A new podcast episode of Couch Potatoes Unite!, which is based on a blog of the same name hosted at our website: couchpotatoesunite.wordpress.com. In this episode, recorded in January 2021, our newly revived, ever small, and always robust panel of secret agents – including moderator Chief Couch Potato Kylie, Micah, and new panelist Noah – gathers Around the Water Cooler, after CPU! Jumped the Shark on this series in 2020 when prior panelist Jen (S) departed the panel, and reviews and recaps Seasons 6 and 7 of Marvel Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. while Looking Back at the whole show, now that all is said and done. As always, if you have not watched any of S.H.I.E.L.D., be aware that there are, most definitely, MAJOR SPOILERS! Tell us what you think, and/or if there are other shows you’re interested in CPU! covering, below; email us at couchpotatoesunitepodcast@gmail.com; or check out our Guestbook at the website, our Facebook page, our Twitter (@cpupodcast), or our Instagram (@couchpotatoesunite). Until next time, until next episode…buh bye!
Executive Producer/Chief Couch Potato: Kylie C. Piette Associate Producers: Krista Pennington and Selene Rezmer
Editor: Kylie C. Piette Logo: Rebecca Wallace Marketing Graphic Artist: Krista Pennington
Theme Song: Written by: Sarah Milbratz Singers: Sarah Milbratz, Amy McDaniel, Kels Rezmer Keyboard: Kels Rezmer Bass: Ian McDonough Guitar: Christian Somerville Engineer/Production: Kyle Aspinall/Christian Somerville
Who: “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” which aired on ABC for seven seasons (2013-2020).
What: “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D,” a serial television drama based on the comic/graphic novel and film universe of Marvel Comics.
SYNOPSIS
The mission of the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division, i.e. S.H.I.E.L.D., is to monitor and collect rogue supernatural subjects, forces, and people and to control them. The Division is kind of like the so-called Men in Black but is focused on any fringe element looking to create the next Tony Stark (Iron Man) or Captain America or Thor without the natural-born endowments (or the cool suit invented by a rich guy). Of course, the mission has been complicated ten times over since the start of the series.
When: Season 6 aired from May 10, 2019, to August 2, 2019, on ABC with a total of 13 episodes. Season 7 aired from May 27, 2020, to August 12, 2020, with a total of 13 episodes.
Where: The show is set in the fictional Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and closely follows the events of “The Avengers” films, previously directed by series creator Joss Whedon (along with brother Jed).
Why: Two reasons for most of the panel: Joss Whedon and Disney’s first television production of a Marvel-type nature. It seemed like a no-brainer, really.
How – as in How’s It Going? (THOUGHTS…at present)
CPU! covered Agents of SHIELD from the beginning until our panel “jumped the shark” in 2020. If you would like to review our prior SHIELD coverage, click the embedded links below:
Seasons 1-3A
Season 3A
Season 3B
Season 4A
Season 4B
Season 5
Shark Jumpers’ Anonymous: May 2020
In May 2020, coverage of Agents of SHIELD on the CPU! podcast went the way of the dodo after panelist Jen (sometimes known as Jen S) discovered an inability and a sheer lack of desire to proceed forward in watching one of the last surviving Marvel shows on network television outside of Disney+, while Micah, with some measure of vocal disappointment, hoped that some other interested SHIELD fan might turn up to talk the final two seasons with him and with your Chief CP, who were both still willing to engage with this series until the end but who needed one more person to run the CPU! SHIELD panel at the required minimum of three panelists. Subsequently, Micah’s wish was granted, when a brand new panelist, expressing interest in a variety of CPU! goings-on and in professing his love for comic book adaptations, agreed to join this panel and, thereby, to revive it from its prior shark-infested demise, ready and willing to recap and review the final two seasons, Seasons 6 and 7, of SHIELD as well as to Look Back at the entire series, now that all is said and done.
This episode was recorded in January 2021, and there are, without question, MAJOR SPOILERS, as the panelists cover key plot points of Seasons 6 and 7 and, really, of the whole show as part of our Looking Back proceedings. Listen at your own risk, and let us know what you think by commenting below!
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter (@cpupodcast), Instagram (@couchpotatoesunite), Pinterest (@cpupodcast), or email us at couchpotatoesunitepodcast@gmail.com – or subscribe to this blog, the YouTube channel, our Apple/iTunes channel, our Stitcher Radio channel , find us on Google Play, on Spotify, on Castbox, on iHeartRadio, and on Amazon Music to keep track of brand new episodes. In the meantime, let us know what you think! Comment or review us in any of the above forums – we’d love your feedback!
Remember, new episodes and blog posts are published weekly! Next Wednesday, a new panel and new Catching Up Series will launch at the CPU! Water Cooler when familiar CPU! voices gather around said virtual Water Cooler to react, season by season, to ABC medical drama The Good Doctor, beginning with Season 1 next week. Stay tuned!
Lingering Questions
1) REPEAT QUESTION: Will we learn which planet it is (i.e. Hive’s home planet beyond Earth)?
NEW ANSWER: We never do.
2) REPEAT QUESTION: Will we find out about the “purpose” behind the Inhumans, as alluded to by Lincoln (RIP), and explore more of the mythology and connection between the Inhumans and the Kree? Will we ever find out the true origin of the Planet? Is the Planet important beyond being the place where Hive was exiled for millennia?
NEW ANSWER: We never do.
3) REPEAT QUESTION: What happened to the Inhuman undergoing terra-genesis that Simmons (Elizabeth Henstridge) was blindfolded and squirreled away to help and, then, to abandon when the process was complete?
NEW ANSWER: We will never know.
4) REPEAT QUESTION: Is Coulson (Clark Gregg) really attempting to position Daisy (Chloe Bennett) as a possible future SHIELD director?
NEW ANSWER: No.
5) REPEAT QUESTION: Will we see any more Avengers or Avengers-related characters on the show? The panel feels strongly that the show would benefit from an injection of movie-caliber quality, either in character appearances or in story reworking.
NEW ANSWER: We see Daniel Sousa from Marvel’s Agent Carter. Does that count?
6) REPEAT QUESTION: Since General Hale was destroyed by Talbot, empowered by the infusion of gravitonium, is there anything left of Hydra after all?
NEW ANSWER: Hydra returns, in a manner of speaking, in Season 7.
7) REPEAT QUESTION: Though May (Ming-Na Wen) and Deke (Jeff Ward) successfully redirect missiles at Confederacy member Qovas’ ship, what is left of the Confederacy alien alliance, and will the SHIELD agents meet this alliance again?
NEW ANSWER: No.
8) REPEAT QUESTION: Will the Agents meet the Kree again, either Kasius or his father, but in a different context?
NEW ANSWER: No.
9) REPEAT QUESTION: Is there an ending for SHIELD now that could possibly be as good as the fifth season finale? The panelists are at a loss to predict what such an ending might look like.
NEW ANSWER: Yes! Listen to tonight’s podcast episode for details.
RECOMMENDATION
The Revived Panel’s Final Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Our revived contingent of Agents of SHIELD panelists opined that SHIELD ended on a somewhat surprisingly strong note, despite being preceded by one of the weakest seasons in the penultimate Season 6 story focusing upon the Shrike and alien beings from other dimensions. Our panelists, additionally, unanimously agreed that though SHIELD can sometimes jostle the viewer through a rough ride via the unevenness of its storytelling quality, the cast is so winning and so good, and the risks taken are so gutsy, it is no wonder that the show survived as long as it did, doing so on pure charm and chutzpah. Since the writers and producers devoted thought and care to providing a strong and organic, if bittersweet, finish for each and everyone of the beloved characters on this show, our panelists feel comfortable recommending SHIELD to those who enjoy the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) or Marvel comics fans as long as said fans are not pinning all their hopes on a tale that is an accurate reflection of the comic books/source material. The panelists also see potential viewers of this series being fans of science fiction; fans of blended genre storytelling, on which SHIELD relies to create something truly unique; fans of Joss Whedon shows, such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Firefly, and Dollhouse; and fans of other comic book television, with all three panelists seeing DC’s Legends of Tomorrow as the closest analog to SHIELD currently on the air, being that it is a motley ensemble of “out there” characters that band together and for which hijinks ensue throughout time and space, even though one is loosely connected to the MCU while the other is set in the CW’s Arrowverse. The panelists caution, however, that would-be new viewers beginning with the first season should be aware that the first half of the first season is somewhat messy, given its unsure story footing, as Marvel directed some of that first season story to preparation for the release of Captain America: Winter Soldier. The panel, then, sees in SHIELD a comic book adaptation that, while not based in precision in its translation from page to screen, offers much in the way of satisfactory comic book-type appeal via the production values, which are thoughtfully observed and expertly rendered and which include excellent visual effects and fight choreography. In fact, the panel sees Agents of SHIELD as ultimately entertaining, despite any perceived flaws, and more often than not, and encourages those who wish to give it a whirl to stick with it until the second half of the first season while being prepared for a roller coaster of a ride that veers into some pretty unusual territory, even for a “comic book show,” but territory that excites and engages, even when it is not always successful in its execution.
THE FUTURE OF THE SHOW
Ended! Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD ended after seven seasons, which are currently available to stream on Netflix. Did you watch SHIELD from beginning to end? Let us know in the comments, and tell us what you thought of any or all of its seven seasons! And stay tuned! Though our SHIELD coverage is finally done with the publication of this episode, don’t be surprised if it makes an appearance or two in coming discussions, from time to time.
In the meantime, from our ever-revolving division of secret agents to you, thank you for listening to our episodes pertaining to Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD, which now officially end. To discover other shows discussed by CPU!, check here. For now, we bid you adieu!
Agent Phil Coulson (Clark Gregg), or the Life Model Decoy of him, reunites with the now disbanded SHIELD team that started everything, after they had all gone their separate ways, to provide a lovely postscript for the characters that the cult fan base of this show have grown so passionately to love.
A new podcast episode of Couch Potatoes Unite!, which is based on a blog of the same name hosted at couchpotatoesunite.wordpress.com. In this episode, recorded in April and May 2020, our panel of SHIELD operatives – Jen and Micah – continue an interview-style feature on CPU! entitled “Shark Jumpers’ Anonymous,” in which panelists – and about to be former-panelists – explain why they are making leaps and bounds over predatory fish (or like trees and leaving). Answering a script of questions, panelists explain why they have stopped watching a particular show – which, in this case, is Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD. If you have not watched any of SHIELD, be aware that there are MAJOR SPOILERS!
Do you want CPU! to continue covering Agents of SHIELD on the podcast? If so, volunteer to be a panelist! We are a podcast by the people for the people, or, for specifically the Couch Potatoes who wish to unite with us. If you would like to join this panel (and/or bring a friend, as we need at least one to revive it), message us via Facebook or Twitter, via our website (couchpotatoesunite.wordpress.com), or via email at couchpotatoesunitepodcast@gmail.com. Where ever you may be in the world, we are able to connect with you – via video conferencing or phone conferencing – or, if you want to submit a written review of the show, send it along!
In the meantime, tell us what you think, and/or if there are other shows you’re interested in CPU! covering, below; email us at couchpotatoesunitepodcast@gmail.com; or check out our Guestbook at the website, our Facebook page, our Twitter (@cpupodcast), or our Instagram (@couchpotatoesunite). Until next time, until next episode…buh bye!
Executive Producer/Chief Couch Potato: Kylie C. Piette Associate Producers: Krista Pennington and Selene Rezmer
Editor: Kylie C. Piette Logo: Rebecca Wallace Marketing Graphic Artist: Krista Pennington
Theme Song: Written by: Sarah Milbratz Singers: Sarah Milbratz, Amy McDaniel, Kels Sprague Keyboard: Kels Sprague Bass: Ian McDonough Guitar: Christian Somerville Engineer/Production: Kyle Aspinall/Christian Somerville
Who: “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” airs on network TV, specifically on ABC. For the seventh and final season, it will air Wednesday nights at 10:00 PM, beginning tonight.
What: “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D,” a serial television drama based on the comic/graphic novel and film universe of Marvel Comics.
SYNOPSIS
The mission of the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division, i.e. S.H.I.E.L.D., is to monitor and collect rogue supernatural subjects, forces, and people and to control them. The Division is kind of like the so-called Men in Black but is focused on any fringe element looking to create the next Tony Stark (Iron Man) or Captain America or Thor without the natural-born endowments (or the cool suit invented by a rich guy). Of course, the mission has been complicated ten times over since the start of the series.
When: Season 6 aired from May 10, 2019, to August 2, 2019, on ABC with a total of 13 episodes.
Where: The show is set in the fictional Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and closely follows the events of “The Avengers” films, previously directed by series creator Joss Whedon (along with brother Jed).
Why: Two reasons for most of the panel: Joss Whedon and Disney’s first television production of a Marvel-type nature. It seemed like a no-brainer, really.
How – as in How’s It Going? (THOUGHTS…at present)
CPU! has covered Agents of SHIELD since the beginning, though in podcast format only starting in 2016. If you would like to catch up on our SHIELD coverage, click the embedded links below, or find the audio equivalents on Apple Podcasts/iTunes, Stitcher Radio, Google Play, and Spotify (links further below):
Seasons 1-3A
Season 3A
Season 3B
Season 4A
Season 4B
Season 5
Unfortunately, coverage of Agents of SHIELD on the CPU! podcast is about to go the way of the dodo. The remaining panelists – Jen and Micah – find themselves at a Fonzie-inspired crossroads: Jen, as it turns out, has discovered an inability and a sheer lack of desire to proceed forward in watching one of the last surviving Marvel shows on television, while Micah, with some measure of vocal disappointment, hopes that some other interested SHIELD fan might turn up to talk the final two seasons with him and with your Chief CP, who are both still willing to engage with this series until the end but who need one more person to run the CPU! SHIELD panel at the required minimum of three. As such, though our panelists visited the Water Cooler in the past to talk about a show they once loved, Jen’s unwillingness to proceed forward triggered our interview-style feature on CPU! entitled “Shark Jumpers Anonymous,” in which panelists – and about to be former-panelists – explain why they are making leaps and bounds over predatory fish (or like trees and leaving). Answering a script of questions, the panelists explain why they have stopped watching the show in question, in this case Agents of SHIELD, or why they might still be watching, despite the (perhaps unsurprising) emergence of all the negativity and nay-saying regarding the series at hand.
If you love this show – never fear. You can join CPU! as a panelist, for this and for other shows. Scroll down to “Looking Ahead” for the details!
In the meantime, give this latest CPU! episode a listen and see if you agree or disagree with the panel’s thoughts. The interviews were recorded in April and in May 2020, and there are, without question, MAJOR SPOILERS, as the panelists cover key plot points of all seasons of Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD. Listen at your own risk, and let us know what you think by commenting below!
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter (@cpupodcast), Instagram (@couchpotatoesunite), Pinterest (@cpupodcast), or email us at couchpotatoesunitepodcast@gmail.com – or subscribe to this blog, the YouTube channel, our Apple/iTunes channel, our Stitcher Radio channel , find us on Google Play, or on Spotify (!) to keep track of brand new episodes. In the meantime, let us know what you think! Comment or review us in any of the above forums – we’d love your feedback!
Remember, new episodes and blog posts are published weekly! Next Thursday, in a special presentation, our The Good Place panel returns to our virtual, quarantined Water Cooler with the intention of live podcasting about the recently ended final season, Season 4, and of Looking Back at the whole show, now that all is said and done. Stay tuned to our social media for all of the details!
Lingering Questions (Related to Season 6, which moderator Kylie and panelist Micah have watched)
Old Questions
1) REPEAT QUESTION: Will we learn which planet it is (i.e. Hive’s home planet beyond Earth)?
NEW ANSWER: We haven’t yet, and it’s one of the lingering questions of the podcast panel (at least for Kylie, who will watch the whole series to see if this question is ever addressed).
2) REPEAT QUESTION: Will we find out about the “purpose” behind the Inhumans, as alluded to by Lincoln (RIP), and explore more of the mythology and connection between the Inhumans and the Kree? Will we ever find out the true origin of the Planet? Is the Planet important beyond being the place where Hive was exiled for millennia?
NEW ANSWER: The Planet and the purpose of the Inhumans has not (yet) been addressed by the show, if it ever will be at all.
3) REPEAT QUESTION: What happened to the Inhuman undergoing terra-genesis that Simmons (Elizabeth Henstridge) was blindfolded and squirreled away to help and, then, to abandon when the process was complete?
REPEAT ANSWER: Unknown. We may never see this Inhuman again.
4) REPEAT QUESTION: Is Coulson (Clark Gregg) really attempting to position Daisy (Chloe Bennett) as a possible future SHIELD director?
NEW ANSWER: Perhaps she will take on the mantle one day, but in Season 6, the new SHIELD director is Mack (Henry Simmons).
5) REPEAT QUESTION: Will we see any more Avengers or Avengers-related characters on the show? The panel feels strongly that the show would benefit from an injection of movie-caliber quality, either in character appearances or in story reworking.
