Marvel's Luke Cage

:

Season 1
  • Network: Netflix
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 30, 2016
Season #: 2, 1
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1053 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 832 out of 1053
  2. Mixed: 122 out of 1053
  3. Negative: 99 out of 1053
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  1. dainaron
    Sep 30, 2016
    6
    There's something about Luke cage that feels clunky. The show itself tends to drag at times, and the acting is mediocre across the board excluding some great performances. The writing could also use a little bit of work, it is hard to get through some parts, and the camerawork is dodgy at times.
  2. Dodeska-den
    Sep 30, 2016
    5
    I was really hoping to fall head-over-heels for Luke Cage. Big fan of Daredevil, loved Jessica Jones – and I'm annoyed as hell that the second season is still a long way away – and I thought Luke Cage was perfect in the JJ series. I've only watched E1 so hopefully things will improve for me, but the acting is stilted and the writing uneven at best. It's the Marvel Universe so I'm notI was really hoping to fall head-over-heels for Luke Cage. Big fan of Daredevil, loved Jessica Jones – and I'm annoyed as hell that the second season is still a long way away – and I thought Luke Cage was perfect in the JJ series. I've only watched E1 so hopefully things will improve for me, but the acting is stilted and the writing uneven at best. It's the Marvel Universe so I'm not looking for The Wire, but there's little magic in the dialog and the exposition is heavy handed. I expect pilots to plod a bit but this really leaden. Hoping things pick up....… Expand
  3. ReubenIsAGod
    Nov 22, 2016
    9
    Finally I can give my full opinion on Marvel's Luke Cage.

    Luke Cage is one of the most socially relevant tv shows airing today. Especially today when racial tensions between cops and black skinned males is ever so present throughout. I think my favorite aspect about the show had to be the beautiful setting of Harlem. You feel the city. The show drags you in and presents itself, in    Finally I can give my full opinion on Marvel's Luke Cage.

    Luke Cage is one of the most socially relevant tv shows airing today. Especially today when racial tensions between cops and black skinned males is ever so present throughout.

    I think my favorite aspect about the show had to be the beautiful setting of Harlem. You feel the city. The show drags you in and presents itself, in this beautiful yet corrupt and damaged community where crime is present throughout, where history, art, music and culture is present and alive throughout this magnificent realization of such an astonishing historical urban environment. All of this is enhanced by some breath taking cinematography and easily one of the best, and most memorable, soundtracks of the whole Marvel Extended Universe.

    But at the heart, yes, this is a superhero story about Luke Cage, and boy, it is one hell of a wild ride. The acting is amazing and all the supporting cast give such great full on performances. And the villain, another win for Neflicks, a truly sensational character, Cottonmouth, who brings fear, intimidation and just pure character to ever seen he is in.

    Many have complained about the last act of the show, from reviews I have read here on metacritic and from over review outlets. But I, personally, found myself completely on-board and engaged until the very end. I love it, honestly, I think Marvel's Luke Cage is probably my second favorite Marvel Netflick's show with the first season of Daredevil being my all time favoruite.

    I am very much looking forward to seeing more of the character and cannot wait for Marvel's Iron Fist.

    If you are a fan of Blaxploitation cinema and or 90s hard-core hassle cinema and basically just Marvel Television in general you owe it to yourself to check out Marvel's Luke Cage.

    My only real complaints tend to be that, much like many of the other Netflix shows, it gets a little slow near the middle point of the show.

    I really recommend taking your time with the show instead of just binge watching it. I think a lot of these Marvel Netflix's show are better watched in small doses apposed to a full on binge session, for it really allows you to kinda just grow and appreciate the show a lot more.

