martial arts the fight scene is fantastic with Misty winning it for her brevity and Colleen showing off some fantastic moves. Stealing the show is an understatement for the two of them.

This is another bridge episode in a way that helps spotlight various characters and move the plot along at a decent pace. But, the most exciting aspect is what looks like a hint at a major character entering the Marvel Netflix Universe as a bloody Ace playing card is picked up. Is it the sign of a classic Daredevil villain rumored to debut?

The episode is a really good one with some solid confrontations and also showing that Danny has been holding back through Davos’ strength. Great action, great interaction, great character development, this is an episode that’s a highlight for the season.

Overall Rating: 9.0

There’s a new Iron Fist in town, and he’s itching to make his presence felt. Meanwhile, Ward calls in a favor, and Joy considers her options.

So, with Davos now in control of the Iron Fist, what’s he planning on doing? The episode has a few different parts but the majority of it is Davos deciding he’s going to do what Danny didn’t which is take the war to crime and bring peace and stability.

While this might seem like a silly way to take the character it actually makes a lot of sense based on some of the background we’ve learned about the character this season. He obviously wanted to be Iron Fist to start but he feels like a failure and this is a way he’s convinced himself he can succeed and restore honor to his family. It’s a motivation and an action that we’ve seen many times before but here it’s working in its own way.

The episode also circles around the rest of the characters.

Joy is convinced that Davos is dangerous… Mary gets tied into it.

Danny and Ward have a bonding moment as Danny recovers from getting the crap beat out of him. It’s actually a touching moment and humanizing for both of them. While not perfect, it adds a bit to each character.

And the bigger thing is Misty and Colleen teaming up to find Danny and then attempt to find Davos through Joy. Seeing Misty and Colleen team up is fantastic and only makes me want a “Daughters of the Dragon” spin-off series even more. Both give us some solid action and they play off of each other quite well.

And while this is what I’d call a bridge episode it dovetails into the next one quite nicely ending on an creepy note and making it clear it’s only going to get more difficult for Danny.

Overall Rating: 7.40

Joy’s interrogation of Mary takes a turn. Misty gives Danny an earful. Ward extends an olive branch. Davos makes a crucial discovery.

The episode kicks off with two confrontations. Davos and Joy confront Mary about her giving her photos to Danny. Mary says she didn’t do it. Is she telling the truth? We learn that and that may be one of the more controversial subjects of the season. With Mary, Iron Fist Season 2 is touching on multiple personality disorder which some may be happy about but others will likely be unhappy with the portrayal. How accurate is it? I can’t say, not this site’s expertise. But, it’s an interesting addition to the season and Mary in four episodes has gone from innocent new character to one that’s clearly a threat and a scary one at that.

The other confrontation is Danny and Colleen seeing Mrs. Yang about the screwed up meeting. There they learn the truth about her husband and who’s behind his issues… all pointing to Davos, which we know from previous episodes. But why?

That’s answered this episode as well!

What’s good about the fourth episode is that it connects some of the dots quickly and in doing so takes what feels like three slow episodes and speeds things up a bit. The pacing of the show ramps up and moves the plot along quite nicely. An issue with Marvel’s Netflix shows is that they at times can feel a bit decompressed. This season so far seems to correct that to an extent.

We also get to see Danny’s optimism again. He does something we know is going to go bad and he does it because he thinks he can talk to Davos and get him to change course. There’s a positivity about his actions that is hard to dislike because it’s so rare. But, because it’s so rare, it’s also hard to relate to.

What’s also interesting is the episode opens with the “fate” of Danny which we see the how by episode’s end. Danny has someone who can take him on in a fight and it’s a decent fight. Though, you kind of wonder where the police are in all of this. Like earlier fights in the season, this one has a bit more action and much more thought out. How is Danny’s attacker better than him? Maybe we’ll find out but right now we at least have a challenge for him when it comes to hand to hand combat.

The end of the episode? Well, that sets up even more…

Overall Rating: 7.75

In an effort to ease the tension between Ward and Joy, Danny and Colleen switch gears and host a dinner party. Mary delivers a warning.

The third episode of the second season of Iron Fist is interesting as it’s all about negotiations. There’s two major parts to the story but before we get to those….

Mary sees Danny and gives him photos informing someone’s watching him. All she’ll tell him is “Walker” when asked who. It’s interesting and shows off Mary isn’t as innocent as she seemed in the first two episodes. By the end of the episode we learn that Mary’s last name is Walker.

Got to keep the creep factor going….

The episode has Danny and Colleen overseeing a negotiation between two gangs hoping to broker peace. Something interrupts that and things aren’t looking good. Who’s this third party? Is it a rival gang? Is it someone else? It’s nice to see this plotline for the show as it lowers the stakes in a way or at least grounds the villain to something that’s easier to relate to than ninjas or some super powered being.