REPEAT (ISH) ANSWER: We have not seen show appearances of Avenger-type proportions so far, aside from Hydra as an abstract concept, though at one point, there is an oblique mention of Thanos’ invasion in Avengers: Infinity War, which was kind of surprising, as earlier, it was rumored that Marvel Entertainment had disowned Agents of SHIELD, with much of Season 5 set in the future and in space, a departure for these characters from the comics. I guess that’s why they call them rumors, though.
6) Is General Talbot actually, once and for all, dead?
ANSWER: Since we do not seehim at all in Season 6, we assume that his death is permanent this time.
7) What really causes Coulson to begin dying? Is it because he was exposed to the Kree substance odium when fighting Kasius’ trainer (who had consumed odium himself)? Or, alternatively, does Coulson’s alleged deal with the Ghost Rider demon in Season 4, which he references in the latter half of this season, cause him to be in danger of dying because, as panelist Micah surmises, the Ghost Rider manages to undo the Kree resurrection technology that allowed Coulson to come back from Loki’s fatal stabbing at the beginning of the series, thereby righting the natural balance and duality of life and death in this universe?
ANSWER: While no confirmation either way is offered in Season 6, the characters and the story line heavily suggest that the Ghost Rider’s demon coming to collect is the event that finally conquers Coulson, though Coulson passing into the energies created by the destroyed monoliths helped.
8) Will Coulson remain dead, if he, in fact, dies off screen, since it is heavily implied at the end of the season that he will live out the rest of his days in the real Tahiti with the company of May (Ming-Na Wen), with whom he has mutually acknowledged and reciprocated romantic feelings (it’s about time they admitted it)?
ANSWER: The Coulson we know and love is, in fact, officially dead, and that is true for the entirety of Season 6.
9) If the SHIELD agents broke the time loop causality that leads to the repeated destruction of Earth and SHIELD’s trips through time and space to begin with, does any element of that future still exist? For example, does Deke Shaw (Jeff Ward) still exist? Are there parallel timelines running against each other? Did breaking the time loop cause a different paradox? Time travel in science fiction: the riskiest of all storytelling devices.
ANSWER: SHIELD’s Season 5 exploits lead to the creation of an alternate timeline, where elements of the future that was still exist, including Deke, but where other paradoxes have also developed, which are best explained by a watch of the sixth season.
10) Will Simmons find the frozen Fitz (Iain de Caestecker), floating in space? How will she do that? She’s not known for building spaceships. That was Fitz’s job (and, no, I’m not crying…now). If Simmons does find Fitz, will they have to be remarried, since frozen Fitz was frozen before future Fitz married present Simmons in the past?
ANSWER: Simmons finds Fitzwith the help of Daisy and two feisty agents using the newly outfitted Zephyr (we assume Mack did the retrofitting) to jump to the center of space. By the time that Simmons is able to locate Fitz, though, Enoch the Chromicon has already rescued him. Judging by Fitz’s struggle to understand the fact that he is a past version of himself that has already married Simmons, a new wedding is likely necessary.
11) What will SHIELD’s primary mission be, with Mack at its head, now that SHIELD has saved the world from this ominous, apocalyptic future?
ANSWER: Find Fitz and stop a demigod named Izell from raining destruction upon the Earth.
12) Will the events of Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers 4 (Endgame) affect the events of Agents of SHIELD, Season 6?
ANSWER: Absolutely not.
13) If Daisy injected herself with all-healing Centipede Serum, does this mean that she is now invincible, as well as quake-y?
ANSWER: No.
14) Since General Hale was destroyed by Talbot, empowered by the infusion of gravitonium, is there anything left of Hydra after all?
ANSWER: Hydra does not make an appearance in Season 6, but do not count a good Hydra out…
17) Though May and Deke successfully redirect missiles at Confederacy member Qovas’ ship, what is left of the Confederacy alien alliance, and will the SHIELD agents meet this alliance again?
ANSWER: They do not in Season 6.
18) Will the Agents meet the Kree again, either Kasius or his father, but in a different context?
ANSWER: They do not in Season 6.
19) If Coulson does die, what will May do then?
ANSWER: Grieve and live on but continue to be part of SHIELD, particularly by helping Mack (Henry Simmons) to recruit new agents.
20) Are Mack and Yo-Yo (Natalia Cordova-Buckley) okay as a couple, given the revelations and behaviors that occurred in Season 5 to complicate their relationship?
ANSWER: At the start of the season, they are not a couple. Apparently, Mack chooses to dive headlong into his new job as SHIELD Director, in an effort to stave off some of his own grief over the loss of Coulson, his daughter, and others and to live up to Coulson’s example; he eventually drives Yo-Yo away. Fortunately, they do reconcile over the course of this season.
21) Is there an ending for SHIELD now that could possibly be as good as the fifth season finale? The panelists are at a loss to predict what such an ending might look like.
ANSWER: Season 6’s finale is not that ending….but Season 7 premieres tonight!
PARTING SHOTS
The remaining Agents of SHIELD panelists previously opined that SHIELD took a gigantic risk in Season 5, one that courted the ire of the production company and fans alike, but one that also, ultimately, paid off in storytelling spades in the end, as it seems that the writers and producers, like so many of the rest of us, believed that Season 5 would be the last of the series. Unfortunately, panelist Jen was not sold long-term. All panelists agreed that the fifth season presented some continuity and logic flaws, given the “bold move” (as panelist Micah called it) of engaging in time travel and time loops. Yet, while all panelists seemed to enjoy Season 5 heartily at the time, panelist Jen, quite possibly with the expansion of elements of space travel for Daisy, Simmons, and Fitz into Season 6 and after processing her feelings over a longer term, changed her mind about Season 5 and her willingness to watch beyond it, citing unmemorable Season 6 plot points and a story that exists “too long in space” as reasons for her to be the less than anonymous jumper of sharks.
The panel, then, remains split as far as whether or not individual members would recommend tuning in to SHIELD at this point. Chief CP/Moderator Kylie recommends the show to those who enjoy the Marvel Cinematic Universe or Marvel comics fans as long as said fans are not pinning all their hopes on a tale that is an accurate reflection of the comic books/source material. Panelist Micah praises the “little details” and production values of the show, though he remains cautious about offering a stronger recommendation until after the series ends. Panelist Jen, as well as her fellow former panelists, note that the first three seasons are quite possibly the best of the series; in fact, would-be new viewers beginning with the first season should be aware that the first half of the first season is somewhat messy, given its unsure story footing, as Marvel directed some of that first season story in preparation for the release of Captain America: Winter Soldier. Jen indicated that she would be more inclined to recommend, instead, the constituent shows of the Arrowverse on the CW; while she admits her DC bias, she also stated that she wanted to like SHIELD more than she did, which makes her reluctant to give this show a strong recommendation. She indicated, however, that the program is worth watching in absence of other possibilities, particularly if a potential viewer is a fan of superhero/comic book adaptations. In fact, the panel regards Agents of SHIELD as ultimately entertaining, despite any perceived flaws, and more often than not.
In the end, though, but two panelists – Chief CP Kylie and Micah – are left standing as the show heads into its seventh and final season…unless new panelists join. Care to be one of them?
LOOKING AHEAD
Agents of SHIELD was renewed for a seventh and final season by ABC, which premieres tonight! Because the panel, by virtue of panelist Jen, “jumped the shark,” CPU! will not return to the Water Cooler to discuss Agents of SHIELD again….unless…
Dear Viewer/Listener:
Do you want CPU! to continue covering Agents of SHIELD on the podcast? If so, volunteer to be a panelist! We are a podcast by the people for the people, or, for specifically the Couch Potatoes who wish to unite with us. If you would like to join this panel (and bring a couple of friends, as we need at least two panelists to revive it), message us via Facebook/Twitter/Instagram, via our website (couchpotatoesunite.wordpress.com), or via email at couchpotatoesunitepodcast@gmail.com. Where ever you may be in the world, we are able to connect with you – via video conferencing or phone conferencing – or, if you want to submit a written review of the show, send it along! In the meantime, Chief CP Kylie and panelist Micah will return following the end of Agents of SHIELD to offer some final thoughts. Stay tuned!
A new podcast episode of Couch Potatoes Unite!, which is based on a blog of the same name hosted at couchpotatoesunite.wordpress.com. In this episode, recorded in February 2020, our panel of comic book and superhero enthusiasts – including moderator Kylie, Kristen, Nick, Hilary, Kyle, and Spencer – is back Around the Water Cooler a fourteenth and final time as the Marvel’s Defenders Series panel to discuss Season 3, the now final season, of Jessica Jones, the second property introduced into Netflix’s Marvel wing of its original streaming library and the last series to produce a new season. We also process the series’ unfortunate subsequent cancellation with less sadness and grumpiness, given our panel’s mixed reviews for this show, compared to some of the other Marvel/Netflix series. As always, if you have not watched any of the Defenders solo series to date (or the crossover miniseries), be aware that there are MAJOR SPOILERS! Tell us what you think, and/or if there are other shows you’re interested in CPU! covering, below; email us at couchpotatoesunitepodcast@gmail.com; or check out our Guestbook at the website, our Facebook page, our Twitter (@cpupodcast), or our Instagram (@couchpotatoesunite). Until next time, until next episode…buh bye!
Executive Producer/Chief Couch Potato: Kylie C. Piette Associate Producers: Krista Pennington and Selene Rezmer
Editor: Kylie C. Piette Logo: Rebecca Wallace Marketing Graphic Artist: Krista Pennington
Theme Song: Written by: Sarah Milbratz Singers: Sarah Milbratz, Amy McDaniel, Kels Rezmer Keyboard: Kels Rezmer Bass: Ian McDonough Guitar: Christian Somerville Engineer/Production: Kyle Aspinall/Christian Somerville
Who: “Marvel’s Jessica Jones” is a superhero/action/psychological thriller drama based upon the Marvel Comics character Jessica Jones and is a Netflix original series, always available on Netflix.
What: “Marvel’s Jessica Jones,” created by Melissa Rosenberg, is set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), sharing continuity with the films of the franchise, and is the second in a series of shows that ultimately led up to a Defenders crossover miniseries, which was released in 2017. Krysten Ritter stars as Jessica Jones, a former superhero who opens her own detective agency after an end to her superhero career.
SYNOPSIS
Following a tragic end to her brief superhero career, Jessica Jones (Ritter) tries to rebuild her life as a private investigator, dealing with cases involving people with remarkable abilities in New York City. Rachael Taylor, Eka Darville, and Carrie-Anne Moss also star.
When: Season 3 was released in its entirety to the Netflix streaming library on June 14, 2019, with a total of 13 episodes.
Where: The action is set primarily in the New York City, New York, neighborhood of Hell’s Kitchen, as depicted in the MCU.
Why: To find out why individual podcast panelists started watching this show, listen to the podcast episode via the Season 1 link below – though I will say that all of the panelists are fans of the Netflix original library and/or superhero/comic book based shows in their own right and found themselves eagerly anticipating new entries in Netflix’s “Defenders” series of releases, which now end with this final episode in the series.
How – as in How Was It? – THOUGHTS
As long-time listeners should know by now, CPU! is chock full of panelists with a proclivity for comic book and superhero TV shows and films, including your Chief CP. Our Marvel’s Defenders Series was born of this proclivity, as we have already covered all available seasons of Daredevil; two seasons of JessicaJones; all available seasons of Luke Cage; all available seasons of Iron Fist; the one available season of the crossover event miniseries, The Defenders; and all available seasons of the first spin-off series, The Punisher. Listen to the links below:
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode One, “Daredevil,” Season 1
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode Two, “Jessica Jones,” Season 1
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode Three, “Daredevil,” Season 2
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode Four, “Luke Cage,” Season 1
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode Five, “Iron Fist,” Season 1
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode Six, “The Defenders,” Season 1
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode Seven, “The Punisher,” Season 1
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode Eight, “Jessica Jones,” Season 2
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode Nine, “Luke Cage,” Season 2
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode Ten, “Iron Fist,” Season 2
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode Eleven, Canceled Corner: “Luke Cage,” “Iron Fist,” and “The Defenders”
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode Twelve, “Daredevil,” Season 3
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode Thirteen, “The Punisher,” Season 2
In this, the fourteenth and final episode of our Marvel’s Defenders Series, we revisit the second in Netflix’s series of Marvel-centered shows leading up to The Defenders miniseries, namely Jessica Jones, featuring Defenders Series panelists Nick, Kristen, Hilary, Kyle, and Spencer. In this episode, we discuss the final season, Season 3, of the show. To wit, our panel regards this third and final season as an overall improvement over the abysmal second season fiasco (otherwise known as the “dumpster fire,” as panelist Spencer labeled it), covered in Episode Eight of CPU!’s Marvel’s Defenders Series. Yet, the average opinion of our panelists related to Season 3 rounds out to be that the season is milquetoast at best, even though the writers and producers seemed to put forth a valiant effort, particularly by the series finale, to redeem some of the troublesome absences of characters, such as Kilgrave (David Tennant) and Luke Cage (Mike Colter), even as present characters remained decidedly problematic, including Trish Walker (Taylor) and Jeri Hogarth (Moss). Of course, the panel continued to agree on one point, a reaction experienced most poignantly after the final moments of the series: Jessica Jones, without David Tennant and Kilgrave, is simply not the same show as displayed in the brilliantly executed first season. To hear us hash out these opinions further, listen to our discussion via the embedded link below.
This podcast episode was recorded in February 2020, and, there are, without question, MAJOR SPOILERS, as we cover major plot points throughout the third season and really the entire series of Jessica Jones. Do you agree or disagree? Listen at your own risk, and let us know what you think by commenting below!
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter (@cpupodcast), Instagram (@couchpotatoesunite), Pinterest (@cpupodcast), or email us at couchpotatoesunitepodcast@gmail.com – or subscribe to this blog, the YouTube channel, our Apple/iTunes channel, our Stitcher Radio channel , find us on Google Play, or on Spotify (!) to keep track of brand new episodes. In the meantime, let us know what you think! Comment or review us in any of the above forums – we’d love your feedback!
Remember, new episodes and blog posts are published weekly! Next Thursday, in a special, one-time only presentation, the same five panelists (and the same very involved moderator) return to our virtual, quarantined Water Cooler as the DCTU Series Panel with the intention of live podcasting about this year’s mega-crossover mid-season event, “Crisis on Infinite Earths.” Stay tuned to our social media for all the details!
Lingering Questions
1) REPEAT QUESTION: Will Daredevil appear on Jessica Jones? We would like him to do so, please, and apart from the Defenders miniseries because these two characters exist in the same universe and in the same city (and in the same borough of the city!).
NEW ANSWER: He never has, and he never will.
2) So, really, will Kilgrave ever return – alive and charismatic and creepy – in a real way? Or, is that too much fantasy for a comic book adaptation series? Was the hallucination, at minimum, a clue to the idea that Kilgrave might still be out there, waiting to reemerge as the Purple Man? At least half of this panel believes that Jessica Jones will not sustain without him, evidenced by the struggles and cringe-inducing flaws of this second season, most of which was presented without him; in fact, the writers and producers may never be able to compensate if Mr. Tennant cannot return. The panel’s opinion further validates Chief CP Kylie’s earliest hypothesis – that David Tennant is what made the first season what it was, despite the fact that the other returning members of the ensemble are good, even great at times. None of them, however, are as riveting or as competent a scene partner when paired with Ritter’s Jessica as David Tennant’s Kilgrave. The proof is in the proverbial pudding known as Season Two.
ANSWER: Kilgrave never returns as a corporeal being or as a regular character in Season 3, though his voice does make an interestingly brief appearance in the final moments of the series finale, resulting in the panel’s further speculation that Kilgrave might actually be alive and merely biding his time until Disney can use the character properly as part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Listen to the podcast episode for further discussion pertaining to these speculations.
3) Is Detective Will Simpson, who is supposed to be the villain Nuke, according to panelist Kyle and to basic research into Marvel comics, truly and permanently dead? The panel felt that one of the greatest character disservices committed this season was the early and criminally understated, yet apparently permanent, death of the Simpson character.
ANSWER: Since Simpson does not return to the series in Season 3, we can only assume that he is truly and permanently dead in this depiction of the MCU, which is a crying shame…unless Disney can magically resurrect him for further MCU vehicles. Anything is possible, right?
4) Malcolm (Darville) is now working for Jeri Hogarth (Moss) and, in turn, Jessica’s private investigator (PI) rival, Pryce Cheng. Other than the fact that Malcolm has officially sobered up and is committed to making something of his life, why should we care about this character development?
