I’ve seen quite a few comments recently about how the Disney+ shows are making the Marvel Cinematic Universe worse compared to when the universe was predominately movies only.
In regards to the question in the title of this article, in my opinion, it’s a yes and no situation. It’s all dependent on what the show brought to the table, the impact it had, etc.
I’ll take a look at each show individually and decide if it made a negative impact on the MCU, whether or not it made the universe better or worse. Obviously, I’ll explain my reasoning as well.
1. WandaVision
The debut Marvel show on Disney+ showcased two popular characters, Wanda and Vision. In my opinion, this show elevated the overall quality of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The show was entertaining, but more importantly, it seamlessly contributed to the storyline of future movies. Additionally, it shed light on the severity of the blip, which could have been difficult to convey in a movie format. Furthermore, the show provided significant character development for Wanda.
2. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier
I watched an incredible show that really enhanced the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While it easily could have been a movie, it did a great job of illustrating how the Captain America title was passed down from Steve to John and finally to Sam. Captain America is a prominent figure in the MCU, regardless of whether it’s Steve or Sam, so it’s satisfying to see this transition come to fruition and pave the way for the upcoming Brave New World movie. Additionally, we were mostly thrilled to witness Bucky’s complete redemption.
3. Loki
We have another great addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe that improved it rather than worsened it. The show solely dedicated to the character of Loki was an excellent choice. It also introduced the next major antagonist of the MCU, Kang, which was a significant step forward. The show made Kang even more menacing and terrifying for the audience. While Thanos was only briefly seen before his ultimate appearance, Kang has already made his presence felt in the universe, making it even more exciting.
4. What If…?
In my opinion, the addition of this show did not significantly impact the overall quality of the MCU. While it did contribute to the universe in its own way, it was more of a supplementary series. “What If” explored alternate scenarios that could have occurred during key moments in the MCU.
5. Hawkeye
We now have a score of 4-1 for shows that have improved the MCU. Hawkeye introduced Kate Bishop, a character who has become increasingly popular in recent years. The show explores Clint’s struggles after the Battle of Earth, including his hearing loss and family. Rather than detracting from the MCU, the show adds to it with unique scenes and moments that would not have been possible in a movie.
6. Moon Knight
Although Moon Knight is an okay show, it has yet to make a significant impact within the MCU. It is anticipated that Moon Knight’s storyline will carry on in Blade when it is finally released. At present, Moon Knight has not contributed anything noteworthy to the universe, it is simply a decent show in my opinion.
7. Ms. Marvel
In my opinion, there was one show that worsened the MCU. Kamala was introduced as a mutant instead of an Inhuman, which didn’t make sense to me. It was a poor way to bring mutants into the MCU, and Kamala’s introduction felt cheap. Additionally, her powers were changed from the comics, which also seemed like a cheap move. It felt like they made these changes just for her to appear in the second Captain Marvel movie. I think they should have kept Kamala’s story accurate to the comics and given her own seasons to shine.
8. She-Hulk: Attorney at Law
I wasted my time watching this show. The CGI was terrible, there was no plot, the action scenes were poorly executed, and overall it was a bad experience. The only good parts were the moments with Bruce, especially when we found out how close he and Tony were and how much Tony helped him. The attempts at breaking the fourth wall were cringeworthy and should only be left to Deadpool. I have no desire to watch this show again.
9. Secret Invasion
No, Rhodey hasn’t been a Skrull since Civil War but that’s an article for another day. Secret Invasion has generated a plethora of theories, enriching the universe. It has also provided valuable insight into Fury’s motivations and actions over the years. While The Avengers Initiative was just a small fragment of his endeavors, it was gratifying for me as a fan to witness.
In summary, I believe that the shows in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) are not having a negative impact on the franchise. In fact, they are adding depth to storylines that we may not have seen otherwise. The shows also provide important plot points that would be frustrating to miss in a movie. It is well-known that movies have time constraints, so it is enjoyable to watch these shows from the comfort of our homes.
