5) The Returning Character Cameos
One criticism that’s frequently been levelled at Iron Fist is that it has a weaker cast of characters than the three previous Marvel Netflix series. While it’s tough to argue that the likes of Ward and Joy Meachum are particularly awesome, one area about the show that hasn’t been praised enough is that it finds roles for a couple of great characters from other shows.
Obviously, there’s the previously mentioned Madame Gao. She was always an intriguing presence on Daredevil and she only becomes more so in Iron Fist. Despite her advanced years, Gao is probably the most chilling and powerful villain on any of the four series. She definitely runs rings around the show’s original villain, Harold Meachum.
On the good side, Iron Fist also brings in Carrie Anne-Moss’ Jeri Hogarth and Rosario Dawson’s Claire Temple. Hogarth has a fairly limited role, but it’s enough to show us that the character has significantly changed from her traumatic experiences in Jessica Jones, as her ruthless edges have been mostly sawn off. Likewise, Claire Temple continues her reliable role as moral and medical support for New York’s finest. She also develops a nice sideline in comic relief with this show, often dropping in a dryly funny line to ease the drama.