Luke Cage season 2 (Part 1 of 2)

Luke Cage season 2 (Part 1 of 2)

With all the issues with the first season gone, the second season is a breath of fresh air. They pushed the street level crime fighting aspects forward moved the side characters into the forefront. Season two is a great lesson in letting the story and character development take the lead. I felt satisfied at the end of this season than the first season.

It doesn't get bogged down with modern politics like the second half of the first season. The writers and producers finally found their balance between making social commentaries and telling rich character-based stories. Show-runner Cheo Hodari Coker has an idea where they're taking the characters from the get go and it is a treat to watch it unfold.

While still retaining the Superfly/Shaft vibe from the first season, the second season takes on the modern style of storytelling. Plus, it is nice to see Luke Cage lighten up a bit this season and enjoy being a superhero. We get to see Luke displaying his powers for the Internet and takes a more media approach. This all leads to his character growth in the last episode.

Sadly, one of the weaker parts of the show this season is the relationship between Luke and Claire Temple. Maybe I am a heartless guy, but the show gets too bogged down in the relationship between the two. I didn't care for it and it felt a bit boring. Claire moves away from the show and I think Cage works better as a loner.

The show does work with the various villains and street-level thugs.

Bushmaster is a strong villain. Mustafa Shakir plays Bushmaster as a worthy rival to Luke Cage and Black Mariah. Bushmaster has legitimate reasons for starting a blood feud with Black Mariah. While the character is based on magic and medication, the show-runners tried to ground him in the street-level reality of Luke Cage. I like this version of the character than the other versions of Marvel Comics.

Bushmaster is a total badass and I loved every minute he shared with Luke or Mariah. The Jamaican roots of the character also add a different feel to the show. It also gives us a social commentary into the black community and Jamaican people in Harlem.