Season 1

With all the rumours surrounding Marvel’s newest tv show Echo, I was hesitant, to say the least, about watching the show. This is coming from a guy who watched the first two episodes of Marvel’s Secret Invasion and gave up. However, given my enjoyment of the Hawkeye series and the character of Echo introduced in that story, coupled with the promise of Daredevil, I decided to give this show a shot. I am extremely glad that I did. Being only five episodes and roughly 45 minutes per episode Echo is an easy binge. 

Episode List

Cahfa

Episode one accomplishes precisely what the pilot should. It recaps previous events, providing added context for newcomers and reminding fans of key details. It reintroduces our main character, shedding light on her motivations for the season ahead. Additionally, it introduces new characters for us to get acquainted with, sets up an intriguing storyline, and leaves us wanting more. Factor in the impressive action scenes and familiar faces, and you’ve got a compelling start to the series.

Lowak

In episode two, we, the audience, are invited to pause and breathe alongside Maya as she sets her plans for domination into motion. Notably, the plot advances through the engaging dialogue shared between characters. While the one action set piece we were given might not have dazzled in terms of CGI, it still offered moments of enjoyment. Additionally, the episode provides glimpses into generational secrets and powers.

Tuklo

Episode three unfolds with another exhilarating action set piece set within a skating rink, further highlighting Maya’s badassery. This time around, her ingenuity shines as she ingeniously crafts a weapon from roller skating equipment, reminiscent of MacGyver. She experiences dual reunions with a family member. One where she is cool, calm and collected. The other she is not and mysterious ancestral powers are intriguingly sprinkled throughout.

Taloa

Episode four is undoubtedly the standout instalment of the mini-series. Without any action set pieces, the episode shines through its brilliant portrayal of character development, scene after scene. Additionally, this episode unveils a significant revelation for Maya, leaving her at a crossroads as she confronts the shadows of her past and ponders her future. The depth and emotion captured throughout the episode makes episode 4 a pivotal one in the series.

Maya

In the season finale of ‘Echo,’ a warning from her ancestors leads Maya back to town. Following a heartfelt conversation and a stylish outfit upgrade, Maya recognizes her full potential. Determined, she sets out to rescue her family, who have been captured by Fisk. Meanwhile, Fisk’s army prepares to storm the Choctaw Nation powwow.  

Echo

Season one of ‘Echo’ proves that one shouldn’t have preconceived expectations, whether high or low for this show or anything for that matter.. Admittedly, my initial expectations for ‘Echo’ were low, influenced by rumours and the track record of other Disney Plus Marvel shows. Yet, I was pleasantly surprised — even delighted — by what unfolded on screen.

It’s perplexing that a show once rumoured to be unwatchable and nearly scrapped could be so engaging. Clearly, the dedication poured into this production shines on screen, both in front and behind the camera. The actors deliver stellar performances, and each episode is directed and shot with excellence.

Shooting On Location vs The Volume

I was genuinely impressed by the show’s visuals. Apart from some underwhelming CGI scenes the show looked visually great. Rather than resembling a typical Disney Plus Marvel series, it more closely aligns with the aesthetics of the Netflix’s Marvel shows, even feeling cinematic at times. This isn’t to disparage Disney; however, shooting on location undeniably offers advantages over using a soundstage like The Volume. Particularly for a grounded series like ‘Echo,’ filming on location lent authenticity, making Tamaha, Oklahoma’s small-town setting feel alive and that every resident has their own stories of trials, and tribulations.

Flashbacks

Discovering more about Echo/Maya’s powers and their origins became some of my favourite aspects of the show. Beginning each episode with a flashback to one of Maya’s ancestors, showcasing their challenges and triumphs, was brilliantly done. This led to the significant revelation in episode 5 as to why the show is titled ‘Echo’—representing the echoes of her ancestry. The visual representation during the final showdown was truly beautiful.

Choctaw Nation

It was clear on screen that the representation of Indigenous Americans, specifically the Choctaw Nation and their culture, was handled with respect and depth. From how the series effectively incorporated the Choctaw language and iconography throughout. To how Maya’s connection to the Choctaw Nation was pivotal, shaping her identity and teaching her important lessons. She learns to release her deep-seated rage and begins embracing healing—a transformation powerfully showcased in the final scene with Kingpin. Recognizing the cycle of violence and pain, she urges him to do the same.

Not A Perfect Show But Better Than Good Enough

One significant aspect that hindered the show was its pacing. It was evident that ‘Echo’ was initially planned for eight episodes, but due to editing and reshoots, it was condensed to five. As a result, some background characters didn’t have the chance to evolve into foreground characters as much as intended.

Take Bonnie, for instance. Introduced in the show’s first episode as someone Maya views as a sister, we learn that the mere absence of a visit from Maya would break Bonnie’s heart. Yet, upon their reunion, all seems instantly forgiven. We’re denied the opportunity to truly understand Bonnie’s heartache from those lost twenty years, as she’s quickly sidelined due to the show’s limited five-episode run.

Truthfully, at times, the show felt like it was missing key scenes. While what we received and how it was edited may not have been flawless, it certainly surpassed mere adequacy. The production’s strengths often overshadowed its shortcomings, leaving me eager for more depth in future episodes.

Should You Watch Echo

Should you watch ‘Echo’? The short answer is yes. Despite some pacing and character development issues, the show’s strengths overshadow its weaknesses. This includes directing, cinematography, acting, action sequences, representation, and the overarching story, to name a few. 

As the character Biscuit wisely said in the show, “Chula always says, ‘there’s nothing too broken to fix. If you want it bad enough, don’t throw it away.’” Personally, I’m grateful Disney saw its potential and didn’t “throw it away”.