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Episode 2: Shadow Hawk Takes Flight
The frustration ensues, which is not a negative critique whatsoever. The set up to this series continues as it creates more obstacles for Danny Rand to be accepted as the returned person he’s claiming to be. He wakes up in a psychiatric hospital where a doctor (Murray Barlett’s Dr. Paul Edmonds) with good intentions tries to convince him of his insanity. While all of this is appropriately disheartening, it feels like a standstill to get to the actual plot of the series. Midway through the episode I was afraid the show would revolve around Danny trying to convince people of his identity. Which is why I enjoyed the scene at the end of the episode where Rand leaves the psych ward.
Back when we found out Colleen Wing (Jessica Henwick) was going to star in this series, I wondered if her role would be that of a female companion for Danny. While it can still happen, I’m glad she’s not portrayed as his token equal that will eventually be a romantic interest. In this episode, at least, she is set in her ways and it takes a lot to convince her of any supporting role. I do like how slowly Colleen is getting weaved into the story, and I hope she doesn’t eventually end up as Danny Rand’s romantic partner; I see that being more Joy Meachum’s (Jessica Stroup) course. Speaking of which, Joy realizing he’s actually Danny was a huge relief.
I’m not so sure how I feel about Harold (David Wenham) and Ward’s (Tom Pelphrey) villainous ways, as there doesn’t seem to any clear motivation behind all their cloak and dagger. In the last episode, Joy demonstrated a bit of a nefarious side to her. However, the realization that her childhood friend is back from the dead seems to veer her intentions on Danny’s side.
What I’m wondering is if the twist will be that Joy and her father are also in cahoots, all without her brother’s knowledge.