One of the many things Marvel’s newest Netflix series Luke Cage does right is balancing out its gritty atmosphere with a strong moral code, evident in both its titular hero and its main plot. Much like Daredevil and Jessica Jones, it has significantly more leeway with its content than the (relativity) more family friendly MCU canon, but there’s a consistent and deep sense of idealism reflected in many episodes.
Cage is more than happy to showcase an inclusive cast and defy as many social/racial stereotypes as it can, and there’s plenty of subtext and social commentary to be found. Yet it’s done in a manner to keep the viewer thinking, as opposed to beating them over the head. It’s an angry show to be sure, but also a hopeful one, wrapped in the package of an exciting and intense crime drama.
Mike Colter’s performance as Cage is easily one of its main selling points- an initially reluctant hero with a troubled past, but who is nevertheless spurred forward by an innant sense of justice and compassion. He gives the iconic character a blend of intensity when needed (particularly during many fight scenes as he shrugs off gunfire and throws around hapless goons), a mature intelligence, humor and empathy. What’s more, he’s surrounded by a cast of morally complex characters inhabiting a slightly fictionalized version of Harlem, his current home after leaving Hell’s Kitchen behind.
Cage’s hope for a peaceful day to day life working at Pop’s (Frankie Faizon) barbershop is quickly upended when he’s eventually caught in the middle of an ongoing mob war, resulting in a tragic loss when an arms deal goes awry. Mahershala Ali is both sympathetic and terrifying as nightclub owner Cornell “Cottonmouth ” Stokes, the latter being more apparent initially as he forms a tentative alliance with Alfre Woodard’s double talking politician “Black Mariah” Dillard.
As they plot, the duo have a number of in depth discussions on what direction Harlem should take, while a number of guest performers take the stage at Harlem’s Paradise (can’t go wrong with acts like Jidenna). Like the best blaxploitation influenced work, the soundtrack practically becomes a character in its own right, adding a lot to the atmosphere of the show.
When the town gradually becomes more aware of Luke’s super strength and bulletproof flesh, he becomes a folk hero to the public and the target of the NYPD. The fierce detective Misty Knight is an exception, played by Simone Missick with vulnerability when necessary, but never to where she feels like an accessory to Cage- she has an arc of her own that’s a compelling story in her own right. With the help of her and yet another appearance by Marvel Netflix mainstay Claire Temple (Rosario Dawson), Cage is forced to confront his past once and for all if he wants to clear his name and protect his friends.
From the leads to the bit players, Luke Cage has performances up and down the cast that make many scenes more memorable. This becomes more evident in the second half of the series, which is noticeably slower paced than the earlier episodes. It’s not hardly enough to be unenjoyable or anything, it’s just a noticeable shift in the pace of the action and story relevations. It was at this point when side characters like Theo Rossi’s manipulative gangster Shades and Karen Pittman’s steely Inspector Ridley really started making an impression on me, especially Pittman and her great chemistry with Missick’s hotheaded Knight.
Though many of Cage’s villains are just as complicated as he is, they certainly get plenty of time to chew scenery, particularly Ali’s Stokes early on and later Erik LaRay Harvey as Willis “Diamondback ” Stryker- who literally seems to be hissing out many of his lines. Cage’s moral uprightness is a good contrast, but Colter is good enough of an actor to keep the dynamic between him and his adversaries from feeling too cheesy.
As a show, Luke Cage is timely and proud to be so- there’s clear symbolism in the visual of a black man impervious to most heavy weapons. But it’s hardly a tract. There’s plenty to enjoy about it from a pure entertainment standpoint, and the emotional depth of its lead and smartly written story ensure its appeal in a variety of different ways. Strong recommendation, I imagine Luke Cage merchandise going forward will give people some Sweet Christmases.