The main villain status is shared equally between Bushmaster and (Black) Mariah Dillard. Mariah does take center stage during the second half. Her character is more in tune with the Cottonmouth character from the first season. And, Cottonmouth was the best thing about the first season.
Alfre Woodard steals the show. She is probably one of the best Marvel villains since Kingpin and Loki. She tries her best to be a loving mother, but her nature simply won't let it happen. Plus, she also is running the criminal empire in Harlem. Then, there is the relationship with Shades. She progressively becomes eviler as the season progresses. Woodard is amazing and clearly enjoys the dark turn her character takes.
The series takes a darker turn toward the second half of the season. Alfre Woodard's character does something extremely unspeakable and heartless. It is at this point that the character is no longer redeemable. This dark scene/moment is when the character finally turns into a psychopath. Mariah does something so terrible that it is her final path to being a true villain to everyone. Even the people she has around her start to mistrust her. This is great dramatic stuff. I didn't think the show would get this dark given it is a Disney-owned show, but it does.
This also brings the review to her lover/ right-hand man Shades. Shades and his arc is nearly completed here. It even explains some of the unstated things with his character from season one. I believe Shades really comes into his own. We get to see inside Shades' mindset and his close friendship with a henchman. I love all of this stuff and the romance between Mariah. Simply a wonderful performance from Theo Rossi.
Simone Missick also has a much larger role this season. She comes into her own as the police detective. Her character receives a complete arc. She is dealing with many issues as she returns back to the police force with one less arm. Interestingly enough, she almost receives just as much screen time as Cage. And, she ends up being the morally more stable character at the end of the season as Cage starts to change into a shade of gray.
Character development is much stronger this season because everyone receives a complete arc.
Due to the everyone getting great character moments and payoffs, Luke does get a bit lost in the shuffle because there are so many great characters. Mike Colter is great as always, but the focus is more on the villains and the police detectives. I really liked the arc with his father. I enjoyed that these two characters hated each other, but began to reach out and respect each other.
The arc in the season is Luke starting to loosen up and embrace the hero aspects of his persona. He is starting to take photos and making paid appearances. This is an element we don't see in Daredevil or Batman. The season ends this arc in an interesting manner. It also ties into Mariah's connection to Luke Cage as well.
I also enjoyed the team up between Cage and Iron Fist. It is probably the most comic episode out of the season.
Luke Cage season 2 is a well-constructed show. It retains the 70s black movie vibe while also adding some rich character moments as well. The season had a clear focus on the story it wanted to tell without it feeling disjointed like the previous season. The show is working at all levels because the writers had a clear vision of where they wanted to take the characters and the plot.
With a clear direction and motivation for each character, season two of Luke Cage is a great season of entertainment. The focus on one story and its competition at the end make this a fun season. Watching the villains become fleshed out also makes this a fun and fascinating story. When you focus on the story and characters, you can let social commentary flow in an organic manner. That was one of the problems I had with the first season.
I would put this season of Luke Cage up there with the first season of Daredevil as far as quality goes. With great performances from most of the cast, this season is a must watch.
Grade: A-
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment