I’ve said a million times that super hero stories are really just versions of the Hero’s Journey. As such the best superhero stories tend to be origin stories. Superman, Deadpool, Batman (Nolan’s series was the entire hero’s journey in three parts). The stories we love are the ones that tell us how the characters ‘became’. Look at Avengers 1 vs. Avengers 2. The second one was a bloody let down. I won’t even go into the third Iron Man. The second? An origin story for War Machine, of course. Which brings me to Darevil. The first season was magnificent. It was dark, and brooding, and perfect. Not once did I stop to say (or even think for a second) I’m not sure I’m totally behind this show. I mean, hell, I did that daily through the first season of Agents of Shield. Season 2 is very good. Stupid good. Take everything I like about Daredevil, sex it up a bit and then gimmie a extra helping of ridiculous supporting actor work. I’ll take two, please.
Season 2 is a couple of origin stories. We get to meet Elektra and we get to meet the Punisher–even learning how he came by that name and trademark skull (the moment is so good). What continues to surprise me about this show is how hard they work to move past female lead as sex object. I mean, its a comic story so there is going to be a good amount of that, but they make the female characters powerful, manipulative, and driven–a combination that keeps me wanting more.
I want more. I’m not done yet but my eyes are red and my mind is racing to learn how they’ve played with ancient marvel structures to make them new and relevant again. It is becoming relevant and becoming fun to be a comic book fan. I’m excited for more episodes and more shows like this. Marvel on the small screen has proven to be even better than its latest batch of big screen bullheadedness. I’m certain Civil War and the next few movies after will change that, but for now, I’m about Marvel from the comfort of my couch and in the dark where the devil does his work.