With the new information released about the forthcoming Marvel live-action television series I will go through them all and give my own opinions regarding there choice and the execution.
But just before that I'd like to consider one question that I think many of us fanboys will be asking; Will these shows be apart of the Marvel Cinematic Universe?
So far there official answer to this is that there is not necessarily a continuity planned between film and television however others have said that they will be connected but they wont be directly pointed out to be as such, much like what they are planning with the smaller films like Runaways. This means don't expect Iron Man or Nick Fury to turn up but maybe more subtle things like WHiH Wold News or S.H.I.E.L.D. Agents. Hopefully, there will be connections because if not then its a real missed opportunity to really expand their shared universe.
Now on to the proposed TV shows, I will look at them at the point of view that they are in fact part of the greater shared universe and i will start with obvious giant green man in the room, Hulk:
The Incredible Hulk Scientist Bruce Banner exposes himself to gamma radiation and becomes the monstrous Hulk when under stress. Forcing him on the run from the military and SHIELD.
If it is in film continuity my guess would be that this series would have to be set either before The Incredible Hulk (2008) or between that movie and The Avengers (2012) because this series cant happen while Hulk is part of the Avengers because it wouldn't work the same and there is no way the rest of the Avengers will be part of the show.
Pros: Due to the history of the original show with Bill Bixby this show will get a little more following and properly more investment.. but this doesn't mean success just look at Bionic Women.
Expansion of the Hulk mythos and his related universe, im thinking Leader, She-Hulk, Lenard Samson and all the other stuff that could get explored.
Cons: The cost effectiveness of this venture is my biggest concern, even with increased investment, to keep the show and the movies linked up Hulk will have to be CGI (and lets face it big guy in green make-up isn't going to cut it these days) along with most of his antagonists and this will cost money plus locations and other effects.. most likely too much money is going to be spent to keep the show afloat for long.
Mark Ruffalo wont be doing a TV series, so that will mean yet another Bruce Banner.
Final thoughts: If this is in continuity then i don't think it is going to work, and if its not in continuity then i don't really want it. So id say this gets a
thumbs-down.
Punisher Frank Castles family is killed in a gang war and he decides to take fatal vengeance on the criminal underworld
Last i heard this was going to be made by NBC under the title "Frank Castle" and be more about the man rather than a two hour bloodbath.
Pros: Great chance to actually give Frank some character.
Longer story arcs would work better than a feature film.
better than making yet another sub-par movie.
Easily fits in continuity
Wouldn't cost too much to make
Cons: none really
Final thoughts: Go for it,
thumbs-up.
The Hood Im guess when they mentioned Red Hood the meant The Hood.
A small time crook, Parker Robbins stumbles across a demonic cloak and boots which granted him invisibility and limited levitation respectively.
Pros: Looks cool, and a nice change of pace to look from a criminals perspective.
Story following his rise from petty thief to gang boss while still trying to be a good father and husband.
Could fit in continuity, other dimensional magics like Thor and Asgard.
Cons: a really new and fairly unknown character.
Final thoughts: Something a little different that could look really good on screen, so
thumbs-up.
Moon Knight Working as a mercenary, Marc Spector stumbles upon an archaeological dig that had uncovered an ancient temple where artifacts included a statue of the Egyptian god Khonshu. After nearly being beaten nearly to death the statue grants Spector a new life and purpose as the god's hand of vengeance.
Personally id skip the super powers bit and treat him more like Batman but with much bigger mental health issues.
Pros: Would be awesome! lol
Spector's split personalities and paranoid schizophrenia make woderful plot points.
Crazy gadgets and a kick-ass costume
Easily fits in continuity.
Cons: none i care to think of.
Final thoughts: Hell yeah big
thumbs-up.
Agents of Atlas The group was formed in Spring 1958 by FBI agent Jimmy Woo to rescue President Dwight D. Eisenhower from the villainous Yellow Claw. The group is later closed down but returned as agents of shield and finally the Atlas Foundation.
Pros: Love the idea of a 50's setting
Real varied mix of characters
For the most part this shouldn't be too hard to bring into continuity.
Cons: However, bringing in characters like M-11, Venus and Marvel Boy could be difficult.
Namora, again is a character that is hard to present in a fashion that fits the universe, she also wouldn't be introduced before Namor and as far as we know he isnt in Captain America. Plus i still think the license regarding her character and Namor are under dispute due to there close ties to Fox's Mutant and Fantastic Four brands.
Final thoughts: Though i id really like the idea i dont see it being very easy to make and i doubt many people would like it.. so unfortunately im giving this a
thumbs-down.
Eternals Immortal superpowered being left on earth after its creation by the Celestials
Pros: Would be epic in scale
Could be made to fit continuity, but im not sure i really want it too.
Cons: Cost too much.
The story way too out there.
Final thoughts: I guess it could work but im not so sure i want the whole celestial thing in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, so im going
thumbs-down.
Daughters of the Dragon, Heroes for Hire, and Alter Ego Daughters of the Dragon: Misty Knight & Coleen Wing are private investigator in New York, one has a bionic arm and the other is the grand daughter of a samurai.
Alter Ego: Jessica Jones is a superpowered private investigator in New York.
Heroes for Hire: Luke Cage and Danny Rand run business that allows people to hire them as superheroes
Ok i just decided to put these last three into one lot because they are so connected and so very similar the fact there not just one show it amazes me.
Pros: Well connected, Jessica Jone being Luke Cage's Wife and Misty Knight being Danny Rand's girlfriend.
Easily expanded to include guest spots for Shang-Chi, Tarantula, Paladin and less likely Humbug
Easy to keep in continuity, have Misty's arm be made by Stark industries... remember the Stark Expo video where they were making extra strong bionic arms!
Cons: No Iron Fist or Power Man Luke Cage feature films
Final thoughts: Id like to see them as one big group with episodes that focus more on two or so of the character in each episode. though i will be disappointing to think Iron fist and Power Man may not be getting a movie on there own i guess the series could lead up to independent feature film so on that i say big
thumbs-up.
With the exception of Atlas, Eternals, and Hulk another good thing about this is that say one show cant get made or gets canceled the characters could easily make appearances on each others shows.