Thanks for the read! Always open to critique!



Every day, opportunities in the hemisphere, go untapped. When it comes to Iron Fist and its prospective future, I hope its chances improve don’t go untouched. Even with the wave of issues and protests, there’s still time and opportunity for the show to drastically improve and even change. Agents of SHIELD’s first season was a mess, but now look how far the series has come. With the right plot, and expansion of subjects that were barely explored in the first season, Iron Fist could become a great show. So where do these alterations and improvements begin?



Davos Must Be the ONLY Main Villain





Once Davos arrived, Iron Fist received a shock of intriguing energy. The fighter of few words brought an intensity, jealousy, rage and virtue that was a welcome breath of fresh air. That jealousy turned to dissatisfaction as he watched his brother Danny be seduced and corrupted by the outside world, and shun his duties when it came to K’un Lun. Davos was a great counter to Danny and his wayward battle with his own responsibilities. He put Danny’s loyalties into perspective and poked definitive holes into the Living Weapon’s questionable choices. Season 2 needs a sole adversary who can hit Danny where it hurts. Davos being someone so close to him, will allow for a more personal battle to ensue, one born of betrayal and disappointment.





Henchmen are fine and even the occasional inclusion of an adversary who’s stay may be brief, or supportive or even antagonistic to Davos, but Davos should be the primary individual who’s leading the charge of antagonizing Danny on all levels. The struggle between these brothers, must be the most enthralling conflict.



Embrace the Fantasy & Mythology





The explanation of the mythology of K’un Lun and the Iron Fist was intangible at times. I understood the whole mysterious vibe the show was trying to apply to the mystical city, but giving more attention to K’un Lun would’ve added an advantage to comprehending Danny’s world there. Budget issues aside, the show needs to do EVERYTHING in its power to explore K’un Lun a lot more. Shou Lao has to be more than glowing red eyes. We need to step foot into the interdimensional city.



*I'm a fan of The Magicians and that is a show that has a high fantasy concept but somehow grounds it in a realistic world.









*The Magicians, Buffy, Angel, Fringe etc. Look to shows such as these to see how fantasy can implemented, but a grounded tone can still be kept. The tone these shows have/had, that is what Iron Fist should be going for to a degree.





In the comics, the Iron Fist responsibility is more than just guarding the way and his powers more expansive than just punching things. Season 2 should highlight why Danny has to guard the city. Also, his powers need to expand for sure. Honing in on the disappearance of K’un Lun can open the doors to learning more about it. Danny and Davos should be shaken by its vanishing and this could lead to flashback episodes where audiences can see the city and understand its importance.





If you can’t showcase a dragon with special effects, then do it through old style Chinese animation. Tell the story of the battle between Danny and Shou Lao, but perhaps do it like a Wolf Smoke Studio animation. I’ll take that. Anything, that can make Shou Lao appear tangible is welcome.



Editing & Direction

The choreography is fine. How its shot, and more importantly, how its edited is not. There were some bright spots, but there were plenty of duds as well. Also, please give Finn Jones more than 15 minutes before a scene to learn the choreography. Don't make Season 2 another rush job when it comes to this aspect.





Narrative & Writing

The plot of the first season, while engaging at times, was uninteresting for the most part. The first season felt like Danny just happened to be caught in a turbulence of varying and muddled plot points. The show needs to hone its attention on Danny and his actions. Also, the Meachum Family drama seemed to trump the Iron Fist drama. Joy and her corporate struggles isn’t the story I want to see in a show about a martial arts hero. Not to say her story wasn’t compelling, but it needed to take a backseat to Danny’s journey, as it was often front and center. Same goes for Ward, who was oddly enough, the most compelling character.



The writing should be better. Sharpening in focus on Danny and less muddied plots will only help this become a reality. Obviously, supporting characters should have arcs of their own, but Danny’s should always be the most prominent.



Costume

Because….







The Pitch : this is my own idea for what I would want out of the story for season 2. It’s just meant to highlight the sort of imaginative thinking I’d want to come from the writers. The story could be totally different, but if the writers bring more ingenuity when it comes to the ideas and witting, it’s all good. There’s a lot of high fantasy in the Iron Fist mythos. Hopefully, the plot of season 2 has that intact.

Comic Book Inspiration(s): Brubaker/Fraction Iron Fist Run



*This should be the BIBLE in the writer’s room from now on





*Brubaker and Fraction blend their strengths to give us a wild examination of a strange world. We get women who turn into cranes, pirate queens, airplanes with angel figureheads, hauntingly beautiful subway stations with pneumatic trains, floating trains packed with explosives, steampunk interdimensional tunnels, Lightning Lords of Nepal, gun-toting courtesans in Harlem, the Green Mist of Death, scantily-clad and buxom cowgirls, poet emperors, and all sorts of cool martial arts action. These elements could easily show up in a regular superhero book, of course, but the way Brubaker and Fraction blend it into one delightfully pulpy lather makes this comic a world-building exercise that’s undeniably amazing. Iron Fist the Netflix series should do the same.



