As Marvel content, the Disney+ original shows are fun to watch. They capture the stakes and adventure of the films but allow more time for character development. However, as many positive elements as the Marvel Cinematic Universe shows may have, they also tend to be a part of the problem with the world’s expansion. While some of the issues may fall on fan expectations, the shows themselves have been known to drop the ball in the final episodes when it comes to a significant conclusion. For example, although Doctor Stranger in the Multiverse of Madness portrayed the aftermath of Wanda’s events in WandaVision, for the most part, a majority of what was relevant was summed up in a few short lines before it became clear what Wanda’s motivation was.
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While other shows could have massive impacts on the MCU, such as the season one finale of Loki, that cliffhanger has yet to be addressed in a film or other MCU show. Ms. Marvel works as an origin story, but time will tell how many movies will use her moving forward. Will the MCU continue to use Jennifer Walters once She-Hulk: Attorney At Law ends? Or will she fade into the background? Will Marc and Steven continue to play a role, or will the events of Moon Knight not be essential to the overall story?
Drastically Different Tones
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For the most part, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has learned how to blend the adventure and dramatic elements perfectly with the light-hearted and comical tone that keeps the stories fun and upbeat with severe stakes. However, with so many different shows and separate perspectives, things have slightly changed. For example, Moon Knight is more of a drama story as Marc and Steven strive to help each other, along with the devastating plot twist when Steven eventually learns the truth. In contrast, that is vastly different from She-Hulk’s sitcom structure and fourth wall breaks or the early episodes of WandaVision.
Meanwhile, Ms. Marvel’s tone resembles how the MCU presents Spider-Man. Meanwhile, Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Loki, and Hawkeye all exhibit a mixture of what viewers would expect from the MCU movies. While the changes in tone work perfectly for the individual shows, they are all a part of one overall universe. Given how some of these shows are tonally on opposite sides of the spectrum, what would it mean if these characters were to interact?
Confusing Timelines
Granted, this one is not entirely the easiest to follow in the films, either. But, it is significantly more difficult in a series like Moon Knight, where the lack of direct connections to the rest of the Marvel Cinematic Universe basically means it could have taken place at any given time. However, in Ms. Marvel, Kamala Khan is obsessed with Captain Marvel and the Avengers, even starting the show by explaining the Blip and how the Avengers saved the world. However, nearly every MCU show has attempted to avoid the question of who had been blipped out of existence. Disregarding it removes the trauma that those characters, or their families and friends, would have suffered in those five years or returning after five years away.
Uncertainty of How They Fit In
Once the show ends, how will the Disney+ Marvel characters be brought into the overall films? Will they continue to be a part of the larger franchise? If so, then how will they be brought in? She-Hulk: Attorney At Law already has Jennifer connected to Bruce Banner and Wong, so if she were to return, she at least has two connections that keep her involved. Kate Bishop similarly can rely on her friendship with Clint Barton. Carol Danvers makes an appearance as Captain Marvel in the final moments of Ms. Marvel, hinting at her and Kamala’s eventual meeting.
But how do Marc and Steven’s Moon Knight connect to everything else if the series kept the characters so separate? How does the major plot twist of the Multiverse take over at the end of Loki’s first season connect to the rest of the MCU if it has not already? One of the few things that seems confident is Sam Wilson’s promotion to Captain America.
The Endings Are Controversial
MCU shows tend to do brilliantly until they reach the finale. At this point, they seem to fall short, portraying an anti-climactic battle or not quite delivering what viewers were hoping for. They wrap up the individual show well but may not have the luster or the kick to encourage the story or characters to continue. While all shows have solid openings and middles, the endings do not always hold up, leaving fans unsatisfied and uncertain about when they will see the characters next. Marvel’s What If…? was a show that felt completely separate from the rest of the MCU anyway, as it felt more like a way to prepare viewers for the upcoming Multiverse Saga than its own show with plot lines that could bleed into the film.
