Unearthing Marvel's Hidden Gem: Why This TV Show is Still a Must-Watch 5 Years Later
Experience the perfect blend of real-world issues and superhero thrills in Marvel's Cloak and Dagger This forgotten gem of an MCU drama is a must-watch, offering better ties and cultural depth than most Marvel TV shows Discover if Cloak and Dagger will make a triumphant return to the MCU!
Summary
Marvel's Cloak & Dagger is a forgotten gem in the MCU, with impressive ties to the greater universe and a unique New Orleans setting.
The show showcases Roxxon, a corrupt megacorporation that has made appearances as a hidden reference in previous MCU projects. Cloak & Dagger skillfully combines real-world issues, cultural elements, and superhero action, offering a more realistic and intense approach to the genre.
Marvel's Cloak & Dagger, even five years after its premiere, remains a compelling show within the MCU. Unlike many Marvel series, it is richly intertwined with the broader MCU, and its utilization of the unique New Orleans setting is remarkable. The strong chemistry between Cloak (played by Aubrey Joseph) and Dagger (played by Olivia Holt) adds further depth to the show.
The story revolves around Tyrone and Tandy, who accidentally obtain their light and dark energy abilities as children during the Roxxon Gulf platform explosion. Eight years later, they reunite and discover their powers, becoming inextricably linked as a "divine pairing." However, the show goes beyond the journey of two teenagers uncovering the origins of their powers and battling a corrupt megacorporation. It also delves into the interconnectedness of the MCU, making it an enticing watch for fans of the genre who may have missed it when it premiered in 2018.
Cloak And Dagger Has Better MCU Ties Than Most Marvel TV Shows
The number of connections to the wider MCU found in Cloak & Dagger, which originally aired on ABC's Freeform, is impressive. However, these connections do not overshadow the show itself or require extensive knowledge of the MCU to be understood, which is ideal. The main antagonists of the series are the corrupt and greedy megacorporation Roxxon, a notable change as they were previously used as Easter eggs in various MCU movies and shows but are now at the forefront.
For instance, Roxxon was a part of the Council of Nine in Marvel's Agent Carter series, an illegal cartel that manipulated the global economy for their own gain. They also made appearances in the background of all three Iron Man movies, with a Roxxon gas station being featured in the short film A Funny Thing Happened On The Way to Thor's Hammer starring Agent Phil Coulson. Additionally, a Roxxcart megastore was recently showcased in Marvel's Loki series. However, understanding these references is not necessary to comprehend Roxxon's role in Cloak & Dagger, although viewers who do catch them will be rewarded.
Cloak And Dagger Balanced Real-World Problems And Culture With Superheroics
Similarly, the two seasons of Cloak & Dagger also showcase equally satisfying references and nods to various Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) properties like Luke Cage, Daredevil, Agents of SHIELD, Iron Fist, Doctor Strange, and Iron Man. This exemplifies a masterful approach in establishing deep connections within the expansive cinematic universe, all the while staying true to the core focus of the show. However, it is crucial to note that the MCU series offers much more than just entertaining Easter eggs.
Marvel's TV shows have not often explored real-world issues and culture as effectively as the MCU movies. However, the series takes full advantage of the vibrant setting of New Orleans, especially when it comes to Tyrone's character development and his complex family dynamics. A notable example is the significance of the cloak he is named after in the comics, which is deeply rooted in New Orleans culture. Originally, Tyrone's older brother had created the cloak for Mardi Gras, but tragically, he was killed by a distracted police officer before he could complete it. Years later, Tyrone finishes the cloak as a tribute to his brother's memory and utilizes it to channel his Darkforce powers.
Tany also goes through her own transformative journey as she navigates her strained relationship with her mother. Following the tragic death of Tandy's father, who was unjustly blamed for a devastating explosion, their grief and trauma pushed them apart. This event allowed Roxxon, the company her father worked for, to continue their quest for the power source that bestowed Tandy and Tyrone with their extraordinary abilities as Cloak and Dagger.
In general, the show leans more towards being a character-driven drama with superheroes in the background rather than a typical action-packed superhero spectacle. While this may not appeal to everyone, it sets the show apart, and the dramatic elements are extremely well-executed. Additionally, the connection between Tandy and Tyrone is not overtly romantic or forced. Although this could have been explored in future seasons, their bond remains a strong friendship that allows for more compelling interactions, transcending the typical teenage romantic strife.
Will Cloak And Dagger Return To The MCU?
While it's possible, the future for Cloak & Dagger appears to be bleak five years later. Despite a crossover episode on Marvel's Runaways season 3 in 2019, the chances of future appearances seem unlikely. With Marvel Studios now focusing on new shows for Disney+ and Marvel Television being dissolved in the same year, non-Defenders television shows are being largely ignored by the MCU. Although their canon status hasn't been officially revoked, they are not being utilized in the future of the MCU. However, Cloak & Dagger still offers compelling drama and has solid connections to the MCU, making it worth a watch.
