Marvel’s ‘Luke Cage’ Premieres on Netflix

By Adam Miklas
Contributing Writer

Netflix has been going strong with its Marvel properties. Two seasons of “Daredevil” and one season of “Jessica Jones,” with both attaining critical praise and showing no signs of slowing down, the newest show to the Netflix lineup is “Luke Cage.”

Taking place in the same world as the Marvel Cinematic Universe after season two of “Daredevil,” this show sees the titular Luke Cage, played by Mike Colter, now living in Harlem after the events of “Jessica Jones.”

Trying to stay under the radar, he now has no choice but toget back in the game when he gets entwined in gang dealings happening in the city.

While the Cinematic Universe has very adult themes and situations, there would be no harm in kids watching them.

Not so for the Netflix shows. “Luke Cage” is rife with violence, sex and vulgar language. This show, while having plenty of references to both old and new pop culture, has been updated with the times, with certain political debates and movements having a strong impact on character motivations and the city as a whole.

It never delves into preachy territory, but it is there to help drive some of the characters’ motivations forward. It manages to be topical, but entertaining as well.

Do not think that this show is nothing but talking, as there is plenty of action too.

Cage has super strength and impenetrable skin, making his fights against gang members highly entertaining as he just shrugs off constant gunfire. The acting and writing is strong and engaging, as they help you believe that these characters are real.

Plenty of twists, turns and intriguing plot lines help to keep you invested and encourage you to keep watching each episode one after the other. Some of these moments are a little easy to see coming, but the circumstances around said moments are what keep you wanting to see more.

Halfway through the series, recurring minor character Claire, played by Rosario Dawson, comes in to assist Cage. Things heat up as all of Cage’s hard work to put notorious criminal Cornell “Cottonmouth” Stokes, played by Mahershala Ali, proves fruitless.

How do things play out after that? Well, you will just have to watch the show and see for yourself.

The best way that I can describe the Netflix Marvel shows as a whole is to imagine your favorite crime drama, but with a superhero twist. I can easily recommend this if you are ever in the need to binge watch something, or if you just want to watch a good drama in general.

If you ever have the chance, check these out. All episodes of “Luke Cage” are now available on Netflix.

Email Adam at:
amiklas@live.esu.edu