Have you yet to watch Marvel’s Iron Fist on Netflix? Well, I can tell you that after watching it I wished someone would’ve told me which episodes I really needed to see to get the gist of the character and to prepare for the Marvel’s The Defenders premiere later this year!
For those who haven’t watched Iron Fist yet, you’re in luck—I have compiled a list of the “must watch episodes” below, including a synopsis and recap on the episodes you can totally skip (I know, I know, you’re welcome!).
WATCH Episode 1: Snow Gives Way
Synopsis: After being declared dead 15 years earlier, Danny Rand returns to New York. But his welcome is a far cry from what he’d hoped.
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆
This isn’t the best premiere episode, but fans must watch this to understand where Danny Rand’s story began.
SKIP Episode 2: Shadow Hawk Takes Flight
Synopsis: Danny struggles with his new surroundings, Colleen dishes out a harsh lesson, and Joy sends an unconventional message.
Rating: ★★☆☆☆
You can totally skip this episode! Even though this episode was better than the first, it’s not really moving the storyline along. If you’re planning to skip this episode as suggested, here’s a recap to keep you in the loop:
This episode was much better than the premiere! After waking up in the mental hospital, Danny realizes the only family he has left betrayed him. Unable to summon the Iron Fist he has no choice but to stay in the hospital for 72 hours. Danny tries to tell the doctor that he’s the real Danny Rand but it’s Joy who unknowingly convinces the doctor that Danny is telling the truth. Harold pays Danny a visit in the hospital and tells Ward that they must protect Danny. But, Ward decides he’d rather have him killed, and finally, we have our first scene where Danny summons the iron fist and escapes.
SKIP Episode 3: Rolling Thunder Cannon Punch
Synopsis: Joy proves herself a shrewd businessperson, Danny recalls a painful memory, and Colleen puts her talents to good use.
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Another episode you can skip! If you’ve watched Marvel’s Jessica Jones, then all you need to know is in the recap. However, if you haven’t seen Marvel’s Jessica Jones yet, then you might want to watch this episode so you can make the connection to the characters when you do! If you’re planning to skip this episode as suggested, here’s a recap to keep you in the loop:
Harold witnessed Danny escape from the mental hospital and believes he’s the real deal and can help him escape from the Hand. Madame Gao makes her appearance changing the pace. Ward and Joy finally close the deal on the warehouses at the pier that Harold has been eager to purchase. Danny ends up at Colleen Wing’s dojo seeking a place to stay and maybe something more. Finally able to prove his identity, Danny gets a lawyer, Jeri Hogarth (nice connection from Marvel’s Jessica Jones) and takes his rightful place in the company.
WATCH Episode 4: Eight Diagram Dragon Palm
Synopsis: Danny makes a shocking discovery and a radical pricing proposal. Colleen’s extracurricular activities go viral, and Ward issues a stern warning.
Rating: ★★★☆☆
The storyline finally picks up and Danny announces his return to the company through a press conference. Danny also leans some interesting discoveries about the Meachums that will play a key role in the plot.
MUST WATCH Episode 5: Under Leaf Pluck Lotus
Synopsis: An insidious new drug hits New York. Danny recruits Colleen for the fight, and Claire discovers that credit cards can have many uses.
Rating: ★★★☆☆
This is a must watch episode as Danny learns the sworn enemy of the Iron Fist, the Hand, is closer than expected. We are also introduced to Claire Temple in this episode as she receives lessons from Colleen Wing. This was a nice and easy way to create a connection to Marvel’s Daredevil and Marvel’s Luke Cage; though the set-up was a bit bizarre, still an important episode to watch.
MUST WATCH Episode 6: Immortal Emerges From Cave
Synopsis: Danny receives an invitation like no other. Colleen and Claire face a difficult choice. A worried Joy confronts her brother.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Finally we see the real potential of the Iron Fist in this episode! Danny is invited to participate in a dual against the Hand. There are some goodish fighting scenes from Danny as the Iron Fist, overall a really good and believable episode that actually (and finally) brings more meat to the storyline.
MUST WATCH Episode 7: Felling Tree With Roots
Synopsis: Ward’s loyalty is tested. Danny discovers a rogue division, and the mysterious Bakuto visits Colleen’s dojo unannounced.
Rating: ★★★★★
This episode was by far the best! The action was great and the fighting scenes were more authentic.
WATCH Episode 8: The Blessing of Many Fractures
Synopsis: Danny faces his fear, and Colleen meets her match. Joy makes a hasty decision, while Ward struggles to accept his sister’s admiration.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Ward Meachum is hands down the best manipulator. Colleen has a solo-fighting scene and proves she’s pretty badass, Claire is desperate to prove she is special as per usual. Definitely an episode to watch.
MUST WATCH Episode 9: The Mistress of All Agonies
Synopsis: Madame Gao plays mind games. Ward’s old habits catch up with him, and Danny discovers that he still has much to learn about being the Iron Fist.
Rating: ★★★★★
Madame Gao taunts Danny, Colleen, and Claire. Ward discovers that you can’t keep the past buried no matter how hard you try. Must watch this episode to understand Bakuto (an interesting character).
WATCH Episode 10: Black Tiger Steals Heart
Synopsis: Exhausted from fighting, Danny tries to recharge with Bakuto’s help. Meanwhile, Rand’s management gets another shakeup
Rating: ★★★★☆
Not a very believable opening in this episode, but there are some important characters that appear and Danny learns more about the capabilities of the Iron Fist.
SKIP Episode 11: Lead Horse Back to Stable
Synopsis: Claire uses her improvisational skills, and Colleen gets conflicting information. Danny yearns to be more than just a destroyer.
Rating: ★★★☆☆
This episode was more of a filler episode. Checkout the recap below instead:
Colleen feels conflicted and digs deeper for the truth about the Hand. She loves Danny but has sworn to serve the Hand. Still brimming with anger, Danny visits Claire so she can patch him up before he takes on the Hand once and for all. Davos discloses how he really feels about Danny and the mortal world. He wants nothing more than to return to K’un-Lun and restore the protector to his people. However, Danny wants to be more than just a destroyer and fights a battle within where he must choose between the duty of the Iron Fist or being Danny Rand for he can’t be both. Or can he?
MUST WATCH Episode 12: Bar the Big Boss
Synopsis: Ward receives an offer with strings attached. Davos advocates for an extreme solution, and a deadly duel gets personal.
Rating: ★★★★★
This was probably one of the best episodes in the series. There’s a lot of betrayal happening among the Meachums, Danny, and the Hand. Definitely watch this episode!
MUST WATCH Episode 13: Dragon Plays with Fire
Synopsis: In a desperate search to clear his name, Danny learns a terrible truth that places him on a new path.
Rating: ★★★★☆
By this last episode, so much has happen! The finale is not the best one, but it does leave an interesting twisted turn of events. You might be a bit disappointed at the very end, but you’ll be eager to see what season 2 will have to offer for Danny as the Iron Fist.
Please do let me know if you agree with my suggestions in the comments below!
English