ANSWER: Malcolm’s role as an investigator for Jeri, employed by her newly established private law firm, prods him into some morally ambiguous situations, and he finds himself straying into some highly compromised choices and further away from the acerbic but straightforward moral compass provided by Jessica, which causes him to question his humanity, his thought processes, and, in some ways, his identity. This development provides an interesting B or C story for the season, but, in the end, Malcolm does relatively little to propel the Season 3 plot forward, except while attempting to redeem himself near the end by quitting his employment with Jeri and by returning to help Jessica out of some sticky circumstances.
5) Will Luke Cage, who is supposed to eventually marry Jessica, according to Kyle and to basic research into Marvel comics, return to the series in Season 3?
ANSWER: Luke Cage, as played by Mike Colter, does briefly appear in the series finale for the purpose of questioning Jessica about her hero-motivated choices and decisions as she pursues various season villains and/or antiheroes. Some of our panelists felt more satisfied by this appearance than others. Listen to the podcast episode for details.
6) Will Oscar return in Season 3? Though a love triangle might be cheesy, can we see Oscar and Luke fight over the cynical and sarcastic Jessica? There might be potential for some comedy in that scenario, which the show sorely needs, at least in terms of comic relief.
ANSWER: Oscar appears briefly in the season premiere, primarily so that Jessica can dump him, though she remains friends with his son. Poor Oscar. That guy never really had a chance, you know.
7) What will Trish’s evolution into full-on Hellcat look like? As of the end of Season 2, Jessica and Trish are estranged, as Trish pulled the trigger to ice Alisa after Jess’ mom quasi-kidnapped her daughter while on the lam, leaving Jessica officially angry at her adopted sister for making this rash decision, even if Trish did so to save Jessica. Will Trish and Jessica reunite in the field of superhero-ness? Will they find their way back to each other in more of an “everyday” way?
ANSWER: Trish’s gambit to gain superhuman powers pays off, as she develops super strength, speed, quick reflexes, and, apparently, the ability to see in the dark. Once she trains – in a park – and fine tunes what she has, apparently, always wanted, at least since Jessica became “special” after her family’s car accident, she decides to go full-on vigilante, though she avoids comics-inspired costume inspiration and decides, instead, to rely on a specially fitted ski mask and some yellow accents (plus, she never officially adopts the moniker of “Hellcat”). Her foray into vigilantism irks Jessica enough to try to stop her adopted sister’s exploits, but Trish refuses to be deterred, and, after awhile, and after Jessica comes to a reluctant understanding as to why Trish killed Jess’ mom in Season 2, they do work together. Unfortunately, Trish proceeds to evolve into a “by any means necessary,” “eye for an eye” sort of vigilante, by adopting a philosophy in which she sees no problem with taking a bad guy’s life, particularly if done in revenge for some other injustice, since the main criminal on the season, the tentatively named “Foolkiller,” sadly takes the life of Trish’s mother this season. This turn of events sets Trish and Jessica at odds, leaving Jessica with the unwelcome obligation of having to stop Trish and rendering her, in essence, one of the season’s villains once again. Listen to the podcast episode for additional details and a handful of rants.
PARTING SHOTS
All of our panelists, with the exception of panelist Kristen, struggled to find any sort of love for the third season, and, now that it is done, for the entire series of Jessica Jones. The panel, Kristen included, pins the show’s disappointing qualities on poor writing choices related to character development and/or story direction and the nearly total lack of David Tennant’s Kilgrave following Season 1. All of the panelists also struggled with the Trish character at various points, the Jeri Hogarth character at various points, and many of the other new characters in general, and the overarching feeling around Season 3 was that, though it improved upon what was regarded by the panel as an abysmal second season, it failed to achieve the thrills proffered by the excellently executed first season. By the same token, the panel generally and universally agrees that Jessica Jones is largely well-performed, even as the panelists acknowledge that the writers set themselves up for a dead-end producing struggle. After all, the source material for the character is particularly thin, as Ms. Jones becomes a secondary character to the other Defenders in the comics and does not have the narrative backdrop that the male characters have, leaving the show’s writers the challenging task of coming up with new story to fit what already exists, which they do with decidedly mixed results, as described in this and in our previous Jessica Jones discussions.
In fact, the panelists, Kristen included, find it difficult to continue to recommend Jessica Jones, at least beyond the stellar first season, except if and only if a would-be viewer sought to delve into the Defenders’ universe on Netflix and wanted to know more about the character and/or to be a completionist with respect to all of the Marvel Netflix series. In addition, several panelists continue to praise the “noir” tone of the piece, the cinematography, and other aspects of the visual presentation, which might be intriguing to those who study film and television as an artistic medium. Ultimately, however, Jessica Jones proves, in some ways, to be the biggest letdown of the Marvel Netflix lot; while the panel found no real love for Marvel’s Luke Cage, they at least saw some consistency and purpose in what the creators of that series decided to do, whether appreciated by our Defenders panel or not. Jessica Jones, on the other hand, is too disjointed from season to season to be a satisfying watch, even though the panel universally observed that Krysten Ritter performs the role admirably. If nothing else, her performance is the reason to watch, provided a potential viewer has a stronger stomach for the three seasons of the show than our panel collectively did in the end.
Still, all panelists remain greatly disappointed and angry when faced with the news that Netflix canceled, possibly involuntarily, the six Defenders series, including Jessica Jones. Though all but one panelist (guess which one) listed this series in the bottom half of their ranking of the five solo Defenders series, the panel, by and large – though, perhaps, more reluctantly with Jessica Jones as a series and as a character – hope that once Marvel/Disney can utilize these characters again, contractually or otherwise, the companies see fit to revive all of the Defenders properties. The panel would be excited even if the main characters are combined into one or a few series, such as “Heroes for Hire” and/or another go-round featuring all of The Defenders characters on some Disney-owned outlet such as Hulu or Disney+. Time will tell; there is still another year or year and a half until the contractual embargo associated with the cancellations of these series can be lifted. If it happens, our panel will return to process all the feelings. We will see what the future holds!
THE FUTURE OF THE SHOW
Canceled! Netflix canceled Jessica Jones on February 18, 2019, rendering the third season the show’s last.
As such, our Netflix/Marvel coverage/Marvel’s Defenders Series is now, at present, done, but don’t be surprised if any of the constituent series make an appearance or two in coming discussions, from time to time. In the meantime, from our panel of Defenders to you, thank you for listening to our ongoing Marvel’s Defenders Series, which now officially come to a close. To discover other shows discussed by CPU!, check here. For now, we bid you adieu!
Jessica Jones (Ritter) decides her future fate while considering escape from New York City, though a little voice in her head cannot remain quiet about the situation…
Our Marvel’s Defenders Series panel…playing the Marvel’s Defenders. Before you ask, yes, that is a bourbon bottle.
Our Marvel’s Defenders Series panel (from left to right): Spencer, Hilary, Kyle, Kristen, and Nick
A new podcast episode of Couch Potatoes Unite!, which is based on a blog of the same name hosted at couchpotatoesunite.wordpress.com. In this episode, recorded in January 2020, our panel of comic book and superhero enthusiasts – including moderator Kylie, Kristen, Nick, Hilary, Kyle, and Spencer – is back Around the Water Cooler as the Marvel’s Defenders Series panel discusses Season 2, the now final season, of The Punisher, the first and only spin-off introduced into Netflix’s Marvel wing of its original streaming library. We also process the series’ unfortunate subsequent cancellation with much sadness and grumpiness, given our panel’s universal lauds and accolades for this show. As always, if you have not watched any of the Defenders solo series to date (or the crossover miniseries), be aware that there are MAJOR SPOILERS! Tell us what you think, and/or if there are other shows you’re interested in CPU! covering, below; email us at couchpotatoesunitepodcast@gmail.com; or check out our Guestbook at the website, our Facebook page, our Twitter (@cpupodcast), or our Instagram (@couchpotatoesunite). Until next time, until next episode…buh bye!
Executive Producer/Chief Couch Potato: Kylie C. Piette Associate Producers: Krista Pennington and Selene Rezmer
Editor: Kylie C. Piette Logo: Rebecca Wallace Marketing Graphic Artist: Krista Pennington
Theme Song: Written by: Sarah Milbratz Singers: Sarah Milbratz, Amy McDaniel, Kelsey Rezmer Keyboard: Kelsey Rezmer Bass: Ian McDonough Guitar: Christian Somerville Engineer/Production: Kyle Aspinall/Christian Somerville
Who: “Marvel’s The Punisher” is a web television series based upon the Marvel Comics character of the same name. It is also a Netflix original series, always available on Netflix.
What: “Marvel’s The Punisher,” created by Steve Lightfoot, is set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), sharing continuity with the films of the franchise. The series revolves around Frank Castle, who uses lethal methods to fight crime as the vigilante “The Punisher,” with Jon Bernthal reprising the role from Marvel’s Daredevil. Ben Barnes, Amber Rose Revah, Jason R. Moore, and Deborah Ann Woll also star.
SYNOPSIS
Frank Castle (Bernthal), known throughout New York City as “the Punisher” after exacting revenge on those responsible for the deaths of his wife and children, uncovers a larger conspiracy beyond what was done to him and his family.
When: Season 2 of the series was released in its entirety to the Netflix streaming library on January 18, 2019, with a total of thirteen episodes.
Where: The action is set primarily in New York City, New York, as depicted in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, though this season also ventured to the Midwest, specifically Michigan and Ohio.
Why: To find out why individual podcast panelists started watching this show, listen to the Season 1 podcast episode via the link below – though I will say that all of the panelists are fans of the Netflix original library and/or superhero/comic book based shows in their own right and have found themselves eagerly anticipating new entries in Netflix’s “Defenders” series of releases, including this first spin-off the series! As a result, they’re committed to a CPU! series about same!
How – as in How Was It? – THOUGHTS
As long-time listeners should know by now, CPU! is chock full of panelists with a proclivity for comic book and superhero TV shows and films, including your Chief CP. Our Marvel’s Defenders Series was born of this proclivity, as we have already covered the three available seasons of Daredevil, Seasons 1 and 2 of JessicaJones, the two available seasons of Luke Cage, the two available seasons of Iron Fist, and the one available season of the crossover event miniseries, The Defenders. Listen to the links below:
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode One, “Daredevil,” Season 1
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode Two, “Jessica Jones,” Season 1
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode Three, “Daredevil,” Season 2
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode Four, “Luke Cage,” Season 1
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode Five, “Iron Fist,” Season 1
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode Six, “The Defenders,” Season 1
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode Seven, “The Punisher,” Season 1
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode Eight, “Jessica Jones,” Season 2
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode Nine, “Luke Cage,” Season 2
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode Ten, “Iron Fist,” Season 2
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode Eleven, Canceled Corner: “Luke Cage,” “Iron Fist,” and “The Defenders”
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode Twelve, “Daredevil,” Season 3
In this, the thirteenth episode of our Marvel’s Defenders Series, we revisit the first spin-off of Netflix’s series of Marvel-centered shows that led up to The Defenders miniseries, namely The Punisher, featuring Defenders Series panelists Nick, Kristen, Hilary, Kyle, and Spencer. Herein, our panelists experience multiple “nerdgasms,” somewhat mitigated by the pall of the series cancellation, over a solid Season 2 of a spin-off that was not as universally appreciated by our panel following its first season. To wit, the panelists are, for the most part, highly complimentary of The Punisher solo series overall, with general enthusiasm by all panelists for Bernthal and his charismatic portrayal of Marvel’s consummate antihero as well as Barnes’ performance as villain Billy Russo/”Jigsaw.” In fact, all but one of the panel deemed the second season superior to the first, even as most of us also found some supporting characters off-putting, particularly Agent Dinah Madani (Revah) and psychiatrist Krista Dumont (Floriana Lima); in the latter instance, the panel reached consensus on the point that her character was not developed as well as it could have been, given the character’s comic roots. Additionally in this episode, we also process our feelings of grief and mourning over the cancellation of this series, for which we all, even panelist Kristen, offer unreserved lauds and accolades. To hear us hash out these thoughts further, listen to our discussion via the embedded link below.
This podcast was recorded in January 2020, and, there are, without question, MAJOR SPOILERS, as we cover major plot points throughout the second season and really the entire series of The Punisher. Do you agree or disagree? Listen at your own risk, and let us know what you think by commenting below!
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter (@cpupodcast), Instagram (@couchpotatoesunite), Pinterest (@cpupodcast), or email us at couchpotatoesunitepodcast@gmail.com – or subscribe to this blog, the YouTube channel, our Apple/iTunes channel, our Stitcher Radio channel , find us on Google Play, or on Spotify (!) to keep track of brand new episodes. In the meantime, let us know what you think! Comment or review us in any of the above forums – we’d love your feedback!
Remember, new episodes and blog posts are published weekly! Next Wednesday, a new panel magically appears at the CPU! Water Cooler, sans snarky black cats, comprised of mostly Millennial panelists (minus you’re very involved Gen X moderator) waxing wittily while Looking Back at Sabrina the Teenage Witch. Stay tuned for all the TGIF ham and cheesy goodness!
PARTING SHOTS
All of the Marvel’s Defenders Series panelists declare that The Punisher Season 2 is another masterful pinnacle of television excellence, with minor qualms and reservations that vary among the panelists about the second season and no lingering plot questions about which to ponder as the show faded to black. Even panelist Kristen, who struggled through the first season, finds love for the Marvel antihero, even if not as wholeheartedly as fellow panelists Kyle and Spencer, who loved him from the start. All of the panelists effusively gushed about Bernthal’s performance as Frank Castle/Punisher in addition to Barnes’ steady and consistent portrayal of Billy Russo/Jigsaw. The panel was more mixed about the supporting players’ performances; their reactions are sussed out in tonight’s episode.
In fact, the panel could only list pros when recommending this series, only two seasons that it is, including the show’s compelling main character (coupled with the actor playing him), the cinematography, the tensely choreographed fight scenes, the continuous improvement in quality, the unusual tone of what would normally be labeled a “superhero show,” and the self-contained quality of the show, with each season containing strong story arcs encapsulating definitive beginnings, middles, and ends. As it is, The Punisher is recommended overall by our CPU! panel to fans of comic books, particularly from the Marvel universe; fans of the various Defenders series; and fans of the Punisher character. The panel cautions that The Punisher is highly graphic and gory, featuring much violence and blood as befits a gun-toting antihero on various vendettas, so if you are an easily squeamish viewer, begin watching while prepared that you will see much in the way of blood and guts. The panel further generally and universally agrees that The Punisher is well-performed, well-written, and well-directed but for some qualms from some panelists about supporting characters, such as Revah’s Madani and Lima’s Krista. In any event, and despite the critiques described above, the panel almost universally had great fun watching this series and believes that anyone who considers themselves a fan of any or all of the individual Defenders would have fun watching it too.
Furthermore, all panelists remain greatly disappointed and angry when faced with the news that Netflix canceled, possibly involuntarily, the six Defenders series, including The Punisher. Several panelists ranked this series their favorite or second favorite among the five solo Defenders series, with only Chief CP Kylie deviating in favor of the more mysticism-heavy Iron Fist (repeated proclamations of Danny Rand being the “immortal Iron Fist” aside). In any event, we hope that once Marvel/Disney can utilize these characters again, contractually or otherwise, the companies see fit to revive The Punisher and really all of the Defenders properties, even if the main characters are combined into one or a few series, such as “Heroes for Hire” and/or another go-round featuring all of The Defenders characters. The cast seems publicly game to return, and the internet chatter echoed the raw disappointment in the idea that capitalism caused the series’ downfall, just like the other Netflix series, Daredevil especially. We can only hope that Disney, Marvel, Netflix, or some other creative business deal will make all right in the near future because something as good as The Punisher should not be left in the television vault for long. Our podcast panel – and, indeed, many of our listeners – implore anyone who can to #savethepunisher.
THE FUTURE OF THE SHOW
Canceled! Netflix canceled The Punisher on February 18, 2019, after two seasons.
ADDITIONAL REFERENCES!
In tonight’s episode, panelist Kyle makes reference to photographs he showed the other panelists regarding the renderings of Jigsaw’s face in the comics. Here are those pictures:
A potential rendering of Ben Barnes with more comic-appropriate Jigsaw makeup
Frank Castle (Jon Bernthal), fully embracing The Punisher mantle. This scene caused controversy with political undertones. What do you think?
LOOKING AHEAD
The CPU! Marvel’s Defenders Series panel will return to the Water Cooler – one final time – in short order to review the third and final season of Jessica Jones and to discuss our post-mortem reactions to the cancellation of that series as well as to wrap up our Marvel’s Defenders Series as a whole (for now). Until then!