The Plot: my layout of the narrative is merely to set up what will occur and with whom. Its laying out the trajectory of the season by highlighting everyone’s goals and where they’re at. Simple stuff.



*This is obviously being born out of a lack of knowledge of where Danny will end up after Defenders. A lot of what’s though up here is conjecture, such as Madam Gao’s origins.



*The concept that possessing the Iron Fist is a legacy should be established at the start of every episode. Other men and women throughout history used the iron fist in battle as well. Prior to the episodes kicking off, a short uber-stylish, manga-influenced 2D animation, in the style of Wolf Smoke Studio’s work, will play and highlight an Iron Fist of the past.





The Skinny

Following the events of Defenders and Season 1 of Iron Fist, Season 2 picks up the threads of the culmination of Season 1. The main plot revolves around Danny not only combatting Davos and Joy’s vendetta against him, which includes usurping his Iron Fist power, crumbling his company and killing him, but Danny also reeling with the repercussions of leaving his post at K’un Lun. This leads to the discovery of an escaped criminal, and another Iron Fist, Orson Randall, and a scheme of revenge stemming from Madam Gao. K’un Lun’s departure also leads to a mysterious object (Egg of Shou Lao) being unearthed, that could lead to its return, as well as a figure from the past who means to use this object to lead to K’un Lun’s destruction.



Meanwhile, Danny continues to cultivate his budding friendship with Luke Cage, as well as Misty Knight. This involves the occasional stop to Harlem to hang with his new partner in crime. Colleen is still running her dojo, but has also started a side gig as a private investigator/bounty hunter. She becomes involved with an enigmatic Chinese native (Shang-Chi) who runs afoul of criminals while searching for his father. Joy, along with the support of Davos, is pushing for a hostile takeover of Rand, which puts Ward at odds with his sister.



The Players: a brief detailed rundown of the characters, their backgrounds and their arcs during the season.

Danny Rand/Iron Fist

We find Danny in a unique place. With no apparent way to contact K’un Lun, assuming the gate simply closed, he’s half-heartedly committing to his life as Danny Rand businessman, as well as Iron Fist, vigilante. He’s become close with new found friends Luke and Misty and he’s continuing his relationship with Colleen. He’s been wrestling with regret due to neglecting his post in K’un Lun. As he meditates every day, he envisions his old home and his master Lei Kung. But a plot to kill him and destroy his world, that’s put into motion by Davos and Joy, opens up new dangers such as his company being the victim of a possible hostile takeover by the Chinese division of Roxxon, Wai Go Industries; which comes with attacks not only in the boardroom, but also at Rand warehouses being hit by a Chinatown gang Golden Tigers under Wai Go’s employ.



Additionally, Danny becomes aware of another Iron Fist by the name of Orson Randall, who’s being hunted by Davos, Madam Gao and a strange figure from the past. This relationship leads to Danny learning more about the Iron Fist, K’un Lun and his purpose as the Living Weapon. Gone is the excessive naivete. Its replaced with a strong-minded and more aware Danny Rand, who’s matured in his abilities thanks to time, and mentoring from Orson. But, Danny should learn from Orson’s past disregard in his duties as the Iron Fist and see how it destroyed him. This should set Danny on a path to expel any disregard he may have, and to fully embrace his role as an Immortal Weapon. For example, if he must kill, he’s got to kill. If K’un Lun needs him, he’s already there.



*Danny's relationship with Danny should be a sort of subsidiary part of the narrative. Little things like establishing their wisdom versus youth dynamic is significant. And then back and forth, the clashigng of attitudes, like Danny yearning to move in with Luke and live the real urban experience and Luke teasing him about it. A constant in the arm of the MCU Netflix shows is how little money each character has. Luke almost finds it annoying how Danny is so nonchalant about it. These little things will slowly grow the relationship.



Colleen Wing

Continuing her relationship with Danny and aiding him in stopping the Golden Tigers. She is well as diving into new opportunities by being a bounty hunter on the side. One of her bail jumpers sets her on the course to an intriguing mystery. A Chinese national by the name of Shang-Chi, has a bounty on his head for allegedly killing a man tied to his father’s disappearance. Colleen gets entangled in the ordeal and forms a relationship with Shang-Chi in the process. Needless to say, her conflicting roles and duties will clash.



