10 things nobody wants to admit about Marvel and the MCU

8. Six episodes doesn’t work for Marvel shows

We’ve seen that superhero shows can be done correctly on the screen, but the most successful superhero shows typically have a bit more time to build their stories. Take Superman and Lois for example.

The show operates on a budget well under those the Marvel shows have been given, yet manages to deliver some of the most compelling superhero stories we’ve ever seen on the small screen. A part of this has been the show’s 13-16 episode season format which allows the central storylines of the season to be fully developed, something that the MCU shows have been lacking.

Marvel has delivered some amazing shows since the debut of WandaVision, but the one thing that we need to admit is that the six-episode format doesn’t work for every Marvel show — or most for that matter.

The problem with the six-episode format is that it doesn’t allow the shows enough time to fully flesh out the storyline they hope to achieve. This has often led to a slow build in the early episodes as the shows attempt to lay their groundwork, only for the shows to have to rush their endings. Six episodes just aren’t enough for the stories Marvel is hoping to tell with some of these projects, and for others, it’s more time than is needed as certain stories would work better as movies.

9. The MCU is still lacking diversity

Marvel has made serious strides in recent years when it comes to bringing more diversity to the forefront of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but let’s be clear the MCU is still lacking diversity.

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings was one of the greatest Marvel movies to ever be released with an incredible ensemble of characters. Yet despite the success of the film, years have passed without any confirmation of a sequel or larger role for the characters.

The same goes for Eternals and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Both films marked major strides in celebrating diverse voices with the former making Marvel history through its inclusion of the first deaf superhero and the first openly gay hero within the MCU.

There are so many underrepresented communities who still deserve the chance to see themselves within the MCU and it’s time Marvel truly commits to celebrating diversity within its shows and movies.

It’s also time it starts showing its non-white heroes the respect they deserve by committing to diverse storytelling beyond one-off projects.

10. Marvel fans owe Brie Larson a major apology

Deep down, I think most Marvel fans know they owe Brie Larson a major apology but don’t ever expect them to admit that.

From the moment Larson was cast in the role of Captain Marvel, she became the target of cruel attacks by online trolls.

As the movie came together and promotion officially began, Larson was subjected to relentless misogynistic comments by fans online with many targeting the actress based on her gender and appearance. Even when the movie opened and made a billion dollars for Marvel at the box office, these toxic fans still managed to review bomb the movie with their toxic comments.

The amount of hate that Larson has received since joining the MCU in the role of Captain Marvel is truly shameful and utterly disgusting. No one should have to be subject to the hate that Larson has received from toxic fans and it’s time those fans reflect on their behavior and realize just how wrong they were for putting Larson through all they’ve put her through since she stepped into the role.

Larson has been a true standout in the MCU and perfectly captured the heart and essence of her comic book counterpart. She’s delivered a magnificent performance and helped the MCU soar to new heights, it’s just such a shame so many toxic trolls in this fandom refuse to give credit where credit is due.