A new podcast episode of Couch Potatoes Unite!, which is based on a blog of the same name hosted at couchpotatoesunite.wordpress.com. In this episode, recorded in March 2019, our panel of comic book and superhero enthusiasts – including moderator Kylie, Kristen, Nick, Hilary, Kyle, and Spencer – is back Around the Water Cooler as the Marvel’s Defenders Series processes, with spicy grumpiness and social sadness, the cancellations of Luke Cage and Iron Fist. The panelists also ruminate upon what is, effectively, the end of The Defenders on Netflix – and for now. As always, if you have not watched any of the Defenders solo series to date (or the crossover miniseries), be aware that there are MAJOR SPOILERS! Tell us what you think, and/or if there are other shows you’re interested in CPU! covering, below; email us at couchpotatoesunitepodcast@gmail.com; or check out our Guestbook at the website, our Facebook page, our Twitter (@cpupodcast), or our Instagram (@couchpotatoesunite). Until next time, until next episode…buh bye!
Editor: Kylie C. Piette Logo: Rebecca Wallace Marketing Graphic Artist: Krista Pennington
“Marvel’s Luke Cage” is a web television series based upon the Marvel Comics character Luke Cage and is a Netflix original series.
“Marvel’s Iron Fist” is a web television series based upon the Marvel Comics character Iron Fist and is a Netflix original series.
“Marvel’s The Defenders” is a web television series based upon the Marvel Comics characters Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist, who form the eponymous superhero team. It is also a Netflix original series.
What: Canceled Corner, wherein we discuss the untimely cancellation of shows that survived a season or two at most, only to find themselves unceremoniously axed by their sponsoring networks.S
When: Marvel’s Luke Cage was canceled on October 19, 2018. Marvel’s Iron Fist was canceled on October 12, 2018. Marvel’s The Defenders, originally intended to be a one-season miniseries, will remain so despite hints and contemplation toward a possible second season, due to the fact that all individual character properties on Netflix, including Marvel’s Daredevil, Marvel’s Jessica Jones, and Marvel’s The Punisher, have been canceled by the streaming giant.
Where: The action in all Netflix Marvel series is primarily set in New York City, New York, as depicted in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Why: To find out why individual podcast panelists started watching any or all of these shows, catch up on our Marvel’s Defenders Series via the embedded links below!
How – as in How Was It? – THOUGHTS
As long-time listeners should know by now, CPU! is chock full of panelists with a proclivity for comic book and superhero TV shows and films, including your Chief CP. Our Marvel’s Defenders Series was born of this proclivity, as we have already covered the first two seasons of Daredevil; the two available seasons of JessicaJones; the two available seasons of Luke Cage; the two available seasons of Iron Fist; the one available season of the crossover event miniseries, The Defenders; and the first season of the first spin-off series, The Punisher. Listen to the links below:
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode One, “Daredevil,” Season 1
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode Two, “Jessica Jones,” Season 1
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode Three, “Daredevil,” Season 2
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode Four, “Luke Cage,” Season 1
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode Five, “Iron Fist,” Season 1
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode Six, “The Defenders,” Season 1
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode Seven, “The Punisher,” Season 1
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode Eight, “Jessica Jones,” Season 2
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode Nine, “Luke Cage,” Season 2
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode Ten, “Iron Fist,” Season 2
In this, the eleventh episode of our Marvel’s Defenders Series, our stalwart Marvel’s Defenders panelists – Kristen, Nick, Kyle, Hilary, and Spencer – process many thoughts and feelings following the cancellations of Luke Cage, Iron Fist, and, effectively, any hope of future crossover Defenders miniseries, at least for the foreseeable future and, particularly, for the next two years. This is the first of a new CPU! feature called “Canceled Corner,” wherein we discuss the untimely cancellation of shows that survived a season or two at most, only to find themselves unceremoniously axed by their sponsoring networks. We do this for these three programs particularly because we recorded our most recent reviews of Luke Cage and Iron Fist prior to the announcements of their cancellations. Thus, in this episode, our panel takes a moment to react to these cancellations of Luke Cage and Iron Fist (and, as a result, The Defenders) before moving ahead in the series in the near future to review the final seasons of Daredevil and The Punisher and, when it is released, of Jessica Jones.
Let me tell you, gentle listener: the feelings and #spicy words are flowing in this episode. Our panel’s thoughts and reactions range from grumpy sadness to outright outrage at what we, like the internet, believe is a money-hungry business decision and a consummate power grab by the Mouse House, as the Disney Corporation tries to take (back) pieces of the streaming pie from former partner in streaming crime, Netflix, in advance of the launch of their proprietary streaming platform, Disney+. Plus, Disney’s merger with 20th Century Fox (Fox’s Entertainment Division), official as of 12:02 AM today, means that Disney now controls Fox cable networks, like FX and FXX, and a majority share of rival streaming service Hulu. What does all this mean in the end? The future is uncertain for the Defender characters, despite passionate internet-based fan pleas on behalf of, at least, Daredevil. While Disney could re-launch properties revolving around these characters in two years, per their prior agreement with Netflix, there is no guarantee that Disney will do so, or that they will do so in the same form and/or manner as the series we’ve watched on Netflix to date. Really, the entire bundle of news is disappointing, and so the energy of our panel is unusually deflated in this episode. Do you feel the pain with us? Let us know!
This podcast episode was recorded in March 2019, and there are, without question, MAJOR SPOILERS, as we return to some major plot points from Luke Cage,Iron Fist, and The Defenders. Do you agree or disagree? Listen at your own risk, and let us know what you think by commenting below.
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter (@cpupodcast), Instagram (@couchpotatoesunite), Pinterest (@cpupodcast), or email us at couchpotatoesunitepodcast@gmail.com – or subscribe to this blog, the YouTube channel, our iTunes channel, our Stitcher Radio channel , and/or find us on Google Play to keep track of brand new episodes. In the meantime, let us know what you think! Comment or review us in any of the above forums – we’d love your feedback!
Remember, new episodes and blog posts are published weekly! Next Wednesday, our Marvel’s Defenders Series panel returns to the Water Cooler once again to review, wistfully, the now final season, Season 3, of Marvel’s Daredevil. We also process our post-mortem reactions to this cancellation, with our own subtle verbal pleas of #savedaredevil. Stay tuned!
Lingering Questions
Luke Cage
1) Will Luke Cage be renewed as a solo series? Or, is Netflix moving toward combining Luke and Danny Rand/Iron Fist, as the comics have, into a “Heroes for Hire” series and/or Misty and Colleen into a “Daughters of the Dragon” series, as panelist Kyle perceives and wholeheartedly wishes, with some vocal support from the panel. All panelists indubitably enjoy and readily endorse the chemistry between Simone Missick and Jessica Henwick (Misty Knight and Colleen Wing, respectively) and between Mike Colter and Finn Jones (Luke Cage and Danny Rand/Iron Fist, respectively).
ANSWER: No to all questions. Luke Cage was canceled.
2) Panelist Kyle informed the panel in the podcast episode that Rosario Dawson is contemplating not returning to the Netflix Marvel shows, or at least not to Luke Cage, because her contract term is up, and she feels that Claire Temple/Night Nurse was relegated to nothing more than jealous/worried girlfriend in Luke Cage. Are the rumors true, or will Rosario find it in her heart to return, at least to any of the other three series?
ANSWER: Moot questions. Luke Cage was canceled.
Iron Fist
1) Netflix has canceled both Luke Cage and Iron Fist. Are they paving the way, via efficiency of cost, for “Heroes for Hire”/”Daughters of the Dragon?” Or, did the streaming giant actually give up on two of the properties comprising its unique corner of the Marvel Cinematic Universe for any of the following reasons: low ratings for Iron Fist; disagreements with the Luke Cage show-runner; and/or the fact that Disney/Marvel is starting its own streaming service and is gradually relieving Netflix of these properties? When, if ever, will we know the truth?
ANSWER: Netflix canceled all of their Marvel shows, so the chances that other Marvel series involving these characters will be launched on Netflix’s platform in future are decidedly non-existent. Will any version of these characters, including “Heroes for Hire”/”Daughters of the Dragon,” be resurrected on Disney’s various platforms, such as future streaming service Disney+ or rival streaming network Hulu? We have to wait at least two years to find out.
2) Who is the Pirate Queen, from which Colleen is descended?
ANSWER: A question without an answer in the TV version of this universe, given Iron Fist‘s cancellation.
3) How involved would Mary/Walker aka Typhoid Mary (Alice Eve) have been with Danny, Colleen, or any other purveyor of the Iron Fist? Will she now transfer to Daredevil, as she is traditionally a “Daredevil” villain, with this show’s cancellation?
ANSWER: Unknown. Daredevil was also canceled.
4) If “Heroes for Hire” and/or “Daughters of the Dragon” is/are launched, would these series resolve the considerable loose ends/cliffhangers posed by the ends of the second seasons of Luke Cage and Iron Fist?
ANSWER: See above.
PARTING SHOTS
The panel’s disappointment regarding the cancellation of Luke Cage is decidedly underwhelming compared to the panel’s disappointment at the cancellations of the other Netflix Marvel series. Our panelists are now reluctant to recommend Luke Cage as a standalone series, even though the panelists’ individual opinions of the show do not seem to entirely coincide with the broader, global opinion that fans and critics alike hold for this program. Our panelists believe that Luke Cage could be viewed separately from the other series or could be ignored, as the two available seasons contribute little to the overall narrative of the universe created by the five solo Netflix Marvel properties. Though the panelists share love of Mike Colter’s portrayal of the character, the sloppy, sometimes unappealing execution in writing, in direction, and, above all, in pacing leave several panelists only cautiously recommending the series as part of the larger Defenders puzzle: watch it if you must but do so in season release order, beginning with Daredevil Season 1, Jessica Jones Season 2, Daredevil Season 2, Luke Cage Season 1,and so on.
On the other side of the coin, ever since our panel learned of the cancellation of Iron Fist, we have vacillated widely and wildly between shock, stunned silence, and angry outcry. Our panel universally enjoys this property; all six of our members rank it among the “Top 3” of our individual favorite Defenders (including The Punisher, not including The Defenders crossover miniseries). The panelists generally and universally agree that Iron Fist is well-performed (yes, including Finn Jones!) and aptly written and directed, with markedly improved pacing and story execution in Season 2. The entire panel believes that some of the criticism from trade critics and viewers alike toward this series is unduly harsh, as the panel additionally asserts that many who find more than small faults with this series may have missed, or simply do not prefer, its tendency toward subtleties and foreshadowing.
Ultimately, the panel expressed profound disappointment in Disney, for we all agree that the decisions made here were motivated by cutthroat capitalist competition, despite a strong fan base for these properties, even if fans flocked more to Daredevil and to Jessica Jones than to Luke Cage and/or Iron Fist. We hope that Disney/Marvel find a way to bring back all of these characters, if and when possible, in a convincing and entertaining way. Our panel further opines that Disney/Marvel would be foolish to cast these characters off, particularly in lieu of the visible public/internet outcry following all five series cancellations.
THE FUTURE OF THE SHOW
Canceled! Netflix canceled Iron Fist on October 12, 2018, after two seasons and Luke Cage on October 19, 2018, after two seasons, effectively putting the kibosh on subsequent production of future Defenders crossover miniseries. What’s more, Netflix canceled the remaining solo series as well; thus, CPU!’s Marvel Defenders Series panel’s days are now decidedly numbered. In this panel’s last three episodes, we will review the third and final season of Daredevil, the second and final season of The Punisher, and the third and final season of Jessica Jones, respectively. Stay tuned!
LOOKING AHEAD
The CPU! Marvel’s Defenders Series panel will return to the Water Cooler next week to review the third and final season of Daredevil and to discuss our post-mortem reactions to the cancellation of that series. Until then!
NEXT CPU! LIVE!
CPU! is going live again!!! CPU! will next be LIVE at Blue Bridge Games (954 Fulton SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan) on March 31, 2019, at 2:00 PM! In that live podcast (also streamed to our Facebook page), a brand new, one-time panel will take “A Shiny Look Back at Firefly” at Grand Rapids’ newest purveyor of tabletop and role playing games for purchase!Like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter and Instagram to keep abreast of all the details, but here’s the art for it for now! Stay tuned!
A new podcast episode of Couch Potatoes Unite!, which is based on a blog of the same name hosted at couchpotatoesunite.wordpress.com. In this episode, recorded in September 2018, our panel of comic book and superhero enthusiasts – including moderator Kylie, Kristen, Nick, Hilary, Kyle, and Spencer – is back Around the Water Cooler as the Marvel’s Defenders Series panel discusses Season 2 of Iron Fist, the fourth property introduced into Netflix’s Marvel wing of its original streaming library. If you have not watched any of Iron Fist (or any of the other Defenders series: Daredevil, Luke Cage, Jessica Jones, The Punisher, and The Defenders crossover miniseries), be aware that there are MAJOR SPOILERS! Tell us what you think in the comments below and check out the blog and YouTube for other TV related discussions, in both podcast and blog format. Also, if there are other shows you’re interested in the blog covering, sound off below! Tell us what you like or don’t like. Keep the discussion going!
Editor: Kylie C. Piette
Logo: Rebecca Wallace
Marketing Graphic Artist: Krista Pennington
Who: “Marvel’s Iron Fist” is a web television series based upon the Marvel Comics character Iron Fist and is a Netflix original series, always available on Netflix.
What: “Marvel’s Iron Fist,” created by Scott Buck, is set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), sharing continuity with the films of the franchise, and is the fourth in a series of shows that led up to a Defenders crossover miniseries. Finn Jones stars as Danny Rand aka Iron Fist, a martial arts expert with the ability to call upon the power of the sacred Iron Fist.
SYNOPSIS
Danny Rand (Jones) returns to New York City, after being presumed dead for 15 years, to reclaim his family company from Harold Meachum and his children, Ward Meachum (Tom Pelphrey) and Joy Meachum (Jessica Stroup). When a threat emerges, Rand must choose between his family’s legacy and his duties as the Iron Fist.
When: Season 2 was released in its entirety to the Netflix streaming library on September 7, 2018, with a total of ten episodes.
Where: The action is set primarily in the New York City, New York, borough of Manhattan, as depicted in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This season, the action primarily transpires in Chinatown.
Why: To find out why individual podcast panelists started watching this show, listen to the “Iron Fist” Episode 1 recap and review via the link below – though I will say that all of the panelists are fans of the Netflix original library and/or superhero/comic book based shows in their own right and have found themselves eagerly anticipating new entries in Netflix’s “Defenders” series of releases. As a result, they’re committed to a CPU! series about same!
How – as in How Was It? – THOUGHTS
As long-time listeners should know by now, CPU! is chock full of panelists with a proclivity for comic book and superhero TV shows and films, including your Chief CP. Our Marvel’s Defenders Series was born of this proclivity, as we have already covered the two available seasons of Daredevil; the two available seasons of JessicaJones; the two available seasons of Luke Cage; the first season of Iron Fist; the one available season of the crossover event miniseries, The Defenders; and the one available season of the first spin-off series, The Punisher.Listen to the links below:
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode One, “Daredevil,” Season 1
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode Two, “Jessica Jones,” Season 1
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode Three, “Daredevil,” Season 2
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode Four, “Luke Cage,” Season 1
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode Five, “Iron Fist,” Season 1
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode Six, “The Defenders,” Season 1
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode Seven, “The Punisher,” Season 1
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode Eight, “Jessica Jones,” Season 2
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode Nine, “Luke Cage,” Season 2
In this, the tenth episode of our Marvel’s Defenders Series, we revisit the fourth in Netflix’s series of Marvel-centered shows that led up to The Defenders miniseries, namely Iron Fist, featuring Defenders Series panelists Nick, Kristen, Hilary, Kyle, and Spencer. In this episode, our panelists experience multiple “nerdgasms” over not only a vast and dramatic improvement over Season 1 but a growing addiction to the mythos and mythology behind “The Immortal Iron Fist.” Common reactions to this season universally praise story execution; improved direction; Jessica Henwick as Colleen Wing; better pacing; the improvement of Ward Meachum (Pelphrey) as a character; the thrilling crossover appearances of Luke Cagecharacter Misty Knight (Simone Missick), possibly seeding a “Heroes for Hire” entry – or even “Daughters of the Dragon” – in this Netflix lineup; and a more focused sense of story direction overall compared to Season 1. Though our panel would have willingly gobbled up a third season, noting that we recorded this episode before Netflix canceled both the Luke Cage and Iron Fist solo series, alternatively, we would all also eagerly watch a first season of “Heroes for Hire” or “Daughters of the Dragon.” To hear us hash out these opinions further, listen to our discussion via the embedded link below.
This podcast was recorded in September 2018, and there are, without question, MAJOR SPOILERS, as we cover major plot points throughout the second season of Iron Fist. Do you agree or disagree? Listen at your own risk, and let us know what you think by commenting below.
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter (@cpupodcast), Instagram (@couchpotatoesunite), Pinterest (@cpupodcast), or email us at couchpotatoesunitepodcast@gmail.com – or subscribe to this blog, the YouTube channel, our iTunes channel, our Stitcher Radio channel , and/or find us on Google Play to keep track of brand new episodes. In the meantime, let us know what you think! Comment or review us in any of the above forums – we’d love your feedback!