Colleen is a character capable of headlining, or co-headlining, a show. I'd like to see her have an arc that's really showcases how interesting and compelling she is. I definitely want a Daughters of the Dragon show, and this would be my way of moving her into that direction.

Gin Goh

This figure is Gin Goh is an escapee from the Eighth City. When K’un Lun disappeared, the Eighth City, a prison that K’un Lun oversaw, was affected. A passing interdimensional disturbance occurred and a doorway opened. A prison break ensued and a battle raged. Since K’un Lun vanished, those in the prison loss resources and backup and were eventually defeated. During the time the gateway was opened, Gin Goh escaped to Earth. Gin Goh is meant to represent one of the consequences of Danny neglecting his post and K’un Lun vanishing. In the comics, he’s an interesting adversary who isn’t necessarily well known, but I liked his backstory. He’s being used to kill Orson Randall (more on him later).



Gin Gih is meant to symbolize the show's ability and desire to embrace the mythology and sometimes look to use the more out there aspects of the Iron Fist mythos.

Joy Meachum

Little does Danny know, the Roxxon takeover is coming from Joy, who’s united with Davos to destroy Danny’s world. Joy has become a CORPORATE FIXER of sorts and has acquired many contacts in the shady world of white color crime. Aligning herself with Wai Go Industries, Joy plans to take over Rand. The way Joy sees it, her life was moderately normal before Danny walked back into it. Joy knew nothing about Harold's resurrection and subsequently gained him back and lost him again all within a week or two maybe. In Joy's mind, all of her predicaments start with Danny, so she believes they may end with him too. She can take charge of her life finally - but with murder.



Ward Meachum

Searching for his little sister, Ward is eventually surprised when he finds her in charge of a hostile takeover of Rand. Ward is resolute in bringing his sister home, while trying to understand her recent disloyalty. Dead daddy issues abound.



Zhou Cheng/Drunken Master

Angered by his loss to Dany in battle, Cheng becomes resolute in killing him. Although serving The Hand and Madam Gao, Cheng’s loyalties don’t solely rest there. He became wayward in life and joined The Hand for money. However, meeting the Iron Fist and losing to him reignited an old purpose.







That beast Cheng quiets with booze is Ch’I-Lin, the life force of a creature that hungers for the energy of the Iron Fist. Cheng is descended from the Lighting Lords of Nepal, a kind of adversarial dojo who hated the Iron Fist and worshipped the power of Ch’I Lin. Reuniting with his brother Xao, a partner at Wai Go Industries, Cheng hopes to kill Danny and absorb the Egg of Shao Lao, from which Shou-Lao the Undying shall be reborn for the next Iron Fist to fight in the hopes of ending the cycle and absorbing all power form Shao Lao the Undying in one fell swoop. Additionally, absorbing power form the egg will resurrect the disappearing city as it is a direct tether to K’un Lun.



This guy was a lot fo fun and he commands the screen. Would love to have him come back.

Xao

Brother of Zhou Cheng and board member at Wai Go Industries, the Chinese division of Roxxon. Wai Go is really a front for the Lightening Lords of Nepal (surviving members Xao and Zhou) and used by Xao and his brother to takeover Rand use its resources to uncover the Egg of Shou Lao and destroy K’un Lun.

Davos

Davos believes that Danny is misusing the power of the Iron Fist, and is mad at him for leaving K'un-Lun unprotected and without saying goodbye. Utilizing Joy as a guide of sorts when it comes to the outside world, Davos has become a bit more cultured. He is well into this journey to kill Danny and that entails a partnership with Madam Gao. Gao has given Davos access to her her daughters, who he siphons chi from when needed, so his power will grow once he decides to take on Danny. This gift will only continue as long as Davos promises to locate and destroy the renegade Iron Fist Orson Randall in return





Determined and fueled by his hurt and disappointment, Davos is vile and unrelenting in his quest to destroy everything Danny holds dear. Danny’s negligence took away what Davos treasured (K’un Lun), so he’ll take away what Danny cherishes.



Madam Gao



Madam Gao has particular a reason for finding Orson Randall. Orson made himself known recently when K’un Lun seemingly vanished and he felt not only its absence, but Danny’s use of the Iron Fist Power. He visited the gate, where he was spotted by one of Gao’s daughters.



In 1955, a meeting took place with all seven lords where Gao, then ruler of the Order of the Crane Mother, accused Orson Randall, the Iron Fist of that time, of spitting in the face of tradition because he refused to participate in the Tournament of the Heavenly Cities. All council members except Lei Kung agreed that Orson Randall should face punishment. Orson Randall would be confronted by the Immortal Weapons and he ended up killing the Immortal Weapon of Ku'n-Zi, the land from which Crane Mother was born. Orson Randall would elude capture and Crane Mother had a personal vendetta against him ever since. Gao, would eventually leave K’un Lun and cut all ties with the city. From then on, she would have immense disdain for K’un Lun and Randall.







