Echo Review : When Echo was announced as a streaming series, a spin-off of 2021’s Hawkeye featuring Jeremy Renner and Hailee Steinfeld, I was both intrigued and worried. How would Marvel Studios explore Maya Lopez’s (Alaqua Cox) Native American heritage? Will they redefine Maya’s villainous characteristics from the comics? And how will they navigate the communication challenges of characters who don’t speak? However, after watching the first three episodes, most of my concerns have been alleviated.
General Thoughts on Marvel Studios’ Echo:
Marvel Studios’ Echo sets itself apart from any previous Marvel productions in terms of both tone and style. It presents a grounded, slow-paced narrative with moments of intensity and violence. Rather than focusing on universal destruction or city-leveling threats, the series delves into personal dynamics. If this is a preview of what to expect from the “Marvel Spotlight” banner, count me in.
Echo Review
Exploration of Native American Myth:
Echo sheds light on narratives that are rarely told, and each aspect of these stories fascinates me. In fact, I found myself delving deeper into them after watching the first three episodes.
The first three episodes of Echo introduce us to Maya’s ancestors through impactful flashbacks. We meet Chaya, one of the first Choctaw, as well as Lowak, a stickball athlete, and Tuklo, a sharpshooter in The Choctaw light horsemen unit. Exploring these characters adds depth to the backstory and heritage of Maya’s group.
Moreover, there are hints that Maya might possess the ability to draw power from her ancestors, known as “echoes of her past.” When her powers ultimately manifest, I hope they are portrayed in a grounded manner that aligns with the meticulously crafted world of Echo.
The Cast and Maya Lopez as a Character:
The portrayal of Maya Lopez by Alaqua Cox is truly intriguing. Cox brings natural charisma and excellent screen presence to the role, and she is supported by a brilliant ensemble cast. The characters of Maya’s family and friends feel authentic and fully fleshed out.
What sets Echo apart from other portrayals of Native American characters is the absence of clichéd tropes. The writing effectively explores the personal history shared by the entire cast. In particular, Biscuits (Cody Lightning), Maya’s cousin, stands out as a compelling character, adding tension to the narrative as he finds himself caught in the middle of Maya’s turf war.
I appreciate that the creative team behind Echo did not aim to redeem Maya as a character. She embraces her criminal deeds without remorse, having no plans to abandon her life of crime. While the series gradually unveils her sympathetic side, Maya remains reckless, selfish, and manipulative. This portrayal makes her character distinct among Marvel Studio’s leads.
The Good and the Bad of Marvel’s Echo:
Echo has earned its reputation for being “violent,” “grounded,” and “brutal,” and these descriptions accurately capture the series. The fight scene in episode one is reminiscent of the intense action sequences in Netflix’s Daredevil. Consequently, we witness realistic hand-to-hand combat and the use of real-life weapons rather than futuristic technologies.
To further immerse viewers in Maya’s world, the series strategically incorporates moments of muted sound, allowing us to experience her point of view. Native American instruments effectively complement the unfolding mythology showcased on screen. The fight scene sound effects are arresting and occasionally make one flinch.
Although I thoroughly enjoyed Echo, there were some elements that didn’t resonate with me, primarily concerning pacing. At times, the series progresses a bit slowly, with a significant portion of the first episode dedicated to reintroducing Maya Lopez and her world.
Additionally, the frequent introduction of new characters disrupts the story’s flow, but I anticipate that this will pay off in episodes four and five. The main plot doesn’t kick into high gear until the third episode, when Fisk (Vincent D’Onofrio) appears.
With only three episodes remaining, I am uncertain whether there will be sufficient time to conclude the story as set up. Given that D’Onofrio’s Kingpin will make an appearance in Daredevil: Born Again, it is apparent that he won’t be defeated in Echo. I hope Maya’s potential redemption arc, if there is one, will not feel rushed. Secret Invasion left me disappointed with its build-up, and I approach Echo’s resolution with caution.
What i felt on Marvel’s Echo:
Overall, I have thoroughly enjoyed what I have seen of Marvel Studios’ latest series, Echo, and I eagerly anticipate the final two episodes. My excitement for Daredevil: Born Again is now at an all-time high.
I applaud Marvel for taking risks and expanding the narrative horizons. While some viewers may have reservations about series like Ms. Marvel and She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, they exemplify the vast potential within the Marvel Comics universe. It is a platform where diverse stories can be told, whether they are world-ending or deeply personal and character-driven, like Echo.
Disclaimer – The purpose of the review is to engage in discussion about the series and provide insight for readers interested in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.