Luke Cage was a strong follow-up to Jessica Jones, and while it does not hit the same highs as that series, it still remains enjoyable and action-packed enough to warrant the slot right behind that series as the second best of the Netflix/Marvel miniverse. Infused with an indelible soundtrack (both incidental and lyrical), this series relocates from Hell’s Kitchen to Harlem as Luke Cage continues his journey that he started in Jessica Jones.
One thing I cannot stress enough about these Netflix series, is how the actual production locations enhance them. I liked SHIELD and Agent Carter, but the backlot exteriors were always obvious and even the sets would sometimes feel low budget. Not so here, as Luke spends just as much time out on the city streets as he does on sets. The series embraces Harlem’s history and culture from the outset as Luke and his nemeses battle for its soul.
The cast is again top notch with particular standout going to Simone Missick as Misty Knight, a sexy and determined detective who succombs to Luke’s charms at the beginning but would find them on opposite sides of the law as the series went on. The villains, as embodied by Mahershala Ali as Cottonmouth and Alfre Woodard as Mariah, have their own opposition going. They both seek power, Cottonmouth through illegal activity and control of the streets through strength and Mariah through political office and community outreach. One of the is series’ high points is the deconstruction of those positions as they both confront their inner demons and their lust for more power. Ali oozes both style and sleaze as the club owner who arranges arms deals on the side. Woodard is all smiles for the camera, but belies an inner strength that slowly unleashes over the series. The mid-season shakeup is both gripping and shocking.
Luke Cage is highly recommended. Unlike Jessica Jones, which does not require Daredevil to understand it, I would strongly recommend watching at least Jessica Jones first (as Luke is introduced on that series and had a recurring role), and possibly even Daredevil for the introduction of Rosario Dawson’s Claire Tempe (who has so far appeared in every Netflix series aside from The Punisher). Claire’s story and arc develops most strongly here as she flees to Harlem following the events of Daredevil season 2. Like most Netflix series, it suffers from some padding and the antagonist in the second half of the season is a bit of a letdown. But this is one series that is worth watching.
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