Echo: Shedding Light on Marvel's Obscure Realm

In "Echo," Marvel once again utilizes Disney+ to appeal to a specific group of fans, offering a hard-edged, R-rated return to its Netflix "street-level" series like "Luke Cage" and "Jessica Jones". This may be seen as a diversion from focusing on major franchises within the cinematic universe. Viewers' interest in these smaller projects will likely determine the response to this limited series, which brings an obscure character from "Hawkeye" into the spotlight.

The introduction of a new "Marvel Spotlight" brand for telling standalone stories presents interesting opportunities, allowing for a five-episode adventure like this. Exploring a character that challenges superhero norms - a deaf Choctaw woman missing part of her leg due to a childhood accident - in a dark, violent way signals that this isn't meant for younger audiences.

Without considering the broader context of Marvel's lackluster box-office performance in 2023, the "Captain Marvel" and "Ant-Man and the Wasp" sequels failing to meet commercial and creative expectations, it seems that the Disney+ ventures have contributed to weakening the brand.

Looking past those concerns and focusing on "Echo" on its own merits, the series dutifully delves into the origin story of Maya Lopez (played by Alaqua Cox), an indigenous woman taken in by the ruthless crime boss known as the Kingpin/Wilson Fisk (portrayed by Vincent D'Onofrio), who encourages her to "take your pain, and make it something useful."

Vincent D'Onofrio as Wilson Fisk/Kingpin in "Echo."

Marvel Studios and Netflix

"Becoming useful" entails taking on the role of his enforcer, until an encounter with a specific superhero helps Maya realize Kingpin's involvement in her father's death. This realization prompts her to embark on a journey from New York back to her family's roots in Oklahoma.

While "Echo" benefits from its ties to "Hawkeye" and "Daredevil," the three previewed episodes delve too deeply into tribal history, mythology, and Maya's family ties. Despite some action, the stakes feel low and the pacing is inconsistent. However, "Echo" does feature indigenous talent and receives strong support from actors Graham Greene and Zahn McClarnon. The show also effectively uses sound to illustrate Maya's experiences and what she is unable to hear.

Breaking from tradition by releasing all five "Echo" episodes at once, Marvel and Disney+ can present the series as a binge-worthy return to a grittier style, while also serving as a preview for a potential Daredevil revival in the future.

In theory, streaming platforms are the perfect place to experiment with new ideas and take creative chances. However, Marvel's latest Disney+ offering feels underwhelming, even by these standards, resulting in an "Echo" that fails to make a significant impact.

"Echo" premieres January 9 on Disney+.