Echo Nearly Sets Unfortunate MCU Record at Rotten Tomatoes
Despite solid feedback from critics and audiences upon its highly-anticipated debut, Echo sets an unwanted early mark for Marvel Cinematic Universe shows.
Echo's Rotten Tomatoes Score
The MCU's first project of 2024, Echo, has received its Rotten Tomatoes score after premiering on Disney+ and Hulu. Currently, it holds the title of the second-worst-rated MCU Disney+ TV show of all time, with a 73% critical rating on the popular review aggregator website at the time of writing.
Although Echo is rated 'fresh' on Rotten Tomatoes, only Secret Invasion, the first Phase Five series in the MCU, has a lower score than Echo. Among audiences, the show has a slightly higher score of 75% after its initial release.
Early Praise and Criticism for Echo
Leading up to the series premiere, Echo received high praise from many critics, which continued after all five episodes of the Hawkeye spinoff were released simultaneously. Critics have commended the show for its Native American representation and action-packed scenes.
However, there have also been criticisms regarding the slow build and lack of character development in Echo. Sophie Butcher from Empire Magazine described the show as 'inconsistently paced' and 'lacking in character development.'
The Story and Characters of Echo
Echo, the first show under the Marvel Spotlight banner, focuses on grounded, character-driven stories. Starring Alaqua Cox as Maya Lopez/Echo and Vincent D'Onofrio as Wilson Fisk/Kingpin, the show follows Maya as she uncovers her native roots and reconnects with her family in Oklahoma.
However, her former ally, Kingpin, tracks her down, leading to an uneasy alliance to take down a common enemy. Maya is portrayed as the 'villain' of the series as she struggles to move past her past actions aligned with Kingpin. Echo also sets up connections to the upcoming MCU series, Daredevil: Born Again.
