'Luke Cage' Season 1 Review
Sweet Christmas! I just finished 'Luke Cage', the latest addition the the Marvel Netflix universe, and it was fantastic. We were first introduced to the titular hero during season 1 of 'Jessica Jones', and I thought Mike Colter's portrayal of the character was perfect. Watching him in his own series solidified my thoughts on the matter, as he embodied everything that his comic counterpart was supposed to be.
Set in the Harlem section of New York City, the season follows Luke Cage, as he fights to end the political and gang-related corruption plaguing the city. Luke also has to deal with the ghosts of his past in the mystery surrounding how he got his abilities, familial issues, and the new relationships he's forming along the way. Luke's relationships with characters like Pops, Claire, Misty Knight, and the villains of the season were wonderfully hashed out, as Luke is a layered character with his own hang-ups.
The action sequences were on par with what Marve/Netflix has been doing along with 'Daredevil' and 'Jessica Jones', but really ramps it up with a super-powered punch. Luke's nearly indestructible body and strength are the only weapons he needs to combat the likes of Cottonmouth, Diamondback, and the countless thugs he encounters. For a universe that doesn't have to rely on big budget special effects, the way the scenes were shot were awesome and believable. Luke's abilities felt completely at home in the world he inhabits and didn't take me out of any of the episodes.
The intricate storyline was another great aspect of the show, with the political corruption involving city councilwoman Mariah Dillard and dirty cops within the force served as a great backdrop. The way that she and the other villains were able to buck the system countless times and to get the whole city against Luke was a great plot point. I also really liked seeing Luke's backstory. His past and experiences helped to flesh out Cage's character from a seemingly brutish hulk of a man to an intelligent, well-spoken, relucatant hero.
There were plenty of Easter Eggs relating to the other series and greater MCU, as we heard references to characters like Tony Stark, Thor, Hulk, Daredevil, Punisher, Jessica Jones, Kingpin, and even saw little hints towards the upcoming 'Iron Fist' series and the possibility of a Heroes For Hire plot for season 2. The way the show incorporated Luke Cage into this universe was refreshing. As we're getting a 'Black Panther' movie next year, there has been a lack of cultural diversity that Marvel has corrected with this series. I liked the nod to Misty's arm, as she does lose it in the comics and is given a bionic replacement by Tony Stark. I was totally hoping this would play out, but alas, it didn't...yet. Another fun Iron Man connection came in the form of the Hammer tech. The villain of 'Iron Man 2', Justin Hammer, has his hands in this series, as Diamondback has specialized bullets and weaponry to combat Luke Cage.
Using Harlem as the setting and having a primarily African American cast made the overall MCU feel more real. The use of hip hop/R&B music and the dialogue between characters in more of an urban setting grounded the series, giving it a gritty, hardcore tone. It was strange to hear the use of the "N" word in the episodes, as I wasn't sure how a company like Disney would tackle the subject. Though I don't condone the use of the word by ANYBODY, the fact that it is commonplace within the African American community was highlighted here and felt very fluid. The overall theme and flavor really enhanced my viewing experience.
The ending of the season left a few plot lines up in the air and should make for a great starting point for season 2. I can't wait to see 'Iron Fist' next and the team-up series in 'The Defenders' to follow. Seeing Luke Cage, Daredevil, Jessica Jones, and Iron Fist together to fight whatever threat arises is going to be incredible and will have a very 'Avengers'-like feel. For Marvel fans, super hero fans, or fans of great TV, I highly recommend you checking it out. Hopefully, this can open the door for more non-white characters from the Marvel universe, as there are so many great ones out there pining to be imagined in the same way.
My rating: 9 out of 10
Join in on the conversation in the Marvel & DC Justice League of Superfans Facebook Group!
