What to Expect in Marvel's Luke Cage
We’re on the cusp of our third Marvel Netflix series with Luke Cage, featuring Power Man himself in live-action. If you would think that the third show would lose some of the anticipation, you were probably right…for five minutes. Luke Cage coming into his own as a hero in Harlem has plenty of opportunities to give the grittiness of Daredevil with the superhero mythos of Jessica Jones. Plus, it’ll probably be the only series where we can take the phrase “sweet Christmas” seriously, or semi-seriously. All this and more to look forward to in Luke Cage.
Following the destruction of his bar, Luke Cage returns to Harlem where he works part-time at a barber shop. Back in his hometown, he must confront the issues of his past including the loss of his wife and the experimentation that gave him his unbreakable skin and super strength. In the meantime, Harlem faces the threat of Cornell “Cottonmouth” Stokes, a leader in illegal operations, and his cousin Mariah Dillard, a local politician, as well as Shades Alveraz, a criminal from the past. Fortunately, Luke Cage will also cross paths with Defender ally Claire Temple and local detective Misty Knight. All of that is more than enough for thirteen episodes.
Like Daredevil, Luke Cage will see Luke Cage uses his abilities to help the people of Harlem who can’t protect themselves. Like Jessica Jones, he’ll also be looking into the events of his past. However, this show does appear to be working for something beyond being just like the other shows. After all, that would only be good for about two episodes before we get bored and just re-watch the other seasons. Since the world is filled with superhero shows, Luke Cage has to stick out among the rest. Fortunately, being a huge, bullet-proof black man ripping a car door off and using it as a weapon is good enough for everybody.
If there’s one thing that is definitely appreciative of Luke Cage is how much it stands out from the rest. A majority black cast with a bulletproof superhero is obviously applicable today, but more importantly is the aspect of originality. I know, it’s ironic since I compared it to the other shows right off the bat, but the ways the show looks different is more important than the similarities if only for the fact that we can finally believe we’re trying something new. That, and the fact that if (when) the show is good, perhaps more like it can become less newsworthy.
Moving on to things about the show, Luke Cage looks closer to accepting the Power Man legacy than other superheroes these days. With the more soulful style mixed with the soundtrack, the show might actually go the route of dubbing him “Power Man” in those thirteen episodes. With the route leading from his convict days to busting criminals, the name could be fitting. Of course, that’s still ways away from being considered a Hero for Hire.
With the pattern in the Netflix shows, it feels necessary to focus on the villains. Though Cottonmouth and Mariah feel as though they’re both doing a job Wilson Fisk accomplished on his own, there are a number of paths to go down with these angles. Perhaps Mariah has a decent outlook compared to her cousin’s illegal downfall. Or maybe she’s just as corrupt, hiding it from the public. The beauty of the Netflix universe is that either one of those things could happen, and we could still have an interesting development. The only question is what to do about “Shades” Alvarez. Being a criminal opportunist or just a plain asshole doesn’t bode well for a story.
Luckily, the supporting cast has plenty more potential. For one thing, Claire Temple is looking to take more spotlight with the introduction of her mother in the cast. Being partnered with Luke Cage, Claire may finally accept the universe throwing superheroes in her direction, despite the fact that she had to quit her previous job after kicking too much ass (literally). There’s also the introduction of Misty Knight who basically plays one of the few female versions of the “good cop.” Whether or not she gets her bionic arm is left to be desired. As for the other characters, I would just say not to get to attached to anyone named Pops.
In light of The Defenders set to be filming soon, it’s understandable to wonder what link this could have to the rest of the universe. One could argue that since Luke Cage was his own character in Jessica Jones, the series itself is a universe connector. Either way, I wouldn’t hold my breath for a major appearance. If it happens, I’ll be surprised, but with Iron Fist already underway, it feels like a waste to set up anything now. Here’s hoping the best for the Heroes for Hire and Luke and Jessica’s eventual reunion.
Very quickly, Luke Cage quickly became one of the more anticipated projects of the year. Whether you were for the series since Jessica Jones or at the first trailer, we can all agree on that. And, unlike Doctor Strange, I don’t feel a need to say “wait and see.” It goes to show that some superheroes don’t need big airport battles or kaleidoscope effects. All they need is a car door.
