With a history of second seasons failing to live up to maiden episodes, I started with the new edition of Luke Cage with little hope, but sweet Christmas! It was quite a treat to watch.
Marvel might have weaved populous magic on the big screen, but their critically acclaimed work happens on Netflix. What started with the gripping Daredevil, soon saw the rest of The Defenders join in—Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and The Iron Fist.
As the episodes kept getting added, Marvel delved into concepts that its movie division shied away from—physical disability (Daredevil is blind), mental trauma (Jessica Jones is a rape survivor), racism and its derivatives (Luke Cage fights for the collective African American spirit), and unhealthy entitlement (The Iron Fist is a rich Caucasian kid with powers. Go, figure).
After a brilliant run in the first season, Luke Cage is back with an equally captivating second instalment. The series picks off where it left at the end of The Defenders, with Luke Cage going to back to his roots. This also meant him going broke as there are no obvious sources of income. A fan of his, who turned assistant, helps him out by selling Luke Cage merchandise at Pop's Barber Shop—where most of Season 1 centered at—but that doesn't quite cut it.
The episode, directed by Lucy Liu, echoes the feeling that Cage's 'manager' Bobby aptly puts into words, "Just because you a woke superhero don't mean you gotta be a broke superhero."
While this sets the premise of what to expect from this expertly edited series, it is in the second episode where we get to see the antagonist. And this season belongs to the villain—Bushmaster.
It is when Jamaican born John “Bushmaster” McIver (portrayed by the masterful Mustafa Shakir) comes to Harlem to reclaim his birthright—now split between former politician Maria Stokes (who now owns the club 'Harlem's Paradise') and Luke Cage (who now owns the highest street rep)—that the forgotten streets of New York get interesting.
While Bushmaster is portrayed as someone who is driven by vengeance, it is the subtle hints that he gives through meticulous thought and technique, that really gives Luke Cage a real challenge. And if you have followed the comics, you'd know that Bushmaster can stand up to Luke Cage in a fist fight as well—at least in the books, he does.
Complementing Luke's rivalry with Bushmaster is the story of Misty Knight. As the dejected and now single-handed detective, Misty hangs her badge and gun for a miserable life as she drinks herself away. But given how dedicated she is to the cause, a certain shocking event brings her back again to the department, and in the way of Luke Cage's vigilantism.
How she deals with Cage makes up just a little bit of the action, as she focuses her energy to hunt down another criminal figure—henchman Hernan "Shades" Alvarez.
Maria Stokes, however, seemed very underdeveloped in the new season, as the character is painfully extended to the later episodes. I could see it as nothing but a setting for another Marvel character to emerge from—Nightshade. Honestly, I could have done without the extra story arc.
While not giving away much in the form of spoilers, it can be noted that Luke Cage retains the suaveness and the style like in the first season. It touches a few good topics, including corruption, elitism, and friendship. Be on the lookout for an epic team-up with Iron Fist, as Luke Cage explores himself as not just a hero, but a HERO FOR HIRE!
Luke Cage streams in Netflix on June 22. Watch it for brilliant performances from Mike Colter, Mustafa Shakir, Theo Rossi and Simone Missick.