Remember, new episodes and blog posts are published weekly! Next Wednesday, our comic book oriented streak continues as our Gotham panel returns to the Water Cooler, schedule permitting, to reason whether the highly inconsistent “Batman” prequel sustained its better momentum in the back half of Season 4, now its penultimate season, as the fifth season was deemed its to-be last by the Fox network. Stay tuned!
Lingering Questions
1) Netflix has canceled both Luke Cage and Iron Fist. Are they paving the way, via efficiency of cost, for “Heroes for Hire”/”Daughters of the Dragon?” Or, did the streaming giant actually give up on two of the properties comprising its unique corner of the Marvel Cinematic Universe for any of the following reasons: low ratings for Iron Fist; disagreements with the Luke Cage show-runner; and/or the fact that Disney/Marvel is starting its own streaming service and is gradually relieving Netflix of these properties? When, if ever, will we know the truth?
2) Who is the Pirate Queen, from which Colleen is descended?
3) Are Danny and Colleen doomed to spend the rest of their days as friends only, having ended their romantic relationship? Were Misty and Ward really flirting over her “Maserati” arm?
4) How involved would Mary/Walker aka Typhoid Mary (Alice Eve) have been with Danny, Colleen, or any other purveyor of the Iron Fist? Will she now transfer to Daredevil, as she is traditionally a “Daredevil” villain, with this show’s cancellation?
5) Would Bethany have had Ward’s baby? Would Ward have been able to convince Bethany to permit him a connection to his child?
6) What would Joy (Stroup) have done, now that her plan for revenge has been foiled and since she suffered horrific injuries via the betraying and murderous hands of Davos aka Steel Serpent (Sacha Dhawan)?
7) Would Davos have escaped from jail? Would he have come after Danny? Would he have been broken out by some other faction, like remnants of the Hand or some other Marvel criminal and/or ninja organization? Or, would he have powered up his rage-driven chi again and created his own means of escape?
8) Would we have seen Danny’s journey to regain the power of the Iron Fist, particularly via his predecessor, Orson Randall? Would we have met Orson? Would we have seen the Iron Fist Guide or Book that provides the secrets of the power of the Iron Fist?
9) Would we ever have met Sao Lao?
10) If “Heroes for Hire” and/or “Daughters of the Dragon” is/are launched, would these series resolve the considerable loose ends/cliffhangers posed by the ends of the second seasons of Luke Cage and Iron Fist?
PARTING SHOTS
Frankly, listeners, ever since our panel learned of the cancellation of Iron Fist, we have vacillated widely and wildly between shock, stunned silence, and angry outcry. Our panel universally enjoys this property; all six of our members rank it among the “Top 3” of our individual favorite Defenders (including The Punisher, not including The Defenders crossover miniseries). Kylie and Kristen rank it tied for first (with Daredevil and Jessica Jones, respectively); Hilary and Kyle rank it second after Daredevil; and Spencer and Nick rank it third after Daredevil and The Punisher. In fact, our panel unanimously recommends Iron Fist to fans of comic books, particularly from the Marvel universe; fans of the various Defenders series; fans of the character; fans of kung fu and karate movies; and fans of epic fantasy along the lines of Star Wars or, more on the nose, stylized martial arts epics like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. The panel generally and universally agrees that Iron Fist is well-performed (yes, including Finn Jones!) and aptly written and directed with markedly improved pacing and story execution in Season 2.
The entire panel experienced even more rapturous and engaged fun watching the second season of this series and believes that some of the criticism from trade critics and viewers alike remains unduly harsh, as the panel uniformly asserts that many who find more than small faults with this series may have missed (or simply do not prefer) its tendency toward subtleties and foreshadowing. They may also not understand or appreciate the fact that Jones is playing a childlike character in an adult’s body who is also meant to be a fish out of water – from an ethnic as well as a “this dimension, that dimension” perspective. Plus, those that offer frustration by his lack of growth as a character in the first season should have been able to appreciate the character’s turnaround in the second.
The panel, further, vehemently disagrees with the “white washing” controversy surrounding this show; while we acknowledge that white washing is prevalent in mainstream Hollywood and is a potential problem, Danny Rand as a character is white in the comics and is meant to be the “other” in the mystical village in which he spent his childhood, as well as in Manhattan when he tries to reintroduce himself into his former life. The entire panel, therefore, recommends re-watching with an open mind for those who struggled with some of these aspects and a first watch for those interested in the Defenders as a whole.
On the other hand, especially with the cancellation of this and the Luke Cage series confirmed and on the books, all panelists, including super-fan Kyle, effused enthusiasm for the prospect of a “Heroes for Hire” or “Daughters of the Dragon” spin-off vehicle, or two, if Netflix is secretly considering converting these two properties into either or both of these more efficient, more cost-effective, and likely more popular adaptations that have enjoyed a greater longevity of life in the comics. While we wait for Netflix’s decision about these new series possibilities, fortunately for us, Marvel’s Daredevil was released on October 19, and the Defenders panel is already ready already for the next chapter. Stay tuned!
THE FUTURE OF THE SHOW
Canceled! Netflix canceled Iron Fist on October 12, 2018, after two seasons. CPU! will continue the Marvel’s Defenders Series as long as Netflix continues to produce seasons of Daredevil, Jessica Jones, and The Punisher, though we remain ever hopeful for new series devoted to “Heroes for Hire” and/or to “Daughters of the Dragon.” As always, CPU! will keep you informed of all Netflix/Marvel coverage.
LOOKING AHEAD
The CPU! Marvel’s Defenders Series panel will return to the Water Cooler shortly to review the third season of Daredevil, about which our devoted panelists expressed the utmost excitement, and to record post-mortem reactions to the cancellations of the solo series of Luke Cage and Iron Fist. Until then!
NEXT CPU! LIVE!
CPU! is going live again!!! CPU! will next be LIVE at Grand Rapids Comic-Con. for our third annual appearance at the Con, on November 10, 2018, at 7:00 PM! In that live podcast (also streamed to our Facebook page), a brand new panel will gather together to debate the multifaceted, multi-generational universe behind Star Trek. This panel will also seed a new ongoing series panel for the podcast! Like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter and Instagram to keep abreast of all the details, but here’s the art for it for now! Stay tuned!
A new podcast episode of Couch Potatoes Unite!, which is based on a blog of the same name hosted at couchpotatoesunite.wordpress.com. In this episode, recorded in September 2018, our panel of comic book and superhero enthusiasts – including moderator Kylie, Kristen, Nick, Hilary, Kyle, and Spencer – is back Around the Water Cooler as the Marvel’s Defenders Series panel discusses Season 2 of Luke Cage, the third property introduced into Netflix’s Marvel wing of its original streaming library. If you have not watched any of Luke Cage (or any of the other Defenders series: Daredevil, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, The Punisher, and The Defenders crossover miniseries), be aware that there are MAJOR SPOILERS! Tell us what you think in the comments below and check out the blog and YouTube for other TV related discussions, in both podcast and blog format. Also, if there are other shows you’re interested in the blog covering, sound off below! Tell us what you like or don’t like. Keep the discussion going!
Editor: Kylie C. Piette
Logo: Rebecca Wallace
Marketing Graphic Artist: Krista Pennington
Who: “Marvel’s Luke Cage” is a web television series based upon the Marvel Comics character Luke Cage and is a Netflix original series, always available on Netflix.
What: “Marvel’s Luke Cage,” created by Cheo Hodari Coker, is set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), sharing continuity with the films of the franchise, and is the third in a series of shows that led up to a Defenders crossover miniseries. Mike Colter stars as Luke Cage, a former convict with superhuman strength and unbreakable skin who now fights crime.
SYNOPSIS
When a sabotaged experiment gives him super strength and unbreakable skin, Luke Cage (Colter) becomes a fugitive attempting to rebuild his life in Harlem while confronting his past and fighting a battle for the heart of his city. After clearing his name, Cage becomes a hero and celebrity in Harlem, only to encounter a new threat that forces him to walk the line between hero and villain.
When: Season 2 was released in its entirety to the Netflix streaming library on June 22, 2018, with a total of 13 episodes.
Where: The action is set primarily in the New York City, New York, neighborhood of Harlem, as depicted in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Why: To find out why individual podcast panelists started watching this show, listen to the podcast episode via the Season 1 link below – though I will say that all of the panelists are fans of the Netflix original library and/or superhero/comic book based shows in their own right and have found themselves eagerly anticipating new entries in Netflix’s “Defenders” series of releases. As a result, they’re committed to a CPU! series about same!
How – as in How Was It? – THOUGHTS
As long-time listeners should know by now, CPU! is chock full of panelists with a proclivity for comic book and superhero TV shows and films, including your Chief CP. Our Marvel’s Defenders Series was born of this proclivity, as we have already covered the two available seasons of Daredevil; the two available seasons of JessicaJones; the first season of Luke Cage; the first season of Iron Fist; the one available season of the crossover event miniseries, The Defenders; and the one available season of the first spin-off series, The Punisher.Listen to the links below:
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode One, “Daredevil,” Season 1
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode Two, “Jessica Jones,” Season 1
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode Three, “Daredevil,” Season 2
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode Four, “Luke Cage,” Season 1
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode Five, “Iron Fist,” Season 1
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode Six, “The Defenders,” Season 1
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode Seven, “The Punisher,” Season 1
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode Eight, “Jessica Jones,” Season 2
In this, the ninth episode of our Marvel’s Defenders series, we revisit the third in Netflix’s series of Marvel-centered shows leading up to The Defenders miniseries, namely Luke Cage, featuring Defenders Series panelists Nick, Kristen, Hilary, Kyle, and Spencer. In this episode, our panelists universally laud what they consider to be a vast and dramatic improvement over Season 1. Common reactions to this season focus on a much improved and dynamic villain in John “Bushmaster” McIver (Mustafa Shakir), better pacing, the thrilling crossover appearances of Iron Fist characters (possibly seeding a “Heroes for Hire” entry in this Netflix lineup), and a better sense of story direction overall compared to Season 1. In fact, the panel finds that said quality and story presentation so improved between the two seasons, what with no word yet on whether or not the series has been renewed, we now find ourselves worrying for the future of the series, as now we all want a third season renewal. Alternatively, we would all eagerly watch a first season of “Heroes for Hire” or even “Daughters of the Dragon,” featuring the characters of Misty Knight (Simone Missick) and Colleen Wing (Jessica Henwick), as the panel unanimously described their chemistry and character portrayals in Luke Cage Season 2 as “perfect,” noting a serviceable and praiseworthy writer-driven turnaround for Misty’s character this season. To hear us hash out these opinions further, listen to our discussion via the embedded link below.
This podcast was recorded in September 2018, and there are, without question, MAJOR SPOILERS, as we cover major plot points throughout the second season of Luke Cage. Do you agree or disagree? Listen at your own risk, and let us know what you think by commenting below!
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter (@cpupodcast), Instagram (@couchpotatoesunite), Pinterest (@cpupodcast), or email us at couchpotatoesunitepodcast@gmail.com – or subscribe to this blog, the YouTube channel, our iTunes channel, our Stitcher Radio channel , and/or find us on Google Play to keep track of brand new episodes. In the meantime, let us know what you think! Comment or review us in any of the above forums – we’d love your feedback!
Remember, new episodes and blog posts are published weekly! Next Wednesday, the comic book oriented brains of the Marvel’s Defenders Series switch from the world of Marvel to the world of DC, when our same five panelists, all of whom also staff our DCTU Series panel, return to the Water Cooler to talk Season 4 of The Flash, schedule permitting. Stay tuned!
Questions, Impressions, and Future Considerations
1) Will Luke Cage be renewed as a solo series? Or, is Netflix moving toward combining Luke and Danny Rand/Iron Fist, as the comics have, into a “Heroes for Hire” series and/or Misty and Colleen into a “Daughters of the Dragon” series, as panelist Kyle perceives and wholeheartedly wishes, with some vocal support from the panel. All panelists indubitably enjoy and readily endorse the chemistry between Simone Missick and Jessica Henwick (Misty Knight and Colleen Wing, respectively) and between Mike Colter and Finn Jones (Luke Cage and Danny Rand/Iron Fist, respectively).
2) If Luke Cage is renewed as a solo series, will Luke be corrupted through ownership of the Harlem’s Paradise club? Or, can he be a hero without being based in the club? Or, can he make the club a base for heroic activity rather than backroom money deals and other criminal activity? Why would the writers hint that this would even be a possibility, at all, for Luke, as he has spent two seasons recognizing and combating the corruption of the Stokes family?
3) Will Tilda (Gabrielle Dennis) seek revenge against Luke for being willed the club upon her mother, Mariah’s (Alfre Woodard), death? Will she become the next in a long line of Stokes crime bosses? Or, will she be content to run her holistic shop, now that she sent her mother, with a kiss of poisoned lipstick, into the great beyond?
4) Will Shades (Theo Rossi) return in a potential Season 3? Or, will he remain in prison? If he is in prison, will he be wooed into Wilson Fisk’s/Kingpin’s gang – will we possibly see him crossover and appear in Daredevil, Season 3?
5) Will Misty accept the offered promotion to precinct captain?
6) Will Bushmaster return from Jamaica to fight another day, even though Mariah met her end? Does he still have an ax to grind? Does he still see Luke as an adversary or enemy?
7) Panelist Kyle informed the panel in the podcast episode that Rosario Dawson is contemplating not returning to the Netflix Marvel shows, or at least not to Luke Cage, because her contract term is up, and she feels that Claire Temple/Night Nurse was relegated to nothing more than jealous/worried girlfriend in Luke Cage. Are the rumors true, or will Rosario find it in her heart to return, at least to any of the other three series?
PARTING SHOTS
In a dramatic turnaround from the Season 1 review, the panel now universally but cautiously recommends Luke Cage to fans of comic books, particularly from the Marvel universe; fans of the Defenders series; and fans of the artistic and cultural contribution of Harlem, as the panel agrees that this series remains, in many ways, a deft love letter to Harlem and its literal and symbolic position in this, our modern society. The panel suggests, as part of the cautiousness informing the recommendation, that would-be, new viewers of Luke Cage treat the second season as something of the official first season, and/or use their own judgment when embarking upon viewing this series, as the panel recognizes that Luke Cage does have a vocally supportive fan base, even though our panelists would not have counted themselves as part of that base following the release of Season 1. The panel generally and universally agrees that Luke Cage continues to be well-performed, and that the direction, writing, and continuity improved markedly in Season 2, even though the pacing languishes still at times, though without the drudgery that so alienated our Defenders defenders following the first season. The panel, further, unanimously praised the performance of Shakir as Bushmaster and the writing around this villain; he created palpable tension around which characters could galvanize while still remaining a flawed but real human character with a compelling back story. Because of the dramatic turnaround for our panel’s reception to the show, in terms of its presentation and production value, the panel now looks forward to a third season rather than resents the possibility of having to watch it for our podcast series. On the other hand, all panelists, particularly super-fan Kyle, who still does not like the Luke Cage solo series much despite affirming the improvements that impressed the other panelists, effused enthusiasm for the prospect of a “Heroes for Hire” or “Daughters of the Dragon” spin-off vehicle, or two. In any event, the panel is hopeful following the finish of this second season and eagerly awaits more Defenders entries. Fortunately for us, Marvel’s Iron Fist was released in September, and the Defenders panel is already ready already for the next chapter. Stay tuned!
LOOKING AHEAD
While no official announcement has yet been made, TV pundits believe that renewal for a possible Season 3 of Luke Cage is more than possible, though many suspect that Netflix is also heavily considering spin-off series for either “Heroes for Hire” and/or “Daughters of the Dragon,” which became popular series for the comic books after the “Luke Cage” and “Iron Fist” comic book series were canceled. In addition, there is some rumblings that Netflix and Disney are re-negotiating the distribution of this series, given that Disney is looking to launch a Marvel-centered streaming service. Rest assured that if/when a Season 3 is announced and/or has aired, CPU! will plan to reconvene our Marvel’s Defenders podcast panel, ready and willing to dissect any additional seasons of this action-packed Defenders entry. CPU! will also, as always, keep you posted on future developments. Stay tuned!
A new podcast episode of Couch Potatoes Unite!, which is based on a blog of the same name hosted at couchpotatoesunite.wordpress.com. In this episode, recorded in September 2018, our small and slightly less robust panel–including moderator Kylie, Jen, and Micah–is Around the Water Cooler and discussing Season 5 of Marvel Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (we previously recapped prior seasons of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. with panelist Kristen, who has since declared that she has jumped the shark). If you have not watched any of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, be aware that there are MAJOR SPOILERS! Tell us what you think in the comments below and check out the blog and YouTube for other TV related discussions, in both podcast and blog format. Also, if there are other shows you’re interested in the blog covering, sound off below! Tell us what you like or don’t like. Keep the discussion going!
