Upon initial release, “Iron Fist” received a lot of criticism from fans and reviewers alike. Before the first episode streamed, many gave the series harsh judgments for white washing the title character, although the character is white in the comics. As the series progress, the criticism fades, allowing the series to entertain and entice fans with the action and the development of the characters.

Netflix’s “Iron First” follows the story of Danny Rand (Finn Jones, “Game of Thrones”) as he returns to New York City, after being presumed dead for 15 years, in order to reclaim his company and rid both it and the city of the evil that has taken over.

The plot seems reminiscent of the CW’s “Arrow,” yet takes a different, unimpressive approach to the story. The first few episodes revolve around Danny trying to prove his identity to former friends Joy (Jessica Stroup, “Jack Reacher: Never Go Back”) and Ward Meachum (Tom Pelphrey, “Banshee”) because they do not believe he is who he says he is.

The first few episodes are the most difficult to watch, as the action for some is clearly choreographed and the dialogue often feels forced. It is clear what parts are meant to be expositional and what parts are meant to show that the characters really do care for one another. It is disheartening to see a Marvel show try so hard to be liked.

Throughout the series however, the action becomes slicker and more inventive. The cage fight at the underground battle club with Colleen Wing (Jessica Henwick, “Game of Thrones”) and Danny’s fight with the drunken fist master member of the Hand how great the fight scenes can be show, as well as how innovative the show is.

In terms of characterization, Ward’s character is the most interesting to watch throughout the series. In the beginning, it is clear to viewers that the character has flaws, which makes it more enjoyable when he finally breaks. After the break, he puts the pieces back together in order to try to save his sister, the person in his life who he cares about more than anyone else.

Although Netflix’s Marvel series have explored this idea before, such as with the character of Malcolm (Eka Daarville, “Empire”) in “Netflix’s: Jessica Jones,” Ward seems to perfect this archetype and change it in to make the character more relatable to viewers. It is fun to watch what he does and see why he does it.

At times, Rand feels too similar to other heroes in different series. The outlook of having power, as well as the dark pasts heroes are unable to escape from, has been done to death even before Netflix began to obtain Marvel properties.

However, Rand does show more effort to let other characters in and allows them to help him when he needs to fight. This change of pace provides for a better watch. No fight feels as if it is copied and pasted. With multiple characters fighting and showing off their skills, audiences get more out of the series.

The music in the series is also interesting, since a majority of the time songs arise it is because the character is playing a song from a phone or iPod. Letting audiences hear the songs characters listen to provides a more in-depth look into their personalities. 

Netflix’s “Iron Fist” is a show that grows on viewers. Initial reactions and skepticism can be changed after the third or fourth episode. Once the show found its voice, it became more  hard hitting and gripping, almost instantaneously. Do not allow the first impression to control how the show is perceived. “Iron Fist” is powerful and a great build up for what is to come in Netflix’s “The Defenders,” which is currently in production.