But, there’s another negotiation. Ward and Danny concoct a plan to invite Joy and Davos over for dinner and find out what they’re up to. This is a pretty interesting plan and part of the show as it really shows the hear of Danny. We know this isn’t going to go well. We know that Joy and Davos aren’t going to spill the beans. But, Danny is a person who’s all about the positive and hopes for the best. Here we see that on display as he attempts to move on in a positive way with both Joy and Davos.

We also get the motivation for both of these individuals. Colleen, who isn’t getting along with Joy or Davos. Joy admits she’s pissed about Danny and Ward hiding the truth about her father. Davos is pissed because he thinks he should be Iron Fist. We now both have their motivation. We just don’t know their plan.

The episode is good in that it really emphasizes Danny’s positive outlook. We might call him naive and one has to think that he’s harder to relate to because of that. We’re so used to the jaded Luke or Jessica and to some extent Matt, but Danny is the far end of positive compared to those three. That’s something we just don’t see much in the real world. It’s a trait that was present in the first season but it’s front and center here in the second season driving Danny and not seeming as much as someone who’s completely innocent leading to bad decisions.

The first two episodes were the set up, this is the one that gets things really rolling. It’s a great one in a study of the small details of what is said and how it’s said, especially Colleen and Joy’s back and forth. While the episode is still relatively slow in action, it’s one that’s needed to really show us who these characters are.

Overall Rating: 7.75

Danny and Colleen strive to broker a badly needed peace. Ward crashes his sister’s auction, and Joy plays matchmaker – with a twist.

The second episode of the second season of Iron Fist is broken up into two main storylines with two smaller ones. The third plot involves the mysterious Mary who feels like she’s going all stalker on Danny and Jessica should worry. It’s obviously building somewhere and those who like spoilers will know what character from the Marvel universe Mary is.

The second smaller plot is the battle in the past between Danny and Davos for the right to try to become the Iron Fist. Interspersed in the episode we see the two battle it out and it’s our first look at Danny with the classic Iron Fist mask, and honestly, after seeing it, it’s a lot better it’s not being used. Here we get some of more of the reason as to why Davos has issues with Danny.

One of the two main stories involves Davos and Joy as they attempt to obtain a bowl Davos needs for something. There’s some machination going on, and we’ll see that down the road but this is the villain gathering the pieces of their super weapon, not much more than that.

But, the bigger plot, that intersects with Davos, is focused on Colleen and Danny attempting to stop a gang war from happening. There they attempt to negotiate with one of the players in hopes of stopping things and instead open up talks for negotiation.

Again, much like the first episode, the second is all about the set up. The first gave us the important characters and allowed us to play catch up in a way while the second is more focused on the plot and getting things into place. It’s a slow episode but much like the first, it’s improved on the previous season. It’s not a flashy or excited episode at all but there’s some decent acting and as part of a bigger picture, it’s a good episode.

There’s something to the episode as it balances the various plots and characters and gives each a decent amount of time to do their thing. A solid outing to really get the season going.

Overall Rating: 7.0

While rival gangs battle for the soul of New York, Danny and Colleen cross paths with an old acquaintance. Joy embarks on a new adventure.

After a lackluster first season, Iron Fist returns with a fresh ten episode season picking up from the events of The Defenders and Luke Cage.

Danny Rand is now living in Chinatown living a simpler life. He’s moved away from his billions and corporation and allowing others to focus on that aspect of him. Instead Rand has changed. He’s more focused on the goings on of the neighborhood which is seeing the rise of a gang war threatening what balance exists.

But, more than that, Iron Fist has changed too.

The episode opens with Danny stopping a robbery and we see his fighting style has shifted a bit being a bit more blunt and like a “street fight.” It’s a change from the previous season in both look and tone. There’s better choreography to the fight itself, more time has been given to smooth everything out.

Those around Danny have changed a bit too.

Colleen is now working in a community center helping individuals. It’s a shift from her work in the dojo where she trained individuals to hurt others. Instead, she’s helping and building something positive.

The episode isn’t completely void of the corporate aspect. Both Joy and Ward are in the picture with Joy attempting to cut all ties with her past and Ward attempting to make up for it. Davos too is back and somehow involved with Joy?

What really stands out though is the improvement. Finn Jones as Danny Rand/Iron Fist is much more relaxed and found his character. The martial arts he displays shows massive improvement in every sense. Jessica Henwick as Colleen Wing gets some fantastic screen time on her own and with Danny. That includes a fantastic solo fight scene in the back of the kitchen showing off some creative fighting.

The episode as a whole is a set up and feels a bit of a restart in many ways. It lays out where the characters are in their lives and sets up the conflict to come in the competing philosophies and priorities of Davos and Danny. There’s also the tension between the mysterious new character Mary Walker played by Alice Eve. We don’t know much about her, just something’s off.

If there’s anything to describe this first episode, it’s improvement all around. The pacing, the storytelling, the acting, the martial arts, the action, it’s all improved from the previous season. The big question is if this’ll keep up and last.

Overall Rating: 7.5