On August 18th, eager TV buffs took to Netflix to catch the release of "The Defenders", the latest televisual instalment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The first series to feature a full-scale crossover between "Daredevil", "Jessica Jones", "Luke Cage" and "Iron Fist", many began to streaming the miniseries hoping to receive eight hours of entertainment that would deliver on a magnitude of what was witnessed five years ago when "Avengers" opened in the theatres -- leaving audiences and critics alike gasping in awe. Unable to utter in a single word, the gravity of what they had just seen.

Indeed, spectators clung to their seats. The muscles surrounding their jaws and lungs ready to swallow mouthful upon mouthful of muting air, poised to drown bedrooms and living rooms beneath a crushing tide of impressed, thundering shock the someway every movie and series branded with the MCU logo had done so to them in the past -- with the exception of "Iron Fist". But as each 50-60 minute segment passed, "The Defenders" came and went. And when it was all over, critics and those of the general audience were left turning off their TVs, and folding their laptops. None wowed, awed, let alone satisfied in face of the silence that had somehow managed to remain after eight tireless hours of binging.

Possessing an 8/10 rating on IMDB and a 75% on Rotten Tomatoes, "The Defenders" is by no means the disaster that became of "Iron Fist". The narrative carries itself smooth and sound, with very few questions left concerning the story's logic. Nevertheless, the show is imbued with elements problematic enough to leave it in the straits of suspect.

"The Defenders" gets off to a promising start. Along with reacquainting viewers with much beloved characters in the form of Matt Murdoch, Luke Cage, and Jessica Jones -- played with a flare of sarcastic sass by Krysten Ritter, the show runners also flood the scenes with supporting characters that prove to be as every bit endearing as their leading counterparts. From the inquisitive Karen Page, Jessica's wealthy talk show host stepsister Trish Walker, the mysterious Misty Knight, to the magnanimous Claire Temple -- who brings the main characters from each of the series involved together -- the natural chemistry these players exhibit in fitting together in a crowded tapestry -- despite being entirely different -- fuels "The Defenders" with a sense of adventurous, curious enthusiasm. Intitially leaving spectators confident, and eager to see how all the pieces will fall together.

Furthermore, the miniseries also gets a boast from Sigourney Weaver (Alien). Who's subtle, yet charismatic portrayal of the main antagonist Alexandra Reid, the ruthless and cunning leader of the Hand, defines nearly the entire depth of the show. But this is where "The Defenders" troubles begin. As the series progresses, it soon becomes evident that Weaver's character does not possess an explicitly defined motive. Dying of Leukemia, it proves difficult to decipher what Alexandria seeks to achieve with Black Sky -- the resurrected Elektra. Whether it is world domination, eternal life, or both, the clouding of Reid's objective introduces an ambiguity that proves to hamper and dilute the story. Rather than enrich it with depth and plot twists.

Another falling point for "The Defenders" is its lack of character development -- an essential trait that drives the core of any successful television program. While there is a certain delight to be had in seeing Daredevil, Luke Cage, Jessica Jones, and yes, even Iron Fist, in the same frame -- the characters themselves gain very little from sharing a storyline together. Luke Cage starts the series as an ex-con bent on doing the right thing, and leaves as an ex-con bent on doing the right thing. Iron Fist enters the series with a desire to protect New York, and leaves -- you guessed -- with a desire to protect New York. Meanwhile, Daredevil and Jessica Jones start off as reluctant heroes, but in the end, both depart with a renewed sense of belief in their work after conquering their personal demons -- if we can even call what they grappled with demons at all. Needless to say, these were archs that would have been more efficient addressed back in their own stand alone series.

Overall, "The Defenders" is a show powered by competent acting and writing. However, it is not a series worth losing a night's sleep over. While it will most certainly entertain, its blurry plot and stale, static character germination, render it so generic that it offers nothing that hasn't been seen before.