Statistics have shown that it takes a few episodes for a viewer to get hooked on any given series. On average, the number of episodes is three. (thus my title) With this in mind, I welcome you to the first in a series in which I will review shows based on the first three episodes. In this first edition, I'll be looking at the new Netflix original, Luke Cage.
To those unfamiliar with the character, Luke Cage (sometimes known as Power Man) is a Marvel Comics character who has been around since the 1970s. The new Netflix series, produced by Marvel and ABC Studios, brings Luke Cage into the here and now, sharing the TV universe of other heroes like Daredevil and Jessica Jones. Although Luke Cage's powers include super-strength and unbreakable skin, he tends to keep a low profile in the first episodes of this series. This is in large part to the fact that Cage (Mike Colter) is a man who is running from his troubled past. Luke does his best to live a quiet, trouble free life in Harlem while people like the gangster 'Cottonmouth' Stokes (Mahershala Ali) and his cousin Mariah (Alfre Woodard), a misguided, if not crooked politician, cause problems that end up affecting the whole neighbourhood. When a violent tragedy strikes Pop's barber shop, the local social hub, (and one of Cage's workplaces) Luke realizes the impact crime is having on Harlem, and sets out to use his powers to make a lasting change for the city.
One of the most striking elements of Luke Cage is just how steeped in black culture the show truly is. From background jazz or rap music to discussions of basketball and even black poets and writers, the show covers just about everything. There were several references that I didn't understand, but this is one of the things that excites me about the show. It gives me the feeling that the writers know what they're talking about, and that there is true authenticity in the dialogue.
Much of the black community has voiced their support of the show and its cast, though there is some divisiveness over the show's more political elements, such as the use of certain racial language, or Luke Cage's hoodie, a possible reminder of the Trayvon Martin case. While these things may be uncomfortable for some, I feel that it's all done in the name of authenticity, and the shows writers and producers should be applauded for it. The show acknowledges the daily issues I'm certain many black people face, while at the same time, not going the route of stereotyping. From a writing standpoint, this is a difficult balancing act, but it has been done to perfection here, and the show deserves recognition for that alone.
Another reason the show is so successful is the performance of Mike Colter in the iconic title role. Colter's Luke Cage is soft spoken, yet powerful. He will defend himself physically, but doesn't go out looking for trouble. Throughout the series, we also get glimpses of Cage as a man conflicted by his past, and dealing with feelings of guilt. Mike Colter brings great depth and seriousness to the character, and he's helped by an outstanding supporting cast. The women of the series are especially compelling characters for me. Simone Missick plays the street-smart detective Misty Knight with just the right balance of sharp wit and sex appeal. Alfre Woodard's portrayal of Mariah is wonderfully complex. It's clear from Woodard's performance that Mariah believes she is doing the right thing, even though she is doing it in the most unethical of ways. In my opinion, she may be the most interesting character on the show after Luke Cage himself.
To sum up, Luke Cage is a show that will appeal to not only long time comic fans, but to people who are entirely new to the character. It contains fantastic action sequences, as well as real human drama. Luke Cage is great not only for its entertainment value, but is equally valuable for its social commentary. If you haven't seen it yet, I highly recommend you try watching at least the pilot episode. Even if it's not to your taste, it will certainly leave you with a few things to think about.
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