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WhenEchowas given a TV-MA rating, a first-time occurrence for an MCU series, with reports suggesting the endeavor would feature graphic violence and mature language, fans and enthusiasts of the franchise envisioned the ushering in of a new era. Its trailer seemed to seal the consumers’ faith in the notion.
With it being considered one of the primary selling points of the latest miniseries, a few reviewers who could view the first three episodes have expressed disappointment toward the premise.
Related:Things Marvel Drastically Changed About Maya Lopez’s Echo Ahead of Alaqua Cox’s Debut Series
While the show has received an outpouring of appreciation, with many people praising its standout qualities on social media, one specific complaint revolves around the show’s granted ranting and how it may defy the expectations of MCU enjoyers who may have yearned for full-blown violence and grit. The studios’ Spotlight banner and its promise of“character-driven stories”also worked toward invigorating hype for the show.
Alas, it couldn’t resonate with all critics.
DoesEcho(2024) Fail To Live Up To Its TV-MA Rating Hype?
Echois deemed a spin-off to the 2021 Jeremy Renner and Hailee Steinfeld-led seriesHawkeye.
As part of MCU Phase 5, theAlaqua Coxstarrer will delve into the titular street-level comic-book character’s story withCharlie CoxandVincent D’Onofrioreprising their roles as Daredevil and Kingpin, respectively.
When the series’ trailer came out, specific scenes informed the viewers of its heightened, life-and-death stakes, which may not adhere to the usual galactic-level, multiversal threats faced by MCU superheroes but sows the seeds in the audience’s minds of a promising narrative.
The miniseries’ TV-MA rating, making it Marvel Studios’ first mature-rated series, also encouraged fans to grow hopeful about an appropriately violent, darker, mature premise, paralleling the likes of Marvel’s Netflix shows, such asDaredevil,The Punisher, and so on. A TV-MA classification indicates that the program’s content might not be appropriate for younger audiences under 17.
Read more:New Echo Promo Gives Us the Best Look Yet at Vincent D’Onofrio’s Kingpin!
Given the franchise’s reported decline in 2023, fans were counting on the debut ofEchounder the Marvel Spotlight brand to help revive its popularity. Combined with the mature rating, these were expected to be redeeming factors and potential selling points for the MCU. As a result, hopes were high and continue to remain so.
However, one reviewer’s evaluation of the first three episodes of Alaqua Cox’s show may pour water on fans’ expectations. Of the “mature” scenes,Heavy Spoilers, onX, stated the following:
“…I wouldn’t get too hyped on the Mature rating. Outside of that headshot in the trailer … everyone has seen the level of violence is the same as Secret Invasion. They have that as the main selling point, but it definitely isn’t anything other than typical Marvel violence level.”
Following this critique, many fans are unsure what to make of upcoming MCU projects that promise comparable tropes. Some users are being made to assume that a potentially toned-down premise forDaredevil: Born Againis being subtly introduced throughEcho, training viewers to acclimate to the MCU’s definition of mature themes.
Nevertheless, it may be quick to assume bias against the series and the franchise’s future, given that the latest miniseries has also garnered positive reviews from some critics on the platform. At best, the reception (currently) seems mixed.
MCU’sEchoReceives Mixed Reactions On Social Media
According to the review by Heavy Spoilers, the debut episode ofEchowas suggested to be a“hatchet job”ofHawkeyescenes, likely intended to be easy to comprehend for new viewers. Of the overarching narrative, the critic claimed,“This was a bit of a mess.”Besides the complaint about its lack of mature-themed uber-violent sequences, the first three episodes’ timeline was said to be“all over the place.”Kingpin’s inclusion was deemed intriguing, but nothing that hadn’t been witnessed before.
Voicing similar criticisms, journalist Kate Sánchez (viaX) suggested that the story’s pacing feels incoherent. Nevertheless, elements such as Alaqua Cox’s performance and the well-choreographed action sequences were praised. In addition, the review underscored thatEcho‘s marketing shouldn’t have been touted as a return to Netflix-Marvel-esque grit and violence and should’ve strictly focused on Maya, her heritage, and her family.
Rotten Tomatoes criticAustin Burkeaffirmed that the 2024 MCU miniseries feels like a“mixed bag.”The review pointed out that while there are several positive aspects, the tale appears disjointed, the editing is rough around the edges, and the plot isn’t particularly compelling. With two more episodes left toEcho, these reviewers hope to see these issues addressed in a well-construed wrap-up.
Related:Marvel’s Echo’s New Poster Has Jujutsu Kaisen Fans Going Wild Over Domain Expansion Similarities
Contrary to such reviews, many critics’ evaluations promise a never-done-before MCU storyline. ScreenRant’s Molly Freeman said in herpost,“Echo is one of Marvel’s best Disney+ offerings in a long time,”despite kicking off with a sluggish start. Similarly,The Hollywood Handleasserted that the Alaqua Cox starrer is the MCU that viewers have“never seen before”despite noting the underdeveloped portions of the series. Praise was additionally directed at its action-packed, gritty elements.
With contradicting reactions floating around cyberspace, it may be wise to make your own judgment. What appeals to one viewer may not appeal to another. Besides, the prospect of two episodes remaining may affect the reviews made today. It remains to be seen what the general audience thinks of the TV-MA-rated show.
Echowill premiere on June 19, 2025, at 9 PM ET on Disney+.
Debdipta Bhattacharya
Articles Published :659
Debdipta Bhattacharya is a content writer at FandomWire, where she has written more than 500 articles on various topics of interest. She possesses a sincere passion for popular culture, anime, film production, and the evolving world of YouTube and streaming culture which has allowed her to be a devoted and well-informed writer. Debdipta holds a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication. She has honed her skills and expertise in content writing with over two years of experience and strives to learn and grow daily.
