Ep 3. Rolling Thunder Cannon Punch

Danny Rand (Finn Jones) finally makes progress in his search for answers about his past in Marvel's Iron Fist season 1 episode 3, Rolling Thunder Cannon Punch.

Danny turns his attention to the drug operations run by the Hand, the secret criminal organization he believes killed his parents. Following a lead, he meets up with a former acquaintance, Zhou Cheng, who has connections to the Hand.

Zhou is a cage fighter with a reputation for brutality. Danny challenges him to a fight, hoping to learn more about the Hand's operations through this connection. The fight itself is one of the highlights of the episode, with both Jones and Lewis Tan, who plays Zhou, demonstrating their martial arts skills in a well-choreographed battle.

Aside from the fight, there are other moments of action throughout the episode, including a foot chase through the streets of New York and a confrontation between Danny and a group of thugs.

But Rolling Thunder Cannon Punch is more than just action set pieces. It also delves deeper into Danny's character, exploring his emotional and mental state as he struggles to come to terms with his past and his place in the world.

One standout moment is when Danny is confronted by the board of Rand Enterprises, who question his credentials and suggest that he's a danger to the company. It's a tense scene, with Jones conveying Danny's frustration and anger at being dismissed by people who once looked up to him.

Another notable aspect of the episode is the introduction of Claire Temple (Rosario Dawson), a recurring character in Marvel's Netflix series. Claire, a nurse, tends to Danny after he's injured in the fight with Zhou. It's a brief appearance, but it's exciting to see her interact with another superhero in this shared universe.

Rolling Thunder Cannon Punch also advances the subplots involving the Meachum family and Joy's (Jessica Stroup) suspicions about her brother Ward's (Tom Pelphrey) actions. There are several tense scenes between Joy and Ward, as well as a few hints about the truth behind their family's past and their connection to the Hand.

Overall, Rolling Thunder Cannon Punch is a solid entry in the first season of Marvel's Iron Fist. It balances action with character development and moves the larger plot forward in an engaging way. Fans of the martial arts genre and superhero stories alike should find plenty to enjoy in this episode.