Netflix has long led the charge in the transformation of the way in which we access television. Providing international platforms for such quality entertainment as Breaking Bad and Arrested Development, it was the move into original programming that really set the service on the track to greatness. Several seasons of Lilyhammer, Orange Is The New Black and House of Cards later, Netflix has bulging awards cabinet, and a plan for Marvel’s Defenders.
It is, perhaps, unsurprising that Netflix would want in on the Marvel Universe, since it enjoys unprecedented success on screens both big and small. Both Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D and Agent Carter draw loyal audiences to their episodic television adventures, and the cinematic superheroes routinely break box office records. The advantage of Netflix, however, is that the usual restrictions of network television and motion picture censors do not apply. This means that, not only can some of the darker characters of the Marvel Universe come out to play, but they can retain more of their edge than an adaptation elsewhere might allow.
[zergpaid]This being the case, we now prepare for the arrival of Marvel’s Defenders on Netflix – a sequence of limited series that will lead into a ‘team event’ to coincide with the end of Marvel’s ‘phase three.’ First up is Daredevil – arriving on Netflix on April 10th 2015 – which will be followed by AKA Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and Iron Fist. These are Marvel’s Hell’s Kitchen heroes – each with their own fascinating story, and a complex relationship to each other.
So, while we patiently wait for Daredevil to kickstart the whole exciting endeavour, let’s do a few background checks of our own. Here is your essential guide to Marvel’s Defenders on Netflix.