The MCU's latest release, Moon Knight, has proven to be successful so far. From Oscar Isaac's gripping performance to its praised commentary on mental health, the series has begun on a promising note, leaving fans hopeful that it will follow the footsteps of its small-screen predecessors and uphold their expectations.
2021 brought in a new era for the MCU with Disney+ opting to kickstart Phase 4 with highly-anticipated series, rather than feature films. This venture seems to have paid off, with all of the series garnering favor from critics and fans alike. However, while all of the series have proven to do well, some pilots performed notably better than others.
Marvel's What If...? - 7.0
Marvel's Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, which is set to hit theatres on May 6, 2022.
While What If...? contained many compelling storylines, the pilot left something to be desired. Although Peggy's heroic choice to transform into Captain Carter offered a good introduction to the series, the new narrative undercuts many of the emotional and foundational highlights of the Captain America installments, such as the loss of Bucky and the subtleties of the Peggy-Steve romance. However, the pilot still succeeded in creating a credible, enjoyable alternate universe and setting the scene for the Watcher's future tales.
WandaVision - 7.4
WandaVision developed into one of the most successful Disney+ MCU series. With its unique storytelling, commentary on grief, and the return of two beloved Avengers, the show garnered the favor of fans, critics, and award ceremonies alike. The pilot, however, was met with more mixed reactions.
Although it gave audiences a retro, domesticated version of the couple, it also left many questions unanswered while arousing brand new ones. Even new characters like Kathryn Hahn's Agatha and the Easter eggs scattered throughout the episode could not dilute the confusion, which was heightened by the reveal at the end of the episode. Major plot points like Vision's apparent resurrection and Wanda's new, ideal life also were not directly addressed (apart from that brief, cryptic dinner scene). Despite starting off on this unsure note, these decisions proved to be ultimately beneficial for the trajectory and eventual success of the first Disney+ MCU venture.
Hawkeye - 7.6
Over a decade after his first cameo appearance in Hawkeye pilot was met with a warm welcome.
One of the reasons the pilot succeeded was its expert continuity. Whether it was the point-of-view switch for the events of the first Avengers film or Clint still coping with the ramifications of Thanos' actions, Hawkeye contained several well-executed callbacks and points of progression. Amidst the internal turmoil of an original Avenger, it was also refreshing to see Hailee Steinfield's Kate Bishop, with her dry wit and determination, be introduced with a potential future in the MCU. Hawkeye's pilot managed to adeptly bring the nostalgia of the MCU's Phase 1 and intertwine it with optimism for Phase 4 and beyond.
The Falcon And The Winter Soldier - 7.6
One of the most important MCU series to be produced by Disney+ was The Falcon and the Winter Solider. Coming at a time when its political messages were crucial and resonated more than ever, the series showcased what it meant for Sam to be a Black Captain America, and how to reconcile that identity with the preconceived notions and pressures that corrupt society.
Alongside these critical discussions of racism, the series also provided a chance for the fan-favorite frenemies, Bucky and Sam, to become protagonists (and eventual best pals) in their own right. The pilot gave viewers an insight into Bucky's guilt and attempts at penance, as well as diving into Sam's domestic life and responsibilities. The episode thus elevated the duo's status from Steve Rogers' best friends to two complex characters deserving of their own detailed narratives. Its introduction of John Walker, a white substitute for Rogers' Captain America, ended the pilot on a monumental note and set the foundation for its future discussions on racism both in and out of the MCU.
Moon Knight - 8.2
Unlike its other Disney+ series predecessors, Moon Knight was set to introduce a completely new character to the MCU. While avid Marvel comic book fans were excited to see the character on the small screen, others were unsure of how the new show would pan out with such a novel hero and storyline. Luckily, the pilot set all doubts to rest as it earned the second-highest IMDb rating.
From Oscar Issac's portrayal of the adorably awkward Steven Grant to the integration of Egyptian myths and lore, the episode established a series that seems to be distinct from the other Disney+ MCU archetypes so far. Not to mention Ethan Hawke's believable performance as the dangerously charismatic and intimidating Arthur Harrow. Along with a completely fresh narrative, the pilot promises an insightful, earnest depiction of mental health within the series as Steven strives to understand the occurrences that lead to his nightly transformations. Hence the first episode has set Moon Knight up for a successful run as a series, and so far it is exceeding expectations.
Loki - 8.7
Something about a tortured villain has always appealed to the masses, particularly when that villain is Tom Hiddleston's Loki. Ever since its rumored production, Avengers: Endgame. Luckily for fans, the pilot offered a detailed explanation of where he stands, while also creating hope for his future.
The episode offered an informative introduction to the Time Variance Authority, while also discussing the repercussions of time travel, something many fans mused about after the final Avengers film. Besides its explanatory value, the pilot also contained an excellent amount of balanced emotion. It was humourous when needed, but was simultaneously able to ground Loki in his guilt, sadness, and love for his family - an ongoing trope for the beloved God of Mischief. Loki proved its titular character to be worthy of the comion and patience fans are eager to grant him, giving him yet another chance at redemption.