In contrast to the other Netflix Marvel series, not enough thought seems to have been put into what makes Danny Rand (Finn Jones) compelling. Each of the other Defenders have well-defined character traits: Matt Murdock struggles with his Catholic guilt while dealing harshly with the scum of the Earth, Jessica Jones is an alcoholic survivor of sexual abuse who tries and often fails to make good choices, and Luke Cage carries the injustice and conflict of his past into every situation. Danny has no such defining traits, and the flashes of character we do see are inconsistent and serve to make the character less compelling.

For example, much of the show's conflict arises from Danny's struggles to control his anger while others try to talk him down. Not only does this make little sense for a character who has "spent the last 15 years learning to control (his) body, mind and emotions," but it's not justified by the narrative—Danny simply isn't given a reason for this struggle beyond a plot device.

Moreover, his motivations are unclear. For those unaware, Danny's title of Iron Fist means he's the designated protector of the mystical city of K'un L'un, where he trained—a post he abandons at his first chance, despite not having a clear reason. Even when asked directly why he left, which happens more than once, he's unable to give a reason beyond a vague need for "answers." This lack of motivation and strong characterization extends to supporting characters as well—for instance, one attempts to have Danny killed in the very first episode, an over-the-top response to his reappearance that doesn't fit with the character's later actions.