This week, Okwudili and I delve into Marvel’s latest Netflix original series, Luke Cage. We unpack every nook and cranny of the show. We give particular attention to its highs (particularly its exploration of black culture) as well as its faults (at times weak writing and inconsistent in pacing).
Though Luke Cage seemingly has the deepest connection to Jessica Jones, we also discuss Claire (Rosario Dawson) as the continuous thread throughout the Defenders shows. We also pay close attention to how both the character Luke Cage (Mike Coulter) and the show negotiate the superhero’s blaxploitation beginnings, as well as how the show fits into the current political turmoil in the United States.
We also discuss the ways in which Luke Cage is unlike any other Marvel Netflix show. Specifically, we discuss the setting (Harlem), multi-genre plotlines, the use of music and the split narrative attention between Luke and his co-stars. Luke Cage is about more than one man; it’s about community.
Luke Cage’s premiere season had a fresh perspective and successfully broke free of the expectations laid out by its Netflix Marvel predecessors. We are excited to see what the second season brings. In the meantime, Okwudili and I are looking forward to seeing Cage get in the ring with the other Defenders in the upcoming crossover series.
~ Hailey
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Please note that sensitive topics including sexual assault are briefly discussed in this conversation.
This podcast uses a clip from the song “I dunno” by grapes / CC BY 3.0.