Editor: Kylie C. Piette
Logo: Rebecca Wallace
Marketing Graphic Artist: Krista Pennington
Who: “Marvel Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” airs on network TV, specifically on ABC, though it is currently on hiatus.
What: “Marvel Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D,” a serial television drama based on the comic/graphic novel and film universe of Marvel Comics.
SYNOPSIS
The mission of the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division, i.e. S.H.I.E.L.D., is to monitor and collect rogue supernatural subjects, forces, and people and to control them. The Division is kind of like the so-called Men in Black but is focused on any fringe element looking to create the next Tony Stark (Iron Man) or Captain America or Thor without the natural-born endowments (or the cool suit invented by a rich guy). Of course, the mission has been complicated ten times over since the start of the series.
When: Season 5 aired from December 1, 2017, to May 18, 2018, on ABC.
Where: The show is set in the fictional Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and closely follows the events of “The Avengers” films, previously directed by series creator Joss Whedon (along with brother Jed).
Why: Two reasons for most of the panel: Joss Whedon and Disney’s first television production of a Marvel-type nature. It seemed like a no-brainer, really.
How – as in How’s It Going? (THOUGHTS…at present)
CPU! has covered Agents of SHIELD since the beginning, though in podcast format only starting in 2016. If you would like to catch up on our SHIELD coverage, click the embedded links below, or find the audio equivalents on iTunes, Stitcher Radio, and Google Play (links further below):
Seasons 1-3A
Season 3A
Season 3B
Season 4A
Season 4B
Our SHIELD panel is back to talk about all of Season 5, given the unusual airing schedule for this season, what with ABC’s attempt to precede it with a dose of Marvel’s Inhumans, which was subsequently canceled by the Alphabet network. With the delayed start and unusual airing schedule, in addition to a new Friday time slot, the break between half seasons was not long enough or in a logical span of time that would allow our panel to check in at mid-season (which fell somewhere around March), so here, we offer a longer-than-usual, and perhaps slightly more intense, dissection of Season 5.
Additionally, since last time, we have had a personnel change on our Agents of SHIELD panel. The panel wishes to wave a fond goodbye to panelist Kristen, one of the panel’s original members, who left it because she “jumped the shark” watching SHIELD and was frustrated enough not to want to watch or discuss it further. That’s how it rolls from time to time at CPU! Don’t worry! If you’re a Kristen fan, you can still hear her voice on many of our active panels, as she is currently our most involved panelist!
Our SHIELD panel then, now consisting of Jen and Micah, tackles talk of Season 5, including the SHIELD agents’ adventures to space, to the future, and through a time loop, as well as prognosticates upon possible future plot developments of the surprisingly renewed sixth season while speculating upon the likelihood that the show is facing its last hurrah, especially since the events of Season 5 led our panelists to believe that the show’s writers and producers expected Season 5 to be the literal and living end for the series. Listen to the podcast episode below, and see if you agree or disagree with our comments, reactions, and predictions.
This podcast was recorded in September 2018, and there are, without question, MAJOR SPOILERS, as the panelists cover key plot points of the fifth season. Listen at your own risk, and let us know what you think by commenting below!
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Remember, new episodes and blog posts are published weekly! Our next podcast episode will stay in the MCU as, schedule permitting, our Marvel’s Defenders Series panel returns to the Water Cooler to discuss Marvel’s Luke Cage, Season Two. Sweet Christmas! Stay tuned!
Questions, Impressions, and Future Considerations
Old Questions
1) REPEAT QUESTION: Will we learn which planet it is (i.e. Hive’s home planet beyond Earth)?
NEW ANSWER: We haven’t yet, and it’s one of the lingering questions of the podcast panel (at least for Jen and for Kylie). We also may never know now, as the monolith that accesses that planet, which is apparently stored deep within the recesses of a SHIELD station called the Lighthouse – which is literally under a lighthouse – is destroyed. A device, planted by a ragtag group of people calling themselves Hydra and confiscated by SHIELD, explodes and destroys the Hive planet monolith along with two other space and time bending monoliths also stored there, creating a rift to a so-called #feardimension. Please note: this is the show’s name for it, not ours. Listen to the podcast episode for details
2) REPEAT QUESTION: Will we find out about the “purpose” behind the Inhumans, as alluded to by Lincoln (RIP), and explore more of the mythology and connection between the Inhumans and the Kree? Will we ever find out the true origin of the Planet? Is the Planet important beyond being the place where Hive was exiled for millennia?
NEW ANSWER: The Planet information may be impossible to know at this point, given the destruction of the monolith that accessed it. The purpose of the Inhumans has not (yet) been addressed by the show, if it ever will be at all.
3) REPEAT QUESTION: Will we ever learn more about the Kree themselves? Are they related to any of the individual Avengers?
NEW ANSWER: This season, we meet actual Kree leaders, including Kasius and his father as well as soldiers and generals that report to Kasius. While we do not learn much information about the Kree’s history and why they take such an interest in Earth, especially after, in the future, Earth is destroyed by the so-called “Destroyer of Worlds,” we do learn that Kasius rules over the remainder of Earth’s scattered population, housed aboard the Lighthouse station, which, in the future, floats as part of the debris evidence of Earth’s destruction in space. There, he breeds Inhumans by exposing humans under his control to terra-genesis, trains them to use their newfound abilities, and sells them as slaves and generals to the highest alien bidders seeking soldiers with powers. What we can also say, definitively, is that no Kree are related to the Avengers – at least, as far as we know.
4) REPEAT QUESTION: Is Nadir affiliated with Hydra? Could Hydra be coming back – since it seems foolish to eliminate them from the MCU completely?
NEW ANSWER: Though Nadir is not a factor for this season, as our panel predicted when discussing the end of Season Four, Hydra as an actual entity returns via one flailing, growing head of the many-headed enemy. Hydra is not at the strength of its heyday, but one should never count out Hydra. Listen to the podcast episode for details.
5) REPEAT QUESTION: What happened to the Inhuman undergoing terra-genesis that Simmons (Elizabeth Henstridge) was blindfolded and squirreled away to help and, then, to abandon when the process was complete?
REPEAT ANSWER: Unknown. We may never see this Inhuman again.
6) REPEAT QUESTION: Is Coulson (Clark Gregg) really attempting to position Daisy (Chloe Bennett) as a possible future SHIELD director?
NEW ANSWER: Though at the end of last season, it was hard to see this eventuality as truly possible, Coulson successfully advocates for Daisy’s leadership of SHIELD, with May’s (Ming-Na Wen) support, this season. At one point, Coulson abdicates his own position as leader and asks Daisy to lead the agents in his absence, as he leaves to confront what is left of Hydra, much to May’s chagrin. Listen to the podcast episode for details.
7) REPEAT QUESTION: Will we see any more Avengers or Avengers-related characters on the show? The panel feels strongly that the show would benefit from an injection of movie-caliber quality, either in character appearances or in story reworking.
REPEAT (ISH) ANSWER: We have not seen show appearances of Avenger-type proportions so far, aside from Hydra as an abstract concept, though at one point, there is an oblique mention of Thanos’ invasion in Avengers: Infinity War, which was kind of surprising, as earlier in the year, it was rumored that Marvel Entertainment had disowned Agents of SHIELD, with much of Season 5 set in the future and in space, a departure for these characters from the comics. I guess that’s why they call them rumors, though.
8) Will we see Ghost Rider again? Or, is he being limited to this season? The podcast panel votes for a spin-off for this version of Ghost Rider, with frequent guest appearances by Daisy. They have a certain chemistry, we think… And Ghost Rider and Quake together are kind of bad-ass. At the very least, he should simply return from time to time, as long as he is not used as a method of convenient last minute escape (lest his appearances feel cheap).
ANSWER: Ghost Rider does not appear in Season 5 in any way, except by mention of Coulson, who believes he is dying because of his deal with the Rider at the end of Season 4. We do not know what Coulson means by this declaration; all of the panelists continue to ‘ship Daisy and Robbie, though.
9) Who captured the SHIELD agents during the season 4 epilogue? Who are the shadowy figures really? Kristen predicts that the government is behind this abduction; Jen predicts Hydra is back and behind this abduction as does Kylie; Micah speculates that a group called “Sword” from the Marvel Comics or the Inhuman Royal Family or groups like “Raid” or “Aim” are all possibilities for the potential perpetrators. Kylie also hopefully wonders if the Kree own the spaceship/space craft on which Coulson finds himself and if the audience will finally be given more answers around the mysterious alien race consistently referred to in the show’s earliest seasons.
ANSWER: We learn that in the Season 4 epilogue, an alien robot entity known as Enoch exposes all of the agents but Fitz (Iain de Castecker) to a monolith, which opens a portal and propels them toward the future, the year 2091 to be exact, when the Earth has been destroyed. The shadowy figures are Agents of Hydra, as Jen and Kylie predicted. They abduct Fitz and take him to an unmarked Hydra facility, where their leader (a spoiler covered in the podcast episode) attempts to shake Fitz down in order to suss out the location of Fitz’s teammates.
The Kree do not own the Lighthouse station, on which Coulson finds himself at the end of Season 4, but the Kree do control it and the remnants of Earth’s population inside it. The audience, however, is not given much more information about the Kree beyond their sense of ruthlessness and materialism, their technology, and some of their cultural norms.
10) Where is Coulson? How did he end up in space?
ANSWER: Coulson is aboard the Lighthouse station, still standing on a chunk of Earth broken away from the core planet after the Earth is destroyed in this bleak future. Coulson finds himself there, and in space, because of Enoch’s endeavor to bring SHIELD and its agents into this future to help save the world and the past/timeline.
11) Where is everyone else? How did Coulson get separated from the team?
ANSWER: Everyone but Fitz finds themselves in this spacey future with Coulson. They all eventually find each other,
12) How much will Marvel’s Inhumans, premiering in fall, affect Agents of SHIELD, if at all?
ANSWER: Unknown. None of the panel watched Inhumans, at least prior to watching Season 5 of SHIELD and recording this podcast episode. And then the network canceled it. So….I guess that’s all she wrote.
13) Will there be lasting effects of the Framework on the team, especially Fitz and Simmons and Coulson and May?
ANSWER: As for lasting effects –
Coulson: no.
May: no.
Simmons: no, except as it relates to Fitz (see below).
Yo-Yo (Natalia Cordova-Buckley): no, except as it relates to Mack (see below).
Daisy: no.
Mack (Henry Simmons): yes, because raising an actual version of his lost daughter Hope in the Framework and losing her again is, according to him, more painful than if he had never raised her at all, which he confesses to Yo-Yo (Natalia Cordova-Buckley) this season.
Fitz: yes. He experiences mass amounts of guilt and self-doubt, living with the specter of his shadowy Framework self, the evil, ruthlessly scientific Leopold known as “The Doctor.” His focus on not repeating the mistakes of the Framework version of himself somewhat results in a self-fulfilling prophecy, however, when he suffers a psychotic break in the second half of the season and begins seeing what amounts to a hallucination of Leo the Doctor, his Framework self dressed in a suit, which influences Fitz to embrace his most ruthless and least compassionate instincts in a crucial moment. Listen to the podcast episode for details.
14) Will there be another time jump? If there is, dear writers, explain it!
ANSWER: If being temporarily thrust into future time counts as a time jump, the answer is yes, though, fortunately, the writers do a great job of explaining it (more or less).
15) Did Nadir’s brother Vijay start a second terra-genesis when he fell into the water, as Micah observed? If so, what does this mean for Inhumans, for him, and for our team?
ANSWER: Vijay does not return this season, and panelist Micah does not seem as bothered by what he believed he observed last season. Who knows what the future will bring, though?
16) Will Coulson and May finally admit their obvious feelings for one another? Will a romantic coupling between them feel weird? They’re kind of like the mom and dad of the whole outfit.
ANSWER: Yes. No. And, mom and dad or not, you want to see your parents together and happy. Plus, Coulson plants a kiss on May that is, frankly, kind of hot. And the panelists rejoiced. Yay (waving suddenly appearing flags).
17) Will SHIELD survive the move to Fridays? We hope so!
ANSWER: If being renewed for a sixth season counts as survival, SHIELD defied the odds this year!
New Questions
1) Is General Talbot (Adrian Pasdar) actually, once and for all, dead?
2) What really causes Coulson to begin dying? Is it because he was exposed to the Kree substance odium when fighting Kasius’ trainer (who had consumed odium himself)? Or, alternatively, does Coulson’s alleged deal with the Ghost Rider demon in Season 4, which he references in the latter half of this season, cause him to be in danger of dying because, as panelist Micah surmises, the Ghost Rider manages to undo the Kree resurrection technology that allowed Coulson to come back from Loki’s fatal stabbing at the beginning of the series, thereby righting the natural balance and duality of life and death in this universe?
3) Will Coulson remain dead, if he, in fact, dies off screen, since it is heavily implied at the end of the season that he will live out the rest of his days in the real Tahiti with the company of May, with whom he has mutually acknowledged and reciprocated romantic feelings (it’s about time they admitted it)?
4) If the SHIELD agents broke the time loop causality that leads to the repeated destruction of Earth and SHIELD’s trips through time and space to begin with, does any element of that future still exist? For example, does Deke Shaw (Jeff Ward) still exist? Are there parallel timelines running against each other? Did breaking the time loop cause a different paradox? Time travel in science fiction: the riskiest of all storytelling devices.
5) Will Simmons find the frozen Fitz, floating in space? How will she do that? She’s not known for building spaceships. That was Fitz’s job (and, no, I’m not crying…now). If Simmons does find Fitz, will they have to be remarried, since frozen Fitz was frozen before future Fitz married present Simmons in the past?
6) What will SHIELD’s primary mission be, with Mack at its head, now that SHIELD has saved the world from this ominous, apocalyptic future?
7) Will the events of Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers 4 affect the events of Agents of SHIELD, Season 6?
8) If Daisy injected herself with all-healing Centipede Serum, does this mean that she is now invincible, as well as quake-y?
9) Since General Hale was destroyed by Talbot, empowered by the infusion of gravitonium, is there anything left of Hydra after all?
10) Though May and Deke successfully redirect missiles at Confederacy member Qovas’ ship, what is left of the Confederacy alien alliance, and will the SHIELD agents meet this alliance again?
11) Will the Agents meet the Kree again, either Kasius or his father, but in a different context?
12) If Coulson does die, what will May do then?
13) Are Mack and Yo-Yo okay as a couple, given the revelations and behaviors that occurred in Season 5 to complicate their relationship?
14) Is there an ending for SHIELD now that could possibly be as good as the fifth season finale? The panelists are at a loss to predict what such an ending might look like.
PARTING SHOTS
By consensus, our smaller again, yet always robust, podcast panel believes that Agents of SHIELD took a gigantic risk in Season 5, one that courted the ire of the production company and fans alike, but one that also, ultimately, paid off in storytelling spades in the end, as it seems that the writers and producers, like so many of the rest of us, believed Season 5 to be the last of the series. As a result, Season 5 offers some excellent action-fueled drama and emotionally resonant character moments that left our panelists feeling satisfied – so satisfied, the three of us cannot possibly guess where SHIELD might travel next season, except to possibly rescue the frozen, floating Fitz in space, if he is, in fact, still out there. While the season presented some continuity and logic flaws, given the “bold move” (as panelist Micah called it) of engaging in time travel and time loops, all panelists also enjoyed the season heartily and plan to keep watching, even if the fifth season finale felt more final than other season finales preceding it. The panel, however, is split as far as whether or not individual members would recommend tuning in to SHIELD at this point, and those that do suggest doing so advise that would-be new viewers begin with the first season, even if the “tuning in” does not necessarily occur at the time of first airing. Still and all, the panel regards Agents of SHIELD as entertaining and worth the watch, though the panelists, your Chief CP included, find themselves apprehensive about what Season 6 might bring in the wake of the apparent (SPOILER) deaths of two major characters. Of course, to be fair, few really stay dead in the MCU in the end – whether or not the two characters to which I am referring do, all panelists hope beyond measure that any element of the new season’s story, including potential reintegration of seemingly lost characters, be as competently engaging as most of the first four seasons have proven themselves to be.
LOOKING AHEAD
Agents of SHIELD has been renewed for a sixth season by ABC, which is not expected to premiere until Summer 2019. The Agents of SHIELD podcast panel will next and likely reconvene following the complete airing of Season 6 of SHIELD, depending upon how many episodes are produced and whether or not the show is interrupted by a significant hiatus during a reasonably lengthy mid-point (in other words, will CPU! have enough time to record a reaction panel at some point in the middle of SHIELD’s sixth season? Time will tell). No official premiere date for this show has yet been announced as of the publication of this post. As always, CPU! will keep you informed of news and additional SHIELD coverage. Until then!
