MCU: Does Marvel need a dark section of their Cinematic Universe?
By Mark Lynch
Realistic and thought-provoking storylines
Daredevil was a brutal show that just proved Marvel Comics characters can go dark. The subject matter was troubling at times and the violence certainly wasn’t for all ages. It also gave us an example of why Matt Murdock is one of the comics’ deepest characters.
Speaking of the comics, the show was only beginning to scratch the surface in terms of the issues he’s dealt with in the source material. And some of this would make for a thoughtful fourth season should Disney bring it back on their streaming service. But again, it wouldn’t be for everyone.
His depression arc would definitely make for a thought-provoking arc in the series. At one point, it became crippling and on other occasions it made him extremely violent. He’s gone overboard and let his anger bring him to a place that he couldn’t get out of. Even after he “overcame” his issues, it was an act. In private, he’d lay in bed and not let anyone in.
This type of storyline wouldn’t be for everyone, especially younger viewers. Seeing how a hero’s struggles could turn into anger or defeatism isn’t something young viewers may be able to handle. Seeing their favorite heroes physically beaten by villains usually means that a comeback is on the way. With depression, it’s not as easy. You can’t just punch it.
Not everyone can understand what it means when a hero wins but is still defeated because they’re supposed to stand tall and seem undefeated. That’s not always the case with mental health.
With a mature label within the MCU, Marvel could explore topics that the more traditional and heroic shows and films just wouldn’t be able to. This is only one example of that.