4) Emotional Connections Are Genuine And Believable
Having already noted that characters in supporting roles are so strong, it’s worth remembering their relationships as well. Friends and allies are abound in the Netflix series, but all of them are executed perfectly. From the impact Matt Murdock’s double life has on his personal and professional relationship with Foggy and Karen to the fatherly bond Pop had with Luke Cage, these are constantly genuine and compelling.
This is testament again – of course – to great casting and acting, but also speaks volumes to the series’ narrative frameworks. When one of our heroes makes a tough decision that affects someone close to them, it actually feels troubled or meaningful. We tend to care about those around them because we know that, whatever has caused strife or tension between them, the heroes care as well.
Compare this to relationships in the MCU where friends, allies (and even some villains) serve as nothing more than plot-pushers and the contrast of depth is staggering. Love stories in the MCU feel like they’re tacked on for the sake of ticking a box. Friendships are focused on or forgotten about as and when convenience needs them to. In truth, the MCU feels like a damn selfish place most of the time.