Bittersweet news coming out of Marvel today, as the studio has announced that The Defenders ensemble series will run for a total of eight episodes in 2017, when S.J. Clarkson (Jessica Jones, Vinyl, Orange is the New Black) will be helming the first two installments.
That’s down from the usual Netflix protocol of 13 episodes, though the truncated season is likely designed as such so that the superheroes of Hell’s Kitchen – Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and Iron Fist – can return to their respective solo outings much quicker. Besides, the one common complaint that has reared its head all across Netflix’s superhero adaptations is that 13 episodes tends to be too long, leading to pacing issues in and around the middle segments. Hopefully The Defenders can side-step that pitfall with this confirmation.
As for Clarkson’s appointment, the official word from Marvel reads as so: “S.J.’s take on the material is outstanding. We loved her work on ‘Marvel’s Jessica Jones’ and couldn’t think of a more talented and accomplished person to helm the first two episodes of ‘Marvel’s The Defenders.'”
Recruiting a director with a history in Marvel’s small-screen universe certainly makes a lot of sense, and Clarkson has experience of handling large ensembles thanks to Orange is the New Black. The Defenders represents a different kettle of fish, of course, and a new synopsis has emerged online to get you acquainted with Netfilx’s quartet.
‘Marvel’s The Defenders’ follows Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and Iron Fist. A quartet of singular heroes with one common goal – to save New York City. This is the story of four solitary figures, burdened with their own personal challenges, who realize they just might be stronger when teamed together.
The synopsis is out, the total number of episodes has been set – all that’s left now is for Marvel to lock down a premiere date. The Defenders has been earmarked to hit Netflix in 2017, much like Iron Fist and the Jon Bernthal-fronted Punisher series.
