SERIES REVIEW – Despite Alaqua Cox’s captivating performance, Echo is merely another mixed bag production from the superhero universe that once pioneered the genre. While Cox’s character is intriguing and layered, the series falls short of the awe-inspiring quality we’ve come to expect from Marvel. Echo attempts to explore new territories, but ultimately remains stuck in the mediocrity from which it cannot break free. This production further weakens Marvel’s once robust superhero universe, now losing its earlier brilliance and innovative edge.

Echo is Marvel’s first live-action spinoff following 2021’s “Hawkeye”, featuring Alaqua Cox returning alongside Charlie Cox’s Daredevil and Vincent D’Onofrio’s Kingpin. This series marks several firsts for the MCU, like debuting simultaneously on Disney+ and Hulu, being the first MCU Disney+ series with a TV-MA rating, and releasing in binge-style with all five episodes available on the same day. Critics who saw the first two episodes praised the action scenes and Alaqua Cox’s performance, but some criticized the storytelling and pacing.

The transformation of “Little Maya” into a super assassin

The series follows Maya Lopez (Alaqua Cox) as she flees from Wilson Fisk’s (Vincent D’Onofrio) criminal empire. Throughout the plot, she returns home and must confront her own family and legacy. The series features other well-known characters like “Reservation Dogs” star Devery Jacobs, and Vincent D’Onofrio as Kingpin.

We first met Maya Lopez’s character in Marvel’s “Hawkeye” series, where she appeared as the deaf gang leader determined to punish Clint Barton, a.k.a Ronin, for his vigilante actions. Echo continues Maya’s story as she confronts her past and family legacy while fleeing from Kingpin’s vengeance.

During the new storyline, her relationship with “Reservation Dogs” star Devery Jacobs unfolds, and also with another iconic Marvel villain, Kingpin, portrayed by Vincent D’Onofrio.

A Unique Protagonist Character

Maya Lopez’s character is unique in the Marvel universe, being a rare screen representation of a Native American and deaf heroine. The series pays special attention to Maya’s heritage and its influence on her becoming the titular character, Echo. The series focuses not only on physical confrontations and action scenes but also on Maya’s personal growth and complex relationships with other characters.

Additionally, the series highlights the complex dynamic between Maya and Kingpin, which started in the “Hawkeye” series. In Echo, Kingpin is not just a villain but a multifaceted character who significantly impacts Maya’s life and decisions.

Thus, Echo is not just a superhero action series but also a deeper, character-driven story focusing on less explored aspects of the Marvel universe. Maya Lopez’s character and her journey are central, as she battles her past, discovers herself, and confronts opposing forces.

Father Complex

Echo importantly features a kind of father-daughter dynamic between Maya and Kingpin, further highlighted by D’Onofrio’s largely improvised portrayal. The series looks back at the events of “Hawkeye,” linking Maya’s past and background with the current plot.

Alaqua Cox, a member of the Choctaw Nation, and director Sydney Freeland wanted the show to reflect her heritage. To this end, Freeland and her team consulted with the Choctaw Nation about history, costumes, and characters. These elements are beautifully integrated into the series, which also receives complete audio synchronization in the Choctaw language.

The series’ action scenes are impressive and engaging, with complex fight scenes executed like a well-rehearsed choreography. According to Fisk’s character, Maya needs to transform pain and loss into something useful, a lesson Maya heeds. Although Maya primarily portrays an anti-hero, it’s hard not to root for her victory.

Echo Innovates in Many Ways

The Echo series offers several “firsts” for Marvel and Disney+. It’s the first show under the Marvel Spotlight and the first with a TV-MA rating. It’s also the first to introduce a Native American and deaf character in Marvel and the first to debut simultaneously on Disney+ and Hulu.

Additionally, Echo is dark, gritty, relatively addictive, and ‘binge-friendly,’ presenting great, beloved characters and exciting action scenes. No prior Marvel knowledge is needed to enjoy the series, though it certainly helps if you’ve seen a good number of them.

The episodes were directed by Sydney Freeland (Navajo) and Catriona McKenzie (Gunaikurnai), with executive producers including Kevin Feige, Stephen Broussard, Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Brad Winderbaum, Amy Rardin, Sydney Freeland, Christina King, and Jason Gavin.

Good Direction, but Too Many Negatives

Echo reveals a new, exciting side of the Marvel universe through the character of Maya Lopez. The series adopts a darker, more violent tone that focuses on confronting the protagonist’s past and heritage. While the central character’s unique Native American background is highlighted, the series tries to innovate within the usual frameworks of Marvel shows.

However, there are shortcomings in storytelling and pacing. The plot can seem chaotic and challenging for newcomers to follow, affecting the viewer experience. Additionally, while the series attempts innovation, it doesn’t always smoothly succeed and sometimes strays from the main narratives, reducing tension and interest.

In summary, Echo offers a refreshing variation in the Marvel universe but falls short in certain aspects of narrative and execution compared to previous Marvel productions.

-Gergely Herpai (BadSector)-