Echo

Synopsis

After killing Kingpin, Maya is on the run from the the criminal organization returns home, but that doesn't mean the the problems are over.

Review

This is a must see. Alaqua Cox has done an outstanding job on this character and her stunt work was fantastic. The inclusion of the Choctaw people and their heritage was so well done to provide history and depth without being forceful, overbearing, or dragging it out. It allowed us as viewers to step into that history without enough knowledge to understand the origin of "Echo."

Speaking of the stunt work, whomever did the fight planning and deciding to use the prosthetic as a weapon with a modified fight style was such an amazing call out to a life of learning to fight for the character herself. Also just the different ability to use the titanium in different ways is just outstanding. It made for such different fight scenes early in the season that you wanted to see more. I also appreciate that she isn't the perfect super hero. There is a scene where she is on a train and stumbles for no reason other than she isn't perfect and gave some tension and positive flow.

The story is really well done in my opinion. Having watched Hawkeye when it came out (Before these reviews started), this takes place right after and follows the consequences of Her actions in that show. There isn't a part that doesn't make sense, that feels outlandish (Cultural origin stories are always layered in mysticism so that isn't outlandish), or doesn't feel grounded which is what I think the Marvel Spotlight series has done well. Ground stories. Also, who doesn't like a little more blood and anger in their items today when the world is unfair.

My Rating

This is a must watch and Ms. Cox needs to be brought into her own movie. Just give me more. What strips this of its 10 is the awesome fight scenes early in the season get swept away, some times quite literally with sweeping pan shots, and you miss a lot of the grounded fighting. From episodes 1-3 and then 4-5 there is such a drastic difference in the fighting that it is really noticeable. However, that doesn't take away from the entertainment or story. There are also just some really dumb characters like the ladies at the skate rink. Those two things make this an 8. I am once again going to be Dumbledore and give it a 9 as the sign language for those that aren't deaf is done in a way that makes them look like they are still learning or it is supplemental as it should for those that are out of practice. Also as I have learned ASL throughout my life, it was nice to see it on the main stage, presented with pride and dignity.

Parental Rating

Ok this one is going to be one of the few Marvel items that I think my parents would watch. It is grounded with less powers (I know there is some power-esq going on, but not too much), more drama, and it is all about family overcoming hurt. Language is light, action is balanced with minimal gore, and there is no sex. Approved by both.