By Jamie Miller
Superheroes are a ubiquitous genre which for all intents and purposes is the modern-day western in this regard. From icons such as Spider-Man, Batman and Superman to less recognizable heroes such as Daredevil and Invincible, they’re everywhere. Among the lesser-known superheroes to get their own TV show or movie one is lesser known even among them. This of course being “Echo”
“Echo” which premiered on Disney+ on Jan. 9 is actually a spin-off of another Disney+ show “Hawkeye” and tells the tale of Maya Lopez who served as a semi-antagonist on “Hawkeye” Lopez is still reeling from revelations learned, she has seemingly killed Wilson Fisk aka the Kingpin and is being hunted by members of her organization seeking to make a literal eye for an eye trade. Injured and with her back against the wall and with few options and even fewer allies Lopez does something she never thought she would. She returns home, hoping to lick her wounds until she can devise a strategy to strike back. However, in order to make it out alive Lopez will have to come face to face not just with her own past but the past of her people.
The series stars Alaqua Cox, a Menominee actress in the role of the deaf amputee Lopez. Also along for the party is Chaske Spencer of “Banshee” fame in the role of Henry Lopez, Maya’s uncle, a criminal and a member of the Choctaw people just like Maya. Tantoo Cardinal known for roles in shows such as “Dr Quinn, Medicine Woman” plays the part of Chula, Maya’s estranged grandmother, also a member of the Choctaw people who detests the life of crime Maya is currently living. Delivery Jacobs known for roles including, “American Gods” and “Blood Quantum,” stars as Bonnie, Maya’s cousin and former best friend. Cody Lightning of “Hey, Viktor!” fame as Biscuits, Maya’s goofy but well-meaning cousin. Vincent D’Onofrio known for roles in the likes of “Full Metal Jacket,” “Daredevil” and “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” reprises his role of Wilson Fisk aka the Kingpin, a ruthless crime boss, murderer and adopted uncle figure to Maya. Charlie Cox known for playing the title role in “Daredevil” reprising that very role.
This show was ok, it wasn’t bad by any stretch, the show went to great lengths to accurately portray Menominee culture and I will give them props for casting a deaf amputee to play Maya. But the story overall was just kinda meh. Don’t get me wrong, the action scenes are great, the actors do a good job especially D’Onofrio, but it just never kicks into third gear. The whole thing feels less like “Echo” and more like a vehicle to drum up interest in the upcoming “Daredevil: Born Again” with the writing echoing that in some scenes. In all honesty, it seems like parts of the show were just coasting on fans’ love of the Netflix “Daredevil” TV show and even apparently takes place in the same universe as it. But the more grounded dark universe of the Netflix Marvel shows doesn’t fit in with the more colorful and joke-ridden movies of the modern MCU. The finale of the show also doesn’t fit in with the rest of the show. All in all it’s not bad, I give it six torches out of 10. Not as good as the show it tries so hard to reference, but still definitely worth a watch.
