WARNING: This is a review of a TV series about issues concerning the black community of the United States of America written by a distressingly white man. Reader discretion is advised.
After his successful introduction in Jessica Jones, it became clear that Mike Colter would have no issues carrying his own Netflix series. The real questions would lie in how Marvel Television would handle the first ever superhero series with a predominantly black cast. Turns out the answer was actually pretty simple: it was going to completely own what it was.
From the very first episode, showrunner Cheo Hodari Coker and director Paul McGuigan set the tone on what direction they plan for the show: it has every intention to be about the experiences of being black in 21st century America. Every single facet of this show reflects African-American culture from the blaxploitation-inspired soundtrack, to the gold and brown tinted lighting, to the realistic uses of slang in its dialogue, and to the setting itself: Harlem. And of course, the series is not afraid to tackle some serious social issues. One common criticism I heard about this show was its lack of subtlety in dealing with these hot topics. But truth be told, I didn't mind the lack of subtlety. Much like Luke Cage himself, it stands firm and points out what it's trying to say point blank. Subtlety be damned, these aren't issues worth dancing around.
The first episode takes place an undisclosed amount of time after we last saw Luke in Jessica Jones. He's moved to Harlem, trying to keep his head low and still recuperating from the truth of his wife's murder. He's been taken in as an employee by Pop at his barbershop, and the first scene here is honestly probably my favorite of the entire episode. The dialogue is concise and realistic, it establishes the setting perfectly, and it reintroduces Luke effectively while also introducing a cast of new characters. From that first scene, we know Pop deeply loves his neighborhood, his friend Bobby is a wise-ass who loves chess, Luke denies himself being with women who clearly desire him, and the kids are just kids wishing they were tougher. It's a great hook, even if the only thing happening is just a bunch of people hanging out and talking about basketball and the barbershop itself.
Not too long after this scene, when we switch to Luke's night job, we're introduced to the show's first (and best) villain: Cornell "Cottonmouth" Stokes, played with fierce intensity by Mahershala Ali. God, he completely owns this series in the time he's given. His arc, which spans the first half of the season, gives us a relentless crime boss who actually never wanted that life. It's heartbreaking because he's so damned good at it, but his pension for violence and his grandmother's shadow prevents him from living any other life. Like most men involved in crime, he's stuck in it without choice. Still, the way he is able to so ruthlessly murder people rivals Wilson Fisk, in some of the most sickening scenes of the series. Basically, what I'm trying to say is Cottonmouth should have been the show's main villain instead of who we wound up with.
Willis "Diamondback" Stryker kinda definitely sucks in comparison. Erik LaRay Harvey goes far too over the top in his portrayal, not that the scripts do him any favors. The twist that he's Luke's half-brother feels ripped straight out of a soap opera, and Harvey's cartoonish acting matches. In an otherwise grounded and socially minded series, he feels extremely out of place. The lead-up to his reveal simply wasn't worth it in the end, and I'm not looking forward to his inevitable return.
At least Diamondback's disappointing role is somewhat cancelled out by Alfre Woodard as Mariah Dillard, a councilwoman who allows herself to get involved in a life of crime with both Cottonmouth and Diamondback, despite her best efforts to stay clean for Harlem's sake. As the series progresses, we learn that she's more fit to be a crime boss than her cousin, Cornell, ever was. It's a pretty awesome swerve, and Woodard does a great job as the reluctant crime lord who eventually owns what she is. Her return in season 2, in contrast to Diamondback, is something I look forward to.
Since we're on about supporting characters, I think now is as good of a time as any to finally talk about Claire Temple. Introduced in episode 2 of season 1 of Daredevil, Claire is the connecting tissue between the four shows leading to The Defenders. Played by Rosario Dawson, Claire (basically the MCU's version of Night Nurse) gives our heroes the support they need, both medically and emotionally. Having already met Luke Cage in Jessica Jones, Claire immediately reconnects with Luke and eventually, the two fall in love. Dawson has been a bright spot in every series she pops in up, including her brief role in Jessica Jones. Having already seen a lot of shit, including an attack by the Hand in season 2 of Daredevil, she takes the events in stride as best she can. This and Daredevil are the two shows she works best in because she's woven in naturally.
Lastly, let's finally discuss Luke Cage. Like Jessica Jones, Luke is a reluctant hero cursed with abilities he never wanted. Instead of owning his gifts and doing good, he's content to lay low, afraid of getting hurt again. Luke spent a lot of time in prison, where he was abused and eventually experimented on. After falling in love with his counselor, he manages to escape and lives happily with her...until she's killed by Jessica under Kilgrave's control. Wounded and betrayed, we find Luke as a broken man. However, as the series progresses and the influence of Cottonmouth and Mariah intrude on his life, he can no longer run and becomes the hero that Harlem needs.
The show places so much emphasis on the fact that he's bulletproof. In a country where black men and women are targeted disproportionately by the police and killed without hesitation, the idea of a black man who can't be gunned down by the police would be understandably idolized. As Luke's legend grows, the people come closer together. While the final battle between Luke Cage and Diamondback is pretty hokey, it's still pretty cool to see the people gather around, cheering Luke on. Gave me big vibes of the New York spirit you see in all Spider-Man films.
Another strong element of this show is the outstanding soundtrack. Luke Cage, for all intents and purposes, is a musical. There are several show-stopping performances in the series from real-life artists that range everywhere from hip-hop to smooth jazz, whether they be in Cottonmouth's club or on the radio. Music is used as a device to not only set the tone, but also to occasionally drive the narrative and establish the message pretty clearly.
Like the other Netflix shows, this season has issues stretching itself out to 13 episodes. And as previously mentioned, it does have severe issues with Diamondback as its main villain. But its strong message, its brilliant choices on music and setting, and its engaging performances from most of its cast still lift this season above mediocrity. It's not as consistent as the first seasons of Daredevil and Jessica Jones, but I still think it's worth a look. Just brace yourself for a pretty rough second half.
For our next installment, Marvel takes a dive into the supernatural in their strangest film yet....nah, just kidding, it's actually their most cookie-cutter film. It's really pretty though.
Next time: Doctor Strange
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