A new podcast episode of Couch Potatoes Unite!, which is based on a blog of the same name hosted at couchpotatoesunite.wordpress.com. In this episode, recorded in June 2018, our panel of comic book and superhero enthusiasts – including moderator Kylie, Kristen, Nick, Hilary, Kyle, and Spencer – is back Around the Water Cooler as the Marvel’s Defenders Series panel discusses Season 2 of Jessica Jones, the second property introduced into Netflix’s Marvel wing of its original streaming library. If you have not watched any of Jessica Jones (or any of the other Defenders series: Daredevil, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, The Punisher, and The Defenders crossover miniseries), be aware that there are MAJOR SPOILERS! Tell us what you think in the comments below and check out the blog and YouTube for other TV related discussions, in both podcast and blog format. Also, if there are other shows you’re interested in the blog covering, sound off below! Tell us what you like or don’t like. Keep the discussion going!
Editor: Kylie C. Piette Logo: Rebecca Wallace Marketing Graphic Artist: Krista Pennington
A new podcast episode of Couch Potatoes Unite!, which is based on a blog of the same name hosted at couchpotatoesunite.wordpress.com. In this episode, recorded in June 2018, our panel of comic book and superhero enthusiasts – including moderator Kylie, Kristen, Nick, Hilary, Kyle, and Spencer – is back Around the Water Cooler as the Marvel’s Defenders Series panel discusses Season 2 of Jessica Jones, the second property introduced into Netflix’s Marvel wing of its original streaming library. If you have not watched any of Jessica Jones (or any of the other Defenders series: Daredevil, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, The Punisher, and The Defenders crossover miniseries), be aware that there are MAJOR SPOILERS! Tell us what you think in the comments below and check out the blog and YouTube for other TV related discussions, in both podcast and blog format. Also, if there are other shows you’re interested in the blog covering, sound off below! Tell us what you like or don’t like. Keep the discussion going!
Editor: Kylie C. Piette
Logo: Rebecca Wallace
Marketing Graphic Artist: Krista Pennington
Who: “Marvel’s Jessica Jones” is a superhero/action/psychological thriller drama based upon the Marvel Comics character Jessica Jones and is a Netflix original series, always available on Netflix.
What: “Marvel’s Jessica Jones,” created by Melissa Rosenberg, is set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), sharing continuity with the films of the franchise, and is the second in a series of shows that ultimately led up to a Defenders crossover miniseries, which was released in 2017. Krysten Ritter stars as Jessica Jones, a former superhero who opens her own detective agency after an end to her superhero career.
SYNOPSIS
Following a tragic end to her brief superhero career, Jessica Jones (Ritter) tries to rebuild her life as a private investigator, dealing with cases involving people with remarkable abilities in New York City. Rachael Taylor, Eka Darville, and Carrie-Anne Moss also star.
When: Season 2 was released in its entirety to the Netflix streaming library on March 8, 2018.
Where: The action is set primarily in the New York City, New York, neighborhood of Hell’s Kitchen, as depicted in the MCU.
Why: To find out why individual podcast panelists started watching this show, listen to the podcast episode via the Season One link below – though I will say that all of the panelists are fans of the Netflix original library and/or superhero/comic book based shows in their own right and have found themselves eagerly anticipating new entries in Netflix’s “Defenders” series of releases. As a result, they’re committed to a CPU! series about same!
How – as in How Was It? – THOUGHTS
As long-time listeners should know by now, CPU! is chock full of panelists with a proclivity for comic book and superhero TV shows and films, including your Chief CP. Our Marvel’s Defenders Series was born of this proclivity, as we have already covered the two available seasons of Daredevil; the first season of JessicaJones; the first season of Luke Cage; the one available season of Iron Fist; the one available season of the crossover event miniseries, The Defenders; and the one available season of the first spin-off series, The Punisher.Listen to the links below:
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode One, “Daredevil,” Season 1
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode Two, “Jessica Jones,” Season 1
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode Three, “Daredevil,” Season 2
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode Four, “Luke Cage,” Season 1
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode Five, “Iron Fist,” Season 1
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode Six, “The Defenders,” Season 1
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode Seven, “The Punisher,” Season 1
In this, the eighth episode of our Marvel’s Defenders series, we revisit the second in Netflix’s series of Marvel-centered shows leading up to The Defenders miniseries, namely Jessica Jones, featuring Defenders Series panelists Nick, Kristen, Hilary, Kyle, and Spencer. Our panel, with the notable exception of panelist Kristen, struggled to power through this second season, feeling the absence, but for the one somewhat forced and anticlimactic episode, of panel favorite David Tennant (David Tennant, David Tennant, David Tennant!). Common reactions to this season can best be summed up via the following terms: disjointed, clunky, flat, and generally and ultimately far worse than the first season. Only Kristen describes this season as “solid,” though she acknowledges that the second season does not measure up to the first season in terms of writing quality. In fact, the panel finds that said quality and story presentation drastically deteriorated between the two seasons and generally alienated our panelists (except Kristen), to the point that we mostly worry for the future of the series, given its third season renewal and though some members of the panel have nearly lost all interest in continuing with this particular program but for our podcast series. Unless, of course, the show is able to convincingly resurrect the Kilgrave character because the panel agrees: Jessica Jones, without David Tennant and Kilgrave, is simply not the same show. To hear us hash out these opinions further, listen to our discussion via the embedded link below.
This podcast was recorded in June 2018, and there are, without question, MAJOR SPOILERS, as we cover major plot points throughout the second season of Jessica Jones. Do you agree or disagree? Listen at your own risk, and let us know what you think by commenting below!
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter (@cpupodcast), Instagram (@couchpotatoesunite), Pinterest (@cpupodcast), or email us at couchpotatoesunitepodcast@gmail.com – or subscribe to this blog, the YouTube channel, our iTunes channel, our Stitcher Radio channel , and/or find us on Google Play to keep track of brand new episodes. In the meantime, let us know what you think! Comment or review us in any of the above forums – we’d love your feedback!
Remember, new episodes and blog posts are published weekly! Next Wednesday, we launch a new panel “Around the Water Cooler,” as some of our most frequent panelists, along with one occasional panelist, find themselves up Schitt’s Creek without a paddle while they catch up on the first two seasons of the Canadian cable comedyin the first part of a two-part miniseries produced for just that purpose. Stay tuned!
Questions, Impressions, and Future Considerations
Old Questions
1) Will Daredevil appear on Jessica Jones? We would like him to do so, please, and apart from the Defenders miniseries because these two characters exist in the same universe and in the same city (and same borough of the city!).
ANSWER: He has not yet.
2) David Tennant was announced to be returning for Season Two, even though Jessica snapped Kilgrave’s neck in the Season One finale. How will he return?
ANSWER: Kilgrave, as portrayed by Mr. Tennant, appears as a Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)-induced hallucination, a figment of Jessica’s imagination, as she grapples with the morality of supporting her recently-discovered-to-be-alive mother, who is prone to homicidal tendencies in the name of love for her daughter and for the mad scientist who experimented on her and Jessica. The plot itself is convoluted, but David Tennant’s appearance this season amounted to one episode, which the panelists generally regarded as one of only a few highlights this season. Listen to the podcast episode for details.
3) Will Trish (Taylor) evolve into the Marvel hero Hellcat in Season Two, as several panelists estimated she might at some point?
ANSWER: Through a plot thread that pitted Trish against Jessica due to Trish’s naked ambition, reckless addiction, obtuse selfishness, and complicated envy of Jessica’s special abilities, Trish insinuates herself into a position in which she willingly participates in some of the same experimentation to which, ultimately, Jessica and her mother were subjected following the Jones family’s car accident. Via a brief display of quick reflexes and potentially enhanced strength in the season finale, it can be estimated that Trish is well on her way to evolving into the Marvel hero Hellcat, though she did so in a highly alienating and unsympathetic manner. Listen to the podcast episodes for details.
4) Will there be a new villain? Who will it be? Will Kingpin/Wilson Fisk appear in Jessica Jones?
ANSWER: Kingpin was not featured in this season of Jessica Jones. Arguably, the most villainous character on the season is Trish, with her seemingly self-serving motivations, further complicated by a relapse in drug use and the enabling of her helicopter stage mom, though Nurse Inez Green (Leah Gibson) additionally gives Jeri Hogarth (Moss) a run for her money. Literally. The writers also, apparently, attempted to position Alisa Jones (Janet McTeer), Jessica’s very-much-alive mother, as a potential villain, but she clearly is affected by chemicals and conditioning that strips her of complete non-psychotic control over her own faculties. In fact, the panel felt that the lack of a true villain proved to be one of the seasons’s most glaring and deleterious flaws.
New Questions
1) So, really, will Kilgrave ever return – alive and charismatic and creepy – in a real way? Or, is that too much fantasy for a comic book adaptation series? Was the hallucination, at minimum, a clue to the idea that Kilgrave might still be out there, waiting to reemerge as the Purple Man? At least half of this panel believes that Jessica Jones will not sustain without him, evidenced by the struggles and cringe-inducing flaws of this second season, most of which was presented without him; in fact, the writers and producers may never be able to compensate if Mr. Tennant cannot return. The panel’s opinion further validates Chief CP Kylie’s earliest hypothesis – that David Tennant is what made the first season what it was, despite the fact that the other returning members of the ensemble are good, even great at times. None of them, however, are as riveting or as competent a scene partner when paired with Ritter’s Jessica as David Tennant’s Kilgrave. The proof is in the proverbial pudding known as Season Two.
2) Is Detective Will Simpson (Wil Traval), who is supposed to be the villain Nuke, according to panelist Kyle and basic research into Marvel comics, truly and permanently dead? The panel felt that one of the greatest character disservices committed this season was the early and criminally understated, yet apparently permanent, death of the Simpson character.
3) Malcolm (Darville) is now working for Jeri Hogarth and, in turn, Jessica’s private investigator (PI) rival, Pryce Cheng (Terry Chen). Other than the fact that Malcolm has officially sobered up and is committed to making something of his life, why should we care about this character development?
4) Will Luke Cage, who is supposed to eventually marry Jessica, according to Kyle and basic research into Marvel comics, return to the series in Season Three (this question is posed without having viewed Season Two of Luke’s solo series, mind you)?
5) Will Oscar (J.R. Ramirez) return in Season Three? Though a love triangle might be cheesy, can we see Oscar and Luke fight over the cynical and sarcastic Jessica? There might be potential for some comedy in that scenario, which the show sorely needs, at least in terms of comic relief.
6) What will Trish’s evolution into full-on Hellcat look like? As of the end of Season Two, Jessica and Trish are estranged, as Trish pulled the trigger to ice Alisa after Jess’ mom quasi-kidnapped her daughter while on the lam, leaving Jessica officially angry at her adopted sister for making this rash decision, even if Trish did so to save Jessica. Will Trish and Jessica reunite in the field of superhero-ness? Will they find their way back to each other in more of an “everyday” way?
PARTING SHOTS
All of our panelists, with the exception of panelist Kristen, struggled to find any sort of love for the second season of Jessica Jones, pinning the season’s considerable disappointments on poor writing choices related to character development and/or story direction and the nearly total lack of David Tennant’s Kilgrave. The panelists generally welcomed his one episode appearance, though some panelists, the Chief CP included, also found it anticlimactic and lacking the punch and pomp that underscored the Kilgrave character in the first season. All of the panelists also struggled with the Trish character at various points, the Alisa character at various points, and many of the other new characters in general, and the overarching feeling around the season was that it was disjointed, slow, and ultimately alienating in its story presentation. Only panelist Kristen, with her love for the Jessica Jones character, described the season as “solid,” pointing to the overall tone and “noir” feel of the visual presentation to support her position. By the same token, the panel generally and universally agrees that Jessica Jones is largely well-performed and competently directed, though some slow-to-the-point-of-drudgery pacing hampers the second season. In addition, by attributing Jessica’s anger management issues to something fundamentally changed in her biology due to the experiments conducted on her, the writers and show-runner effectively undermined the strong themes surrounding assault survival, PTSD, and recovery that elevated the poignancy of Season One, to which some of the panelists took exception. In fact, most on the panel agree that if not for the podcast, Season Three would not necessarily be an automatic watch, despite the series renewal and unless the writers and Mr. Tennant’s schedule allow him to return.
LOOKING AHEAD
Jessica Jones was renewed for a third season, though an official premiere/release date has not yet been announced. CPU! will be following Jessica Jonesthroughout its series run, as part of CPU!’s Marvel’s Defenders Series, so we will definitely return to podcast about Season Three some time after it is released. Until then – stay tuned!
A new podcast episode of Couch Potatoes Unite!, which is based on a blog of the same name hosted at couchpotatoesunite.wordpress.com. In this episode, (re)recorded in March 2018, our enthusiastic panel of comic book and superhero enthusiasts – including moderator Kylie, Kristen, Nick, Hilary, Kyle, and Spencer – is back Around the Water Cooler as the Marvel’s Defenders Series panel discusses Season 1 of The Punisher, the first spin-off of the Marvel’s Defender solo series. If you have not watched any of The Punisher (or any of the other Defenders series: Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, and The Defenders crossover miniseries), be aware that there are MAJOR SPOILERS! Tell us what you think in the comments below and check out the blog and YouTube for other TV related discussions, in both podcast and blog format. Also, if there are other shows you’re interested in the blog covering, sound off below! Tell us what you like or don’t like. Keep the discussion going!
Editor: Kylie C. Piette
Logo: Rebecca Wallace
Marketing Graphic Artist: Krista Pennington
Who: “Marvel’s The Punisher” is a web television series based upon the Marvel Comics character of the same name. It is also a Netflix original series, always available on Netflix.
What: “Marvel’s The Punisher,” created by Steve Lightfoot, is set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), sharing continuity with the films of the franchise. The series revolves around Frank Castle, who uses lethal methods to fight crime as the vigilante “The Punisher,” with Jon Bernthal reprising the role from Marvel’s Daredevil. Ben Barnes, Amber Rose Revah, Jason R. Moore, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Daniel Webber, Paul Schulze, Michael Nathanson, Jaime Ray Newman, and Deborah Ann Woll also star.
When: The first season of the series was released in its entirety to the Netflix streaming library on November 17, 2017, with a total of thirteen episodes.
Where: The action is set primarily in New York City, New York, as depicted in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Why: To find out why individual podcast panelists started watching this show, listen to the podcast episode via the link below – though I will say that all of the panelists are fans of the Netflix original library and/or superhero/comic book based shows in their own right and have found themselves eagerly anticipating new entries in Netflix’s “Defenders” series of releases, including this first spin-off the series! As a result, they’re committed to a CPU! series about same!
How – as in How Was It?
The pilot/premiere rating scale:
***** – I HAVE TO WATCH EVERYTHING. HOLY SMOKES!
**** – Well, it certainly seems intriguing. I’m going to keep watching, but I see possible pitfalls in the premise.
*** – I will give it six episodes and see what happens. There are things I like, and things I don’t. We’ll see which “things” are allowed to flourish.
** – I will give it three episodes. Chances are, I’m mainly bored, but there is some intrigue or fascination that could hold it together. No matter how unlikely.
* – Pass on this one, guys. It’s a snoozer/not funny/not interesting/not my cup of tea… there are too many options to waste time on this one.
Marvel’s The Punisher = 4.2, by average of the podcast panel.
SYNOPSIS
Frank Castle (Bernthal), known throughout New York City as “the Punisher” after exacting revenge on those responsible for the deaths of his wife and children, uncovers a larger conspiracy beyond what was done to him and his family.
THOUGHTS
As long-time listeners should know by now, CPU! is chock full of panelists with a proclivity for comic book and superhero TV shows and films, including your Chief CP. Our Marvel’s Defenders Series was born of this proclivity, as we have already covered the two available seasons of Daredevil, the first season of JessicaJones, the one available season of Luke Cage, the one available season of Iron Fist, and the one available season of the crossover event miniseries, The Defenders.Listen to the links below:
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode One, “Daredevil,” Season 1
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode Two, “Jessica Jones,” Season 1
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode Three, “Daredevil,” Season 2
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode Four, “Luke Cage,” Season 1
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode Five, “Iron Fist,” Season 1
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode Six, “The Defenders,” Season 1
As such, it was only right that we cover the first spin-off series of this universe, now the sixth in Netflix’s series of Marvel-centered shows. Thus, we bring you our first ever Punisher podcast episode – and the seventh episode of our Marvel’s Defenders Series – featuring Defenders panelists Nick, Kristen, Hilary, Kyle, and Spencer.
Our panel is, for the most part, highly complimentary of The Punisher solo series, though some panelists like this spin-off effort more than others. Generally, all panelists love Bernthal and his charismatic portrayal of Marvel’s consummate antihero as well as Barnes’ version of prenatal villain Billy Russo and Bachrach’s performance as Frank’s undercover partner Micro. Yet, most of us also found the show to suffer from a slow start, though this start was markedly offset by a speedy and powerful crescendo in action and suspense, as well as an off-putting supporting character in Agent Dinah Madani (Revah), on whom the panelists felt the story focused too much when she added so little to the overall pacing and relevance of the plot in the end. To hear us hash out these opinions further, listen to our discussion via the embedded link below.