She unites with Davos and Wai Go in the hopes of not only finding and killing Orson, but also destroying K’un Lun (unbeknownst to Davos of course).

*All of this won’t be hinted at or explained. A lot of this is meant to be shown, maybe in flashback. It’s important to DISPLAY K’un Lun’s history and the city itself, in detail.

Orson Randall



Making himself recognized once again, Orson Randall felt his link to K’un Lun die out recently. Visiting the gate, he meditated and used his chi to sense for its whereabouts but he found nothing. This lead to him being discovered by one of Gao’s daughters, who were at the location, along with Wai Go men, looking into a mysterious object (Egg of Shou Lao) that’s nestled deep in the side of the mountain.

Orson has been wallowing through life for the last 60+ years. The former Living Weapon has stayed hidden by cloaking his chi. The power of the Iron Fist has kept him alive for so long. He’s used his power sparingly, making money fighting in underground matches and using his winnings to indulge in drugs, which dilutes his chi.



He had always felt a connection to K’un Lun until its recent disappearance. He considers the mantle of the Iron Fist as a curse rather than a gift because of the violence and death that goes with it. Therefore, he refused to take part in the Tournament of the Heavenly Cities. He took the book of the Iron Fists from K'un-Lun in the hopes that without it there wouldn't be another Iron Fist to follow him. Lei Kung was sent to kill his former student but when he saw Orson addicted to alcohol and opium, not at all looking like the warrior he once was, he returned to K'un-Lun saying it was done. Orson has lived in a drug addled state ever since.



A former shell of himself, his relationship to Danny will rekindle a sense of purpose within him. He seeks out Danny to understand why he’s being hunted and why K’un Lun has vanished.



MINUTIA: little details that will give the show its Kung Fu IDENTITY. Adapting tropes of the martial arts genre is very important.



1.The Introductory Iron Fist Legacy Shorts



This is meant to not only highlight the history of the mantle of the Iron Fist, but to also give the show that distinct flavor as a martial arts/kung fu show, that’s drenched in Chinese aesthetics.



2.Arrogant Kung Fu Guy



More Sonny Chiba than Bruce Lee, the Arrogant Kung-Fu Guy is a unparalleled in combat. His temper in the heat of battler is best described as "volcanic." One of his chief joys comes from Trash Talking and putting "foolish fools" in their place.

Danny should be a balance between this and the laid-back hippie he already is. He is supposed to be the LIVING WEAPON. He should act like it when faced in battle.



3.The Quirky Mini-boss Squad



Kung fu movies are the natural home turf of the Quirky Mini-boss Squad. These guys just seem to spawn and then congregate in evil dojos, waiting for an appropriately evil Big Bad to come collect them and set them loose on a rampage of wanton destruction.

The Golden Tigers are an example of this. They’re the elite team that enforces the will of the villain, and are all dangerous combatants. In the beginning of the show, they may make a brief appearance by destroying a Rand warehouse, showing off their signature abilities along the way.



4.Dynamic Combat – Location



Martial arts movies seem to enjoy staging their fights in interesting locations. Examples can range from open fields to a forest of vertical posts (which are on fire!) and anything in between. Get crazy and strange with where the fights in the show can be held. The fight between Bakuto and Colleen in the rain was a nice example of this.



5.Supernatural Martial Arts



This goes along with embracing the fantasy aspect of the show. One can achieve amazing things by properly training the body. Many give the mystic training of the East far more powerful effects. The fighting style is unambiguously superhuman or supernatural, having diversity and power beyond usual human and non-human animal capacity. In the comics, Danny can focus his chi inward to heal himself or outward to heal others of injury, as well as to give himself psychic senses and to telepathically fuse his consciousness with another person. We’ve seen him heal himself and others in the first season, but I’d like to take that to the next level. Give a display of his chi energy visibly emanating from his body. Let Orson teach him how to remotely connect with other people’s consciousness.

FINAL SAY

结束

A lot of these alternative and changing features will open new doors. I'd like to see the Tournament of the Heavenely Cities in a future season. I'd like to see the REAL Bride of Nine Spiders. Give me Dog Brother, Fat Cobra etc. Start welcoming the fantasy facets of the story now, and it will be a whole lot easier to adapt to them as the show matures. It's for the best. Iron Fist should be Marvel Netflix's most IMAGINATIVE AND EXPERIMENTATIVE property.

Jiéshù (The End)