What Is The Story About?
Marvel Studios’ new Disney Plus series ‘Echo’ follows deaf amputee Maya Lopez / Echo (Alaqua Cox), who loses her father to a masked murderer, and is taken under his wings by her adopted uncle, Wilson Fisk, aka Kingpin (Vincent D’Onofrio). She rises up the ranks in his criminal empire, to become leader of the notorious Tracksuit Mafia. The revelation of a secret compels her to shoot Kingpin in the face and flee to her Native American roots in Tamaha, Oklahoma.
Performances?
Alaqua Cox is compelling as Maya Lopez aka Echo. She’s terrific in the action sequences, and equally good in the emotional or dramatic ones. An expressive face and powerful screen presence enhance her rendering of the intriguing anti-hero character she plays.
Vincent D’Onofrio is easily the best thing about the series. He seems larger than life as Kingpin, his commanding presence superseding everything else around him. You just can’t take your eyes off him whenever he’s on screen.
The ensemble cast is smashing too. Tantoo Cardinal is superb as Maya’s resilient grandmother, Chula, as is Graham Greene as Scully. Chaske Spencer, as Henry, adds heft to the proceedings. Devery Jacobs and Cody Lightning are very good as Maya’s cousins, Bonnie and Biscuits. We don’t see much of Zahn McClarnon as Maya’s father William, but he’s good in the short time we do. Charlie Cox’s Daredevil cameo is fun to watch.
Analysis?
Echo is easily one of the better MCU shows of recent times. It is pacy and well-made, with superb casting and performances from the primary cast members. The fast pace of the show means that five episodes pass by in a jiffy, without making you wish that the narrative would speed up or be done with quickly. That alone is testament to the fact that Echo is a good one-time watch.
The plot is riddled with loopholes, and several sequences are too simplistic to have a measurable impact. For instance, the ease with which Maya gets into a high speed train and triggers a massive loss to Kingpin seems too smooth and contrived. Likewise, when her family is let off after being on the verge of decimation – it’s almost an anticlimax, and leaves a kind of dissatisfaction in the mind of the viewer.
The ending too is distinctly underwhelming. It is rushed, unimpressive and disappointing – a less-than-optimum end to an otherwise engaging series. However, what goes on before in the series more than makes up for the lackluster ending.
The series is lifted by its action set-pieces. The action sequences are innovative and entertaining. The extended action sequence in the first episode 1 is especially well-shot, entailing exceptionally high levels of planning, coordination and attention to detailing. It includes a four-minute single-take shot, and is a treat to watch. The sequence is the highlight of the movie.
Commendably, the action is choreographed and designed in such a way that it works around Alaqua Cox’s real life prosthetic leg, incorporating it beautifully in the action sequences.
The watchability of the series is elevated considerably by the inherent charisma of its two primary characters. Alaqua Cox is especially scintillating – her large, eloquent eyes, her spry physicality as she tackles and brings to the ground men twice her size, her menacing silences, all of it adds to her enigma. Similarly, Vincent D’Onofrio’s facial expressions will remain etched in viewers’ minds for a long time to come. He superbly portrays the softer, emotional, more vulnerable side of Kingpin, and you simply can’t hate his character, even if you want to.
The most commendable aspect of the show’s writing is the way it focuses on staying true to one’s roots, indigenous or otherwise. Also, it allows every character to shine and stand out, even if it’s only for a short period of the runtime. Its emphasis on empathy and acceptance is subtle and understated, without rubbing it in our faces.
The extensive usage of sign language doesn’t hamper our enjoyment of the show by any means. Also, the makers have made excellent use of sound to lay emphasis on the inherent deafness of its primary character, and to internalise her understanding of the situation.
To sum it up, Echo is a well-made show, one that definitely merits a watch.
Music And Other Departments?
Dave Porter’s background score complements the storytelling perfectly – sometimes upbeat, with a touch of the whimsy to it. The use of indigenous songs and music in soft lilting tones is wondrous to listen to. Kira Kelly and Magdalena Gorka’s cinematography gives visual splendour to the narrative. The dark pallette coupled with the beauty of Native American country come together to deliver visually pleasing frames. The editing is effective.
Highlights?
Alaqua Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio’s performances
The ensemble cast
The excellent action choreography
Fast-paced storytelling
Drawbacks?
A bit simplistic
Underwhelming ending
Did I like it?
Yes
Do I recommend it?
Yes
Echo Series Review by Binged Bureau
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