The Defenders was a long-awaited series, ever since Marvel Television and Netflix combined to produce Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, and the original, Daredevil. Every single one of these superheroes was destined to meet in New York City as one common enemy emerged from the dark.
While the series itself failed to reach the expectations of the fans, The Defenders, by no means, was a dull affair, even though the first couple of episodes felt like fillers. Some of the fighting sequences were breathtaking, especially the ones involving Matthew Murdock. Here’s how every episode from the limited series ranks according to IMDb.
“The H Word” (7.5)
In the first episode of the series, every superhero is doing what they usually do. Well, Matthew Murdock is the exception, who seems to have given up the Daredevil suit after watching Elektra die in front of his eyes. Danny Rand (aka The Iron Fist) is still hunting The Hand, while Jessica Jones is hungover after having a terrible night. The Unbreakable One, Luke Cage, is released from prison and Foggy Nelson, his lawyer, makes an appearance like the good man he is. Alexandra Raid, the leader of The Hand, wants to save their organization from extinction and has a plan in place. Meanwhile, Danny (and Colleen Wing) returns to New York City, with the guilt of abandoning K’un – Lun.
“Mean Right Hook” (7.9)
In the second episode of the series, Matt Murdock cannot stop the temptation of becoming Daredevil again, because he is hearing some bad things from the neighborhood. Finally, he decides to go after the perpetrators. Jessica Jones’ new client, John Raymond, had a stockpile of explosives and the situation is made clear to Misty Knight. Rand and Colleen made their way to Chinatown, while Cage followed The White Hat and decided to take care of the situation by himself. Matt and Foggy reconnect before Jessica gets to know that her new case is related to something very strange.
“Fish In The Jailhouse” (8.0)
The penultimate episode of the series disappoints, especially after the beautifully shocking end to the sixth episode. Everything is slow about this episode.
First of all, Matt, Jessica, and Luke are banged up after their latest meeting with Elektra and the NYPD will not let them leave unless they give them what they are looking for. Of course, that is not happening, so The Defenders decide to make a run for it. Meanwhile, Elektra and Danny debate about their mentors.
“Take Shelter” (8.1)
In the fifth episode of the series, the much-awaited clash between The Defenders and The Hand soldiers takes place, with Matt taking Elektra away, in order to remind her who she actually is. This fight sequence comes close second to the one in the third episode. Also, in all the chaos, Elektra gives a hint that she isn’t all Black Sky by sparing Matt’s life. Luke manages to not only survive a truck strike but also bring with him one of The Hand’s top members, Sowande, who is going to be interrogated by The Defenders. Elsewhere, Alexandra has to open up about her life in order to manipulate Elektra into doing her bidding.
“The Defenders” (8.3)
The finale of the series lived up to its billing. Matt, Luke, and Jessica are inside The Midland Circle building contemplating whether they should blow the hell out of it. And they agree to do it, only if no innocent people get killed. Afterward, Luke, Jessica, and Daredevil make their way to fight The Hand and save Danny. The fight sequence doesn’t disappoint and the ending takes the cake. Matt wants to be with Elektra and he’s ready to die for it. As the bomb blows, Matt stays back with his first love.
“Ashes, Ashes” (8.4)
In the sixth episode of the series, Danny isn’t happy about a singular decision, thanks to Sowande’s reveal that Iron First is the absolute key to what they are seeking. Matt, Jessica, and Luke decide that they have to hide the Immortal Iron Fist.
Later, Jessica, and Matt investigate what is odd about Midland Circle before Elektra successfully manages to capture Danny. Also, the Black Sky makes an unpopular decision.
“Royal Dragon” (8.5)
In the fourth episode of the series, Jessica, Matt, Danny, and Luke go to hide out in The Royal Dragon, where they talk about who is the enemy and what are they doing here. This conversation was highly awaited and to be fair, it didn’t disappoint. Later, Stick makes an appearance to give more clues about what is exactly going on.
With Alexandra, Elektra gets to know who she was in her previous life, while Matt wonders whether her ex-girlfriend is really back from the dead. The Hand wants the Iron Fist for some reason and they’ll do anything to get him back. Danny is still puzzled as to what he’s supposed to do, while Jessica is contemplating involving herself in this.
“Worst Behaviour” (8.9)
The third episode of season 3 finally gave the fans what they were looking for. Jessica, Matt, Danny, and Cage’s paths collide as they get circles by one common enemy, The Hand. The episode starts with Alexandra and The Hand reviving Elektra or The Black Sky before Jessica finds herself talking to Matt, who wants to be her lawyer. When Jessica disagrees, Matt follows her but it isn’t that easy to follow the mighty Jessica Jones without her noticing, is it? Meanwhile, Danny and Cage talk about the previous night’s events. Stick finds himself in trouble again but he is a stubborn old man. Elsewhere, Midland Circle seems to be a place in demand right now.
