Netflix has found success in its new Marvel programs. Daredevil and Jessica Jones have been received remarkably well, and now, Netflix seeks to expand this universe with Luke Cage. The titular character was first introduced in Jessica Jones and this show takes place after the events of Jessica Jones. Does this further add to Marvel's incredible Netflix universe, or does it prove that this crossover series is vulnerable?
Following what transpired in Jessica Jones, Luke Cage has moved to Harlem and is trying to lay low. However, the city is rich with crime, and at the center of it all is a crime-boss known as Cottonmouth. Now, Luke Cage must struggle between doing what he wants, and doing what he should.
Mike Colter portrays the character in the title role, building upon his excellent outing in Jessica Jones. Colter plays the hero with a reserved complexity. Sincerity envelopes Cage's outer shell, but deep down there is the potential for a monster if angered, and Colter gets this across very well. His imposing stature also benefits his performance greatly, as he towers over just about everyone in the show. Colter grounds the show and his amazing acting helped make this show possible.
Opposite him is Simone Missick as Misty Knight, a police detective and on-and-off love interest for Cage. Missick has a sassy charm that oozes from her character in every scene. Misty is a cop who wants to do what is best for the city and will not hesitate to do what needs to be done, which is what makes her such a sympathetic persona. Rosario Dawson reprises her role as Claire Temple and she continues to be a highlight of this television universe. Claire is the connecting tissue between all these heroes, being in the wrong place at the right time. Dawson is very much the eyes of the audience, and she is a wonderful medium for the viewers. Frankie Faison plays Pop, the grandfather figure of the city, as he is always willing to help those in need. Faison brings such a sense of warmth and comfort with him that it is hard not to fall in love with Pop, despite his limited appearance.
When it comes to the villains, there are quite a few. The main one, Cottonmouth, is played by Mahershala Ali, and he is absolutely brilliant. His calm demeanor is used as a cover for a darker and more violent side, in the same vein as Wilson Fisk. The way he speaks and treats his employees makes the perfect candidate for a villain we love to hate. Ali was perfectly cast as this despicably entertaining character, whom you should never cross. Alfre Woodard is Mariah Dillard, Cottonmouth's cousin. She is a well-known political figure in Harlem and teams up with her cousin under the table to help her obtain the title of Mayor. Dillard is such a vile and slimy character, thanks to Woodard's great performance.
Theo Rossi is cast as Cottonmouth's new right hand man, Shades. Rossi is magnificent and unnerving. He is the voice of reason for the villains, and never breaks his composure. Always calm, always collected, and always wearing shades, he masks his dangerous nature behind a questionably genuine smile. Finally, Erik LaRay Harvey plays Diamondback, an antagonist that has a history with Luke Cage. He appears later in the series, and though Harvey plays him very well, Diamondback pales in comparison to Cottonmouth as a villain.
The main story for this first season is that Luke Cage feels compelled to help clean up the city of Harlem from all the crime that pollutes it. Cage begins taking down Cottonmouth's major operations with his powers of superhuman strength and indestructible skin. Luke Cage maintains the same grounded and street level grit that we have come to associate with Netflix Marvel shows, and it works wonders for this series in particular.It brings a sense of believability and plausibility to this superhero tale. There is a great deal of bloody violence that might no sit well with everyone, but is well-suited for what the show is aiming towards. Cage's crusade against crime is riveting and rewarding for the viewer, mainly because of how likable the main character is.
Also explored is the background of this hero. Hints about his past were dropped in Jessica Jones, but this series features extensive flashbacks that illustrate a horrible backstory that strengthens the character tenfold. Luke Cage's history is one of the show's highlights, in addition to the impressive action. The makers of the show fully utilize Cage's abilities in fun and creative ways, with several action sequences that will leave you stunned. His assault on one of Cottonmouth's headquarters is outstanding.
I believe one of the most underrated aspects of Luke Cage is its superb lighting. The use of color is staggeringly telling of character motivations and helps to direct the audience's emotions. For instance, Cottonmouth's office is permanently stained with a red hue that immediately incites an uneasy and violent atmosphere. Also great is the inspired music. The classic pop and funky jazz tunes that populate the show are very fitting for the tone and setting, with the main theme being catchy as hell.
Luke Cage does seem to struggle a bit with its pacing however. Though never boring or uninteresting, there are a number of slumps that occur during the first half of the season. There are times where it feels like the show is treading trodden ground. Certain events feel rehashed or re-used. Also, Luke Cage lacks that inescapable grip that keeps you watching episode after episode because you cannot wait to see what happens next; until the eighth or ninth episode that is. In addition, while Diamondback is a good antagonist and his history with Cage is quite intriguing, he lacks the charisma that Cottonmouth exuded.
In the end, Luke Cage is another wonderful addition to this growing Marvel Netflix universe. It sports great characters, absolutely cruel villains, and an engrossing story. The show captivates you and places you on the streets of Harlem, allowing you to breathe the same dangerous air that the characters do. There are moments where it feels like the show could have trimmed some fat and some villains overshadow others, but overall, I deem Luke Cage a major success. Though I find it to be the weakest of the Marvel Netflix shows so far, I still highly recommend you watch it.
Grade: A-
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