This podcast was (re)recorded in March 2018 as one of our lost episodes, erased via the much ballyhooed equipment failure previously advertised, though we think we recovered nicely. Also, there are, without question, MAJOR SPOILERS, as we cover major plot points throughout the first season of The Punisher. Do you agree or disagree? Listen at your own risk, and let us know what you think by commenting below!
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter (@cpupodcast), Instagram (@couchpotatoesunite), Pinterest (@cpupodcast), or email us at couchpotatoesunitepodcast@gmail.com – or subscribe to this blog, the YouTube channel, our iTunes channel, our Stitcher Radio channel , and/or find us on Google Play to keep track of brand new episodes. In the meantime, let us know what you think! Comment or review us in any of the above forums – we’d love your feedback!
Remember, new episodes and blog posts are published weekly! Next Wednesday, at long last, our Once Upon a Time panel returns to the Water Cooler, also affected by the aforementioned equipment failure, and will offer a re-recorded dissection of Season 7A in one of our twisty mid-season formats, which will include some of our “Newlywed Game” type hi-jinks to add spice to our already spicy group. This recording follows the ABC network announcement that Once Upon a Time will end after this seventh season, and so this recording is one of the last three times our lively Once panel will gather together as a group. As such, stay tuned for this funky and somewhat bittersweet “lost” episode!
RECOMMENDATION
The Punisher is recommended overall by our CPU! panel to fans of comic books, particularly from the Marvel universe; fans of the various Defenders series; and fans of the Punisher character. The panel cautions that to truly appreciate what The Punisher offers as a program, it is best viewed after all solo Defender series/seasons released prior to the release of this series have also been viewed, particularly Marvel’s Daredevil Seasons 1 and 2, as the Punisher’s back story is primarily established in “Daredevil” Season 2 (which does not make sense without viewing that series’ first season). The panel also cautions that The Punisher is highly graphic and gory, featuring much violence and blood as befits a gun-toting antihero on a vendetta, so if you are an easily squeamish viewer, begin watching while prepared that you will see much in the way of blood and guts. The panel also generally and universally agrees that The Punisher is well-performed, well-written, and well-directed but for some qualms from some panelists about pacing and about Revah’s Madani character, which failed to connect to any of our six panelists, your Chief CP included. In any event, and despite the critiques described above, the panel almost universally had great fun watching this series and believes that anyone who considers themselves a fan of any or all of the individual Defenders would have fun watching it too.
THE FUTURE OF THE SHOW
The Punisher was automatically renewed by Netflix for a second season, though no tentative release date has yet been announced by the streaming giant, as the producers of the series are currently vetting scripts, according to panelist Kyle. As always, CPU! will be following all Defenders series, solo and crossover and related spin-offs,throughout all of the series’ runs as part of CPU!’s Marvel’s Defenders Series, so we will definitely return to podcast about Season Two following its release. In addition, the CPU! Marvel’s Defenders panel will return very soon to review Marvel’s Jessica Jones, Season 2, which was released to Netflix today! Until then, stay tuned!
A new podcast episode of Couch Potatoes Unite!, which is based on a blog of the same name hosted at couchpotatoesunite.wordpress.com. In this episode, recorded in December 2017, our enthusiastic panel of comic book and superhero enthusiasts – including moderator Kylie, Kristen, Nick, Hilary, Kyle, and Spencer – is back Around the Water Cooler as the Marvel’s Defenders Series panel finally discusses Season 1 of Marvel’s crossover miniseries event, from which the panel derives its name, The Defenders. If you have not watched any of The Defenders (or its companion series, Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist), be aware that there are MAJOR SPOILERS! Tell us what you think in the comments below and check out the blog and YouTube for other TV related discussions, in both podcast and blog format. Also, if there are other shows you’re interested in the blog covering, sound off below! Tell us what you like or don’t like. Keep the discussion going!
Who: “Marvel’s The Defenders” is a web television series based upon the Marvel Comics characters Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist, who form the eponymous superhero team. It is also a Netflix original series, always available on Netflix.
What: “Marvel’s The Defenders,” created by Douglas Petrie and Marco Ramirez, is set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), sharing continuity with the films of the franchise, and is the culmination of a series of interconnected shows from Marvel and Netflix. The limited series stars Charlie Cox as Matt Murdock aka Daredevil, Krysten Ritter as Jessica Jones, Mike Colter as Luke Cage, and Finn Jones as Danny Rand aka Iron Fist, all reprising their roles from their individual series. The miniseries also stars Eka Darville, Elden Henson, Jessica Henwick, Simone Missick, Ramón Rodríguez, Rachael Taylor, Deborah Ann Woll, Élodie Yung, Rosario Dawson, Scott Glenn, and Sigourney Weaver.
When: The first season of the series was released in its entirety to the Netflix streaming library on August 18, 2017.
Where: The action is set primarily in the New York City, New York, borough of Manhattan, as depicted in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, though there are glimpses of other boroughs, including Hell’s Kitchen and Harlem.
Why: To find out why individual podcast panelists started watching this show, listen to the podcast episode via the link below – though I will say that all of the panelists are fans of the Netflix original library and/or superhero/comic book based shows in their own right and have found themselves eagerly anticipating new entries in Netflix’s “Defenders” series of releases, particularly the cross-over event for which our panel is named! As a result, they’re committed to a CPU! series about same!
How – as in How Was It?
The pilot/premiere rating scale:
***** – I HAVE TO WATCH EVERYTHING. HOLY SMOKES!
**** – Well, it certainly seems intriguing. I’m going to keep watching, but I see possible pitfalls in the premise.
*** – I will give it six episodes and see what happens. There are things I like, and things I don’t. We’ll see which “things” are allowed to flourish.
** – I will give it three episodes. Chances are, I’m mainly bored, but there is some intrigue or fascination that could hold it together. No matter how unlikely.
* – Pass on this one, guys. It’s a snoozer/not funny/not interesting/not my cup of tea… there are too many options to waste time on this one.
Marvel’s The Defenders = 4.3, by average of the podcast panel.
SYNOPSIS
Set a few months after the events of the second season of Daredevil, and a month after the events of the first season of Iron Fist, the vigilantes Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist team up in New York City to fight a common enemy: the Hand.
How – as in How Was It? – THOUGHTS
As long-time listeners should know by now, CPU! is chock full of panelists with a proclivity for comic book and superhero TV shows and films, including your Chief CP. Our Marvel’s Defenders Series was born of this proclivity, as we have already covered the two available seasons of Daredevil, the one available season of JessicaJones, the one available season of Luke Cage, and the one available season of Iron Fist.Listen to the links below:
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode One, “Daredevil,” Season 1
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode Two, “Jessica Jones,” Season 1
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode Three, “Daredevil,” Season 2
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode Four, “Luke Cage,” Season 1
Marvel’s Defenders Series, Episode Five, “Iron Fist,” Season 1
As such, it was only right that we cover the next series in this universe, now the fifth in Netflix’s series of Marvel-centered shows and the culmination of creating the shows to begin with: “The Defenders” miniseries, featuring heroes Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist joining together to form a special force of the ilk of the Avengers or of the Justice League in the DC Universe. Thus, we bring you our first ever Defenders podcast episode – and the sixth episode of our Marvel’s Defenders Series – featuring Defenders panelists Nick, Kristen, Hilary, Kyle, and Spencer.
Our panel is, for the most part, warm to the crossover, with some panelists liking this climactic effort more than some of the solo entries leading up to it. Generally, the panelists loved seeing the four Defenders together, taking down the Hand, even though some thought the series somewhat slow; too short, at eight episodes rather than thirteen, compared to predecessor programs; and fuzzy in storytelling continuity when matched up to the solo Defender series. Also, many of our panelists construed the depiction of The Hand, the nefarious ninja organization that previously haunted Daredevil and Iron Fist, to be weak overall when compared to charismatic villain performances in solo series, particularly those of Vincent D’Onofrio as Kingpin and David Tennant as Kilgrave. To hear us hash out these opinions further, listen to our discussion via the embedded link below.
This podcast was recorded in December 2017, and there are, without question, MAJOR SPOILERS, as we cover major plot points throughout the first season of The Defenders. Do you agree or disagree? Listen at your own risk, and let us know what you think by commenting below!
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter (@cpupodcast), Instagram (@couchpotatoesunite), Pinterest (@cpupodcast), or email us at couchpotatoesunitepodcast@gmail.com – or subscribe to this blog, the YouTube channel, our iTunes channel, our Stitcher Radio channel , and/or find us on Google Play to keep track of brand new episodes. In the meantime, let us know what you think! Comment or review us in any of the above forums – we’d love your feedback!
Remember, new episodes and blog posts are published weekly! Next Wednesday, at long last, our Vampire Diaries panel, slightly smaller, returns to the Water Cooler to begin the long advertised two-part goodbye series in which we pay homage to the long-running teen supernatural drama, which ended its eight season run in March 2017. In the first episode/first part of our miniseries, we recap the second half of the final season. Stay tuned!
RECOMMENDATION
The Defenders is recommended overall by our CPU! panel to fans of comic books, particularly from the Marvel universe; fans of the various Defenders series; and fans of the individual Defender characters. The panel cautions that to truly appreciate what The Defenders offers as a program, it is best viewed after all solo Defender series/seasons released prior to the release of this miniseries have also been viewed. The panel generally and universally agrees that The Defenders is well-performed and mostly well-written and directed but for some qualms from some panelists about pacing and continuity, particularly with reference to how the various show runners have treated The Hand as overarching villains for several of the solo and now the crossover series. In any event, and despite the critiques described above, the panel universally had great fun watching this series and believes that anyone who considers themselves a fan of any or all of the individual Defenders would have fun watching it too.
THE FUTURE OF THE SHOW
The Defenders has not yet been renewed for a second season, though Netflix is no doubt preparing for subsequent solo series season releases as follows: Jessica Jones (Season 2) on March 8, 2018; Luke Cage (Season 2) in spring/summer 2018; Daredevil (Season 3) in summer/fall 2018; and Iron Fist (Season 2) in 2019. Netflix may be waiting to gauge reception to all of these new seasons as well as reviewing logistical considerations before jumping straight into a renewal commitment. As always, CPU! will be following The Defendersthroughout its series run as part of CPU!’s Marvel’s Defenders Series, so we will definitely return to podcast about a season two, should one be commissioned, and will keep you informed of all Netflix/Marvel coverage. In addition, the CPU! Marvel’s Defenders panel will return very soon to review The Punisher, Season 1, which was released to Netflix on November 17, 2017. Until then, stay tuned!
A new episode of Couch Potatoes Unite!, which is based on a blog of the same name hosted at couchpotatoesunite.wordpress.com. In this episode, recorded in July 2017, our empowered, all-female panel–including moderator Kylie, Kristen, Selene, and Samantha–gathered together Around the Water Cooler to simultaneously take a First Look while Looking Back at recently canceled spy-centered Captain America spin-off Marvel’s Agent Carter. If you have not watched any of Agent Carter, be aware that there are MAJOR SPOILERS. Tell us what you think in the comments below, and check out the blog and YouTube for other TV related discussions, in both podcast and blog format. Also, if there are other shows you’re interested in the blog covering, sound off below! Tell us what you like or don’t like. Keep the discussion going!
Who: “Marvel’s Agent Carter,” an action/adventure, superhero-inspired drama that aired on ABC from 2015-2016.
What: Created for ABC by Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely, and inspired by the 2011 film Captain America: The First Avenger, and the 2013 Marvel One-Shot short film of the same name, the series features the Marvel Comics character Peggy Carter, with Hayley Atwell reprising her role from the Captain America film series and One-Shot, as she must balance life as a secret agent with that of a single woman in 1940s America.
When: The show aired for two seasons from 2015 to 2016 on ABC.
Where: The show is set in New York City, New York, in 1946, in the first season and in Los Angeles, California, in 1947, in the second season.
Why: Listen to the podcast for the panelists’ individual stories on how they found Marvel’s Agent Carter.
During the annual Fall TV Preview for the 2014-2015 season, CPU! Chief Kylie picked up this show for viewing. When I picked it up, I said:
I always wondered what happened to Peggy after Captain America was hurtled forward in time to be an Avenger. Finally, the answer will be revealed! I liked her character, and I want to know about the sixty plus years in between Captain America’s jaunts as protective patriot. Thank you, ABC, Marvel, Disney, for filling this void. I’m not even being sarcastic! Hence, the pick up.
How – as in How Was It?
The pilot/premiere rating scale:
***** – I HAVE TO WATCH EVERYTHING. HOLY SMOKES!
**** – Well, it certainly seems intriguing. I’m going to keep watching, but I see possible pitfalls in the premise.
*** – I will give it six episodes and see what happens. There are things I like, and things I don’t. We’ll see which “things” are allowed to flourish.
** – I will give it three episodes. Chances are, I’m mainly bored, but there is some intrigue or fascination that could hold it together. No matter how unlikely.
* – Pass on this one, guys. It’s a snoozer/not funny/not interesting/not my cup of tea… there are too many options to waste time on this one.
Marvel’s Agent Carter = 3.9, by average of the podcast panel.
SYNOPSIS
The first season takes place in 1946, with Peggy Carter (Atwell) having to balance the routine office work she does for the Strategic Scientific Reserve (SSR) in New York City with secretly assisting Howard Stark, who finds himself framed for supplying deadly weapons to enemies of the United States. Carter is assisted by Stark’s butler, Edwin Jarvis (James D’Arcy), to find those responsible and dispose of the weapons. In the second season, Carter moves from New York City to Los Angeles to deal with the threats of the new Atomic Age by the Secret Empire in the aftermath of World War II, gaining new friends, a new home, and a potential new love interest.
THOUGHTS
A group of powerful CPU! regular panelists – all strong, kick-ass women with a penchant for Marvel heroines of a similar type – were ready to don red hats, blue smart suits, and Look Back at Marvel’s Agent Carter, which was unceremoniously canceled after two short seasons by ABC. Specifically, regular CPU! panelists Kristen, Selene, and Samantha gathered “Around the Water Cooler” to take a “First Look” while “Looking Back” (we’re complicated around here!) at the Captain America spin-off, from Peggy’s return to New York City from the war and the devastation of believing Steve Rogers to have died, to her encounter with zero matter and its destructive effects in LA.Though this program’s two seasons came and went somewhat quickly, depending upon one’s point of view, they clearly made an impression, which the panel wistfully dissects in the episode below.
This podcast was recorded in July 2017, and there are, without question, MAJOR SPOILERS, as we cover major plot points in Agent Carter. Listen at your own risk, and let us know what you think by commenting below!
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter (@cpupodcast), Instagram (@couchpotatoesunite), Pinterest (@cpupodcast), or email us at couchpotatoesunitepodcast@gmail.com – or subscribe to this blog, the YouTube channel, our iTunes channel, our Stitcher Radio channel , and/or find us on Google Play to keep track of brand new episodes. In the meantime, let us know what you think! Comment or review us in any of the above forums – we’d love your feedback!
Remember, new episodes and blog posts are published weekly! Next Wednesday – another schedule change! – we’ll return to our Buffy-Verse Series around the Water Cooler when our panel Looks Back at the first two seasons of Angel, with admittedly, moderately lukewarm results. Stay tuned!
RECOMMENDATION
The panel recommends Agent Carter to all but particularly to women, as Peggy Carter is a strong, smart female lead who can take of herself and save the day when all else fails, all with a keen 1940s fashion sense. The panel proved particularly effusive about the visual presentation of this show, from art direction to costuming, from cinematography to visual direction (not necessarily including pacing and other aspects of the direction, which particularly faltered near the middle of each of the available seasons). Several of the panelists also see this program as easily reviewed and watched again, with only 18 high quality episodes to digest, marked notably by Atwell’s strong, charismatic performance as the titular character, guiding the proceedings. Agent Carter also keeps its tongue firmly in cheek, containing gratifying winks and nods to the Captain America films and other aspects of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Plus, the chemistry between Atwell and D’Arcy is highly enjoyable as the odd couple of unlikely spies that they become. Though each season is self-contained, the second season unfortunately ends with the briefest of teasers featuring a loss of a major character at the hand of a mysterious, unidentified figure, meaning the show ends on somewhat of a cliffhanger, unlikely to be resolved in the near future. The panel, therefore, qualifies its recommendation with caution, as the button cliffhanger left the panel with a lack of closure or easy satisfaction, which we expect would be a common reaction.
THE FUTURE OF THE SHOW
Canceled! Agent Carter was canceled after two seasons by ABC. What’s worse: it gets no streaming love! You are able to purchase the season separately on Amazon.com as a digital streaming copy or as DVD/Blu-Ray. There is no neat button ending on this series, so while the panel generally recommends the show as above, the panelists do so with caution, given the less than satisfactory cliffhanger ending attached to the final moments of the second season.
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