'Iron Fist' episode 5: 'Under Leaf Pluck Lotus'

After a fairly strong showing in the episode prior, this episode will initially feel like a step backward.  The corporate goings on still aren't nearly as compelling as the show thinks they are and the Meachum siblings aren't given a whole lot to work with.

Yet, I can't fault its presence too much, because while it is slow and plodding, it actually is plot relevant here.  The civil action involving a plant spewing carcinogens showcases that Rand isn't quite as on the up and up as they may have originally appeared.  The fact that they are also now tied to a heroin ring adds to this, but it also manages to propel Danny into the more relevant and interesting conflict with the Hand.  Not only that, but this also helps explain the ramifications from last episode's closer, which largely fell flat for me.

The best parts of this episode are when Danny and Colleen are the central focus.   Jones continues to bring an affable charm to the character that is especially notable during his "not-date" with Colleen.  I really don't see why people are complaining.  He's doing fine.  In fact, I'd dare say that he's one of the stronger aspects of the show to this point.

He also gets another highlight moment in his brawl with one of the drug goons on a shipping crate.  The thug was able to give Danny a good fight in a believable fashion that didn't make Danny look like an incompetent goober.  Due to lighting and editing there were a few parts where it was hard to follow, but by and large, it was actually a damn good fight sequence.

For Colleen's part, she continues to be a strong asset to the show.  She doesn't get as much combat time this go around, but she does agree to help Danny in his investigations and continues to do so, even when the stakes are raised considerably.

As always, Claire is a welcome presence.  I must've missed her name in the opening credits because I was honestly surprised to see her show up.

At the same time, she does leave her initial scene just before Danny recruits Colleen.  The timing was suspect; at least it felt that way to me.  Later on, she alludes to the fact that Danny can't take on the Hand alone, but at no point suggests calling in the three other heroes she knows.  I know, that's what "Defenders" is for, but it doesn't even come up.

At the very least, it did allow for some allusions to the events of 'Daredevil' season 2.  It would have been very strange if there was no reference, so I thought that worked out rather well.

This episode had a bit of a bumpy start, but once it got good; it got really good.  The Danny/Colleen interactions were strong, Claire showed up, the action was top notch, and the plot moved forward on several fronts.  It seems like the show has found its groove.  I know, there's still half a season to go, but I'm becoming quite optimistic on how the show will fare from here on out.

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