Echo makes a significant impact on the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Following a series of flawed or mishandled projects, Marvel Studios takes a bold step with an adult-oriented TV drama featuring a talented cast of Native American actors. While not without its flaws, the show's sincerity, exhilarating action sequences, and captivating underlying journey set it apart within the franchise.
Echo arrives on Disney+ with Marion Dayre, renowned for her work on four episodes of Better Call Saul, as the showrunner and co-head writer alongside Amy Rardin. With eleven credited writers across five episodes, the series reflects a collaborative effort. Notably, the show is helmed by Navajo filmmaker Sydney Freeland, known for Drunktown's Finest, Deidra & Laney Rob a Train, and Reservation Dogs.
Following the events of Hawkeye, Maya Lopez leaves New York City for her family's home in Tamaha, Oklahoma. The first episode primarily delves into the past to pave the way for the future, a pattern that continues throughout the season. Flashbacks allow the audience to experience the Choctaw creation myth, a pivotal sports triumph, and a young woman defying conventions to become a local police officer. Maya's ancestral connection to each story frames every episode, while her personal ties to the Kingpin threaten to pull her back. This internal struggle, coupled with a cycle of violence, keeps the series compelling, focusing on personal stakes rather than apocalyptic narratives.
Echo follows Maya Lopez as she grapples with the diverging paths laid before her by those who raised her. The central question revolves around whether she will follow the ancestral line or the destructive example set by Uncle Kingpin. As Maya embarks on a dangerous heist on a moving train, her streetwise uncle, Henry "Black Crow" Lopez, warns her against bringing war to their humble home. Unsatisfied with the belief she'd killed the Kingpin, she decides to take his place, one brutal bombing at a time. The series' fast-paced nature keeps Maya's internal struggle at the forefront while maintaining high tension.
Echo excels in several key areas. The action set pieces are consistently impressive, with a stylistic trick involving the dropping out of sound, leaving behind only a pounding heartbeat. The cast delivers outstanding performances, with Alaqua Cox shining as Maya, conveying a wealth of emotions without relying heavily on dialogue. The supporting cast, including Zahn McClarnon, Tantoo Cardinal, Chaske Spencer, Devery Jacobs, Cody Lightning, and Graham Greene, all deliver solid performances. Vincent D'Onofrio's portrayal of Wilson Fisk is exceptional, garnering praise from fans.
The show, however, has its drawbacks, seemingly stemming from studio-level decisions. Changes to Maya Lopez's powers and the show's pacing are points of contention. Furthermore, the series grapples with identity issues, caught between the modern MCU series and the Marvel Netflix era. Despite these challenges, Echo manages to deliver a compelling product amidst a messy production.
Echo may struggle to convey everything it holds, but it offers a unique viewing experience within the MCU. While it may not reignite the interest of casual Marvel fans, it presents a refreshing option for those seeking something different within the franchise. Echo is more than just a superhero story; it weaves a compelling crime drama and a poignant family narrative, complemented by stellar action sequences, making it a worthy addition to the MCU.