Iron Fist 1.10: “Black Tiger Steals Heart”
Danny wakes up at the community Colleen joined after her grandfather’s death, which Danny aptly describes as a “cult.” While it seems idyllic, it’s hard not to question whether Bakuto is evil since he did trick Danny into draining his powers in the last episode.
However, Bakuto teaches Danny to regain his chi too and promises he can finish his training that was left incomplete. So maybe he’s not evil, but definitely still a little suspect. He launches into a diatribe about how he is training his students for the new world order that won’t be run by corporations…like the one Danny owns.
He also shows Danny the film of a more skilled Iron Fist from the 1940s, promising that could be Danny’s future. On the surface, Danny is a privileged wealthy white man (something he acknowledges), but Bakuto appeals to that feeling of otherness Danny has from being away from society so long. It’s hard to not see this scene as almost trying to make an appeal to the audience too, asking them to look past some of the problematic elements of Iron Fist and see Danny as a vulnerable person who is fighting for a better world.
This sentiment is cut short, as Danny receives a call from Harold and Joy letting him know they’re trying to regain Rand Corporation. A confused Danny accepts a little too quickly that Harold was never dead and he reveals that Madame Gao has been captured. Convenient for Harold, right? When Joy refuses to celebrate, she sees Harold go into a fit of rage raising her suspicion that something is not quite right with her dad.
Still a Child
Danny goes snooping around the compound, finding Madame Gao who reveals that Bakuto actually belongs to The Hand. She chides Danny for still being a child, easily manipulated by those around him. Colleen shocks Danny by confirming that she belong too, in his mocking words, “the good Hand.” Colleen tries to explain that she loved Danny before she knew he was the Iron Fist, but like so many Netflix Marvel couples the lies tear them apart. Danny can’t believe he has been betrayed, refusing to accept that Bakuto’s group is any different than the one responsible for his parents’ deaths.
Bakuto decides going after Danny isn’t enough, and visits Harold with a proposition.
Danny discovers The Hand conducting mass surveillance, further eroding his trust. When Danny tries to escape, he is aided by Davos. However, they can’t make it past the gate without Danny’s power. Colleen betrays Bakuto by raising the gate to help them escape, cementing her loyalty to Danny, though I’m sure he won’t forgive her that fast.
Meanwhile, Harold kills board member Wilkins and denies his involvement to Joy who convinced the board to reinstate the Meachums and Danny. Everything is coming up roses for Harold, the only thing standing in his way is the pesky Bakuto who he plans to kill.
The show closes with Davos telling Danny they must return to K’un-Lun… if Danny doesn’t bleed out on this street corner first. Finally!
Iron Fist is streaming now on Netflix.
Stay tuned to The Marvel Report for recaps of the rest of season one.
