The Marvel Cinematic Universe has earned countless fans over the past decade, each movie adding another layer of unexpected complexity. Since 2008’s Iron Man, the franchise has grown in more than one direction. In recent years, TV shows have been developed based on concepts and characters that didn’t get enough attention in the movies or sometimes aren’t included at all.
In the light of the recent COVID epidemic, the MCU has begun to heavily lean in that direction, with numerous shows set to release in the near future as part of Phase Four. Series like WandaVision, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and Loki are already available, and Loki will actually have a second season. With so many different TV shows to watch, the MCU is growing at a rapid pace – but this comes with its own set of challenges.
10 Most Shows Don’t Properly Tie In With The Movies
It’s no secret that MCU TV shows have always had problematic continuity. One of the most memorable examples is Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. The series focuses on fan-favorite Phil Coulson, bringing him back after his apparent death in Avengers. AoS has some excellent moments, particularly around S.H.I.E.L.D.’s fall at the hands of Captain America.
But the show struggles to accommodate the wider MCU. The greater conflict with the Inhumans becomes a clear example of that as the series continues. This a problem that often appears in individual movies too, but the format of the TV series makes it stand out more glaringly. There are just too many elements that don't fit with the greater universe.
9 Popular Characters From The Movies Rarely Appear In The Shows
Like in the case of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., many MCU shows tend to center on one particular character who needs attention. The most recent Disney+ series, Hawkeye, focuses on the long-neglected character of Clint Barton. Having been completely absent in Avengers: Infinity War and receiving an ethically questionable role in Endgame, Clint has the chance to grow a little more on his own.
By their nature, this means the shows rarely include other popular characters. Some series may add cameos, with Maria Hill, Nick Fury, or Sif occasionally making appearances. Others include one or two additional characters, as is the case of Black Widow’s Yelena Belova making a return in Hawkeye. But if MCU TV fans expect too much, they are bound to be disappointed. In the end, series don’t have the same budget as movies.
8 Some Shows Couldn't Hit The Mark With Audiences
Many MCU shows have been very popular. WandaVision’s exploration of Wanda Maximoff’s grief is particularly poignant and Loki’s return in his series makes fans cheer for the God of Mischief. But other shows haven’t exactly hit the mark. Inhumans was an utter flop, and not just because of the bad wigs or poor CGI.
The first attempt at a martial arts superhero, Iron Fist, stars an unlikeable main character, with inconsistent characterization and boring villains. The Defenders and Luke Cage aren’t much better. Though these shows may have good moments – and even Iron Fist improves slightly in season two – some fans prefer to ignore them altogether.
7 Series Full Of Potential Have Been Canceled
As hard as it may be to fathom, some of the better series have actually been canceled. Agent Carter had a promising premise, a likable female protagonist, and an intriguing story. The series took audiences into an age with very different morals and challenges, all the while delving deeper into Peggy Carter – a character who deserves to be so much more than Captain America’s love interest. Unfortunately, the series was canceled after just two season, much to the disappointment of its fans.
6 Weekly Hype Leads To Disappointment
It’s not unusual for the MCU to disappoint, even if the overall story is great. WandaVision has many strong points, including the exploration of Wanda's psyche and her relationship with her dead partner Vision. The series it also teases the return of Wanda’s brother, Pietro, killed during Avengers: Age of Ultron by the rogue A.I. It was something many fans looked forward to, and the actual explanation – that this new Pietro was only a brainwashed citizen of Westview – was a complete disappointment in every way. The MCU is very good at creating hype, but it doesn’t always deliver on promises.
5 Characters Aren't Totally Consistent Between The Movies & Shows
With so many shows available and countless different directors, characterizations change a lot. In the Loki Disney+ series, the character displays abilities he never showed in the movies. In The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Sharon Carter becomes a villain in a story arc that doesn't reconcile her actions in previous movies.
Perhaps the character who suffers most is Thanos. Marvel’s What If…? places the Mad Titan in a confrontation with an alternate version Ultron – one inhabiting Vision’s body. Ultron kills Thanos with a single shot from the Mind Stone, severing him in two. Considering how much effort the heroes had to put in just to make Thanos bleed, the fact Infinity Ultron killed him so easily is suspect.
4 Some Actors Were Replaced In What If…?
Thanos’ fate isn’t the only thing that left What If…? fans displeased. Not every MCU actor came back to voice their character. Robert Downey Jr., passes on the role of Tony Stark to Mick Wingert, and Steve Rogers is played by Josh Keaton instead. Other notable absences include Scarlett Johansson, whose stint as Black Widow seems to have ended with her origin story, and Brie Larson was replaced by Alexandra Daniels for the role of Captain Marvel.
3 Some Shows Are Only Available On Specific Streaming Platforms
The first MCU TV shows were produced by various television networks. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. , Agent Carter, and Inhumans were produced by ABC, but subsequent shows like Jessica Jones, Iron Fist, The Defenders etc. came from Netflix. Hulu also produced two young adult series, Runaways and Cloak and Dagger.
The most recent shows strictly connected to Phase Four are streamed through Disney+. This may lead to limited access, as the service isn’t available in every country. Some viewers might also not be happy with the idea of paying for the service, particularly if they are only interested in the MCU TV series.
2 The Number Of New Shows Can Be Overwhelming For The Casual Viewer
MCU shows used to come out at a more even pace, acting as intermissions between movies. The most recent Disney+ model changes things. There are sixteen upcoming series currently announced. Not all of them have titles, but the number itself can be overwhelming for the casual viewer, who's bound to get lost in the different intersecting plot lines.
1 Some Shows Try To Cram Too Many Concepts In Too Little Screen Time
Considering the high number of shows, it’s perhaps unsurprising that all of them are fairly short, many times including less than ten episodes. That’s understandable, but the ambitious concepts in the Disney+ shows often require a little more development. Loki delves deep into the Multiverse, but the ending falls flat – introducing a villain who never displays the true extent of his power. He Who Remains clearly poses a great threat, but he doesn’t do much except sit around and talk.