Luke Cage Review: The Slow Burn (Season 2 Episodes 1-3)

The first three episodes of Luke Cage are a slow burn. An exquisite burn to be sure, but a slow one none the less.

Starting with Luke Cage Season 2 Episode 1, “Soul Brother #1,” and stretching into Luke Cage Season 2 Episode 2, “Straighten It Out,” the show takes its time establishing its style and re-introducing its characters.

By Luke Cage Season 2 Episode 3, “Wig Out” season 2 starts to test viewers’ patience, but right as it edges toward crossing from atmospheric character studies to meandering and unfocused it snaps back with an emotionally raw scene between Luke (Mike Colter) and Claire (Rosario Dawson) and a cliffhanger ending that seems to signal a faster pace to come.

Most of the characters left alive after Season 1 return for Season 2 and easily find their stride. The show does an effective job of bringing viewers up to speed and resituating them after the long gap between seasons. Some plot points might be a little confusing for those that did not watch Defenders, but not in any real significant way.

The rest of the first three episodes are spent introducing three interconnected, but distinct plotlines.

Luke, working to shut down the sale and production of a brand of heroin named after him in the wake of his newfound celebrity; Mariah Dilliard (one the most memorable Season 1 villains) attempting to go legitimate and reclaim her status as a community leader; and the introduction of a new character with similar abilities to Luke, named Bushmaster with ties to Harlem, a grudge against Mariah’s family, and who seems set to be Luke’s main antagonist this season. 

Bit by bit, these threads start to intertwine and slowly begin to pull in the same direction, even if by the end of episode three that more cohesive narrative is just starting to take shape. That slow pace might try to the patience of some, but that patience is rewarded by the show’s distinctive style and tone, and especially by the compelling characters and stellar acting.

There is a lot of time and attention given to showcasing Luke Cage’s style and immersing viewers in the world its characters inhabit. Each scene is lovingly crafted with eloquent visuals and one of the best soundtracks you’ll find on TV or film.

Additionally, there’s a pop and rhythm to the dialogue that gives even the most minor character that little extra life and resonance. The series has a flair and swagger all its own that you can’t help but be drawn into and charmed by.

It also has a different tone from its Netflix counterparts. It’s brighter and less cynical.

Rather than being bleak and dour, Luke Cage is honest without wallowing. It’s something that continues to make Luke Cage feel fresh and relevant where some of the other shows have stumbled in their second outings, bogged down by their own pessimism.

More than anything, though, what makes Luke Cage worth people’s time is its characters and its cast. The Netflix Marvel universe is full of compelling characters and fantastic actors. You’d be hard-pressed, for example, to find anyone who embodies their character more fully than Krysten Ritter does on Jessica Jones.

But, without a doubt, it is Luke Cage that boasts the strongest cast and most complete characters across the board. Every character adds something to the experience of watching the show and every character who is more than an extra feels whole and engaging.

Of course, if you are going to talk about the amazing characters and performances of Luke Cage, you have to talk about Simone Missick as Misty Knight. Just as she was in Season 1, Missick’s Misty Knight is proving once again to the be the season’s MVP.

Misty has one of the most interesting and emotional stories of Season 2 as she confronts both the reality of losing her arm in the line of duty (for those that didn’t see The Defenders, Misty was injured during that crossover protecting Claire and Colleen) and her growing disillusionment with the NYPD and her role within it.

It’s a story that will ultimately lead her to transition into the hero most Marvel fans will recognize from the comics and Missick doesn’t miss a beat capturing all her little struggles and frustrations as she adjusts to her new normal.

Misty was the break out character and Missick the break out star of season one. If anything, in season two both the character and the actress, seem ready to blow past the high bar set last season with a richer story for Missick to grab hold of and a new destiny for Misty to embrace.

Luke Cage is off to a strong, if slow, start. It seems likely that moving forward as the main plot lines start to intersect more and more the narrative gain focus and cohesion, and the biggest flaw of the show thus far will be put to rest. In the meantime, Season 2 still offers a fresh experience and characters more than worth spending time with.

Stray Thoughts

• One of my favorite scenes so far has been the team up scene between Misty Knight and Colleen Wing. I hope they continue to grow this relationship and perhaps even consider a Daughters of the Dragon spin-off.
• After being sent down a rather clichéd path in Iron Fist and Defenders, I was happy to see stronger writing for Claire and hope it means an interesting storyline of her own this season.
• As there were in season one, season two has numerous references to art, music, and literature from black creators as well as references to important people of color from history. With a bit of research, there is an opportunity to create an even fuller TV experience by learning about the things and people referenced and connecting them with the different themes the show explores.

What did you think of the first three episodes of Luke Cage? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Luke Cage is currently streaming on Netflix.

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