    Id give Luke Cage a solid 9/10    … Expand
  4. SrPepe
    Jul 5, 2018
    7
    No es la mejor serie de Marvel pero está bastante buena y trae aún más conceptos que las anteriores.
  5. JTV
    Jan 21, 2017
    7
    The show doesn't go by the 70's origin of Powerman comics AKA Luke Cage, it try to be a modern version. I like the actors, the setting and the writing...it could of done better I just hope the second season improves the shows.
  6. BaukCro
    Dec 20, 2016
    7
    I must admit that I am not a fan of Marvel super heroes but this series would be better if they reduce the drama that constantly runs through a series and throw more action because this is monotonous and boring.
  7. AGAZ
    Oct 4, 2016
    4
    Starts full of potential with energetic characters that make things interesting, but sadly down-spirals into a boring snooze-fest.The acting quickly reminds you of an average soap opera and you will find yourself skipping scenes very often due to the endless staring and the ultra slow pace that gets annoying really fast.
  8. crabapple
    Jul 7, 2018
    0
    Superhero soap opera weak on the super hero and strong on the soap opera. Season 2 also suffers from PC syndrome where the lead characters are all strong females in charge and the male characters with the exception of Luke Cage are all emasculated, stupid, or evil, or die. They even portray Luke Cage as a stupid brute with one trick powers. If it was well written this wouldn't be aSuperhero soap opera weak on the super hero and strong on the soap opera. Season 2 also suffers from PC syndrome where the lead characters are all strong females in charge and the male characters with the exception of Luke Cage are all emasculated, stupid, or evil, or die. They even portray Luke Cage as a stupid brute with one trick powers. If it was well written this wouldn't be a problem, but it stands out as being completely unrealistic. Seriously, a superhero show where the superhero male is outnumbered by all of the action-oriented females who get far more screen time and development? IT's like Jessica Jones and Iron Fist all over again -- WAY too much screen time devoted to the villains and their family drama and not enough developing THE HERO. It's a bad cop show with Luke Cage inserted every now and then for the name, but it may as well be generic invulnerable black man versus street thugs because other than the names of characters it doesn't resemble Luke Cage at all.… Expand
  9. thunderbeans
    Oct 16, 2016
    5
    Disappointing. Daredevil and Jessica Jones were excellent, but this series is very slow and at times even boring. The villain of the shows is so 2 dimensional and any action scenes are stripped of excitement due to Luke Cage being invincible. Constant gun fights with no risk of injury was fun at first but becomes dull over and over again. It slaps of lazy writing and quick rush to releaseDisappointing. Daredevil and Jessica Jones were excellent, but this series is very slow and at times even boring. The villain of the shows is so 2 dimensional and any action scenes are stripped of excitement due to Luke Cage being invincible. Constant gun fights with no risk of injury was fun at first but becomes dull over and over again. It slaps of lazy writing and quick rush to release a new Marvel series on the success of JJ.… Expand
  10. AnOldStiffSock
    Oct 31, 2016
    5
    I really liked Luke Cage in Jessica Jones and thought the previous shows put out by Marvel were great so I was expecting something pretty special from them with Luke Cage. Sadly it just wasn't there, most of the acting is corny and some is forced on the brink of being awkward to watch. His origin story seemed kinda mashed up in there and a lot of facts don't add up. The charactersI really liked Luke Cage in Jessica Jones and thought the previous shows put out by Marvel were great so I was expecting something pretty special from them with Luke Cage. Sadly it just wasn't there, most of the acting is corny and some is forced on the brink of being awkward to watch. His origin story seemed kinda mashed up in there and a lot of facts don't add up. The characters sometimes have knowledge about things they shouldn't based on previous interactions they weren't involved in and when they do have knowledge they don't acknowledge it i.e. detective Misty knowing who Diamondback is and his face but not taking him into custody immediately for holding her at gunpoint, two episodes later Luke takes him down in a way that was less than thrilling. Or when the Dr. says it takes a specific high temperature, salt content, and pH to weaken his skin and then when they actually do it Rosario Dawson has to remind him of the salt and temperature, how did an accomplished scientist not have all this written down and ready before the procedure even began??? I think Luke and Rosario Dawson's characters are ok but the rest are weakly written for. I did really like the music in the show, that was a great redeeming factor. I honestly don't know what happened and why there is such a difference between Jessica Jones/Dare Devil and Luke Cage, I hope season 2 is better.… Expand
  11. TheWaa
    Oct 1, 2016
    7
    As a big fan of Dare Devil and Jessica Jones, I was looking forward to the release of Luke Cage. The manner in which Netflix has chosen to portray these superheroes, as flawed, normal people with their own problems without the Hollywood glitz that we have come to expect from the Marvel movies is a breath of fresh air and in my opinion, the way these characters were meant to be portrayed.As a big fan of Dare Devil and Jessica Jones, I was looking forward to the release of Luke Cage. The manner in which Netflix has chosen to portray these superheroes, as flawed, normal people with their own problems without the Hollywood glitz that we have come to expect from the Marvel movies is a breath of fresh air and in my opinion, the way these characters were meant to be portrayed. Netflix did a better job with both of the other soon to be Defenders in this regard.
    Luke Cage has it's highlights, the soundtrack is almost flawless and the cinematography is very well done. Where I feel it falls short is the script. The cast is experienced and well rounded but the actors are not given the quality of writing that is in either of the other series. There are too many moments after a delivery of a cheesy line that make you wonder if the actor finished the scene and said to themselves, did I really just say that?
    Overall it is a good series that does many things right. Cheo Coker set out to make a series that would do for Harlem what "The Wire" did for Baltimore, and the only way to achieve that is to rework the writing.    … Expand
  12. thoodee
    Oct 3, 2016
    5
    HUGE Marvel fan, however, I can't deny I felt a little let down with the show. With the streak Marvel is on, the comparisons made to The Wire, and the hip hop connections involved I really thought I was in for something unique and original but the show was mediocre at best. And although the show had some explicit scenes, this season reminded me more of a abc daytime show, a la Revenge,HUGE Marvel fan, however, I can't deny I felt a little let down with the show. With the streak Marvel is on, the comparisons made to The Wire, and the hip hop connections involved I really thought I was in for something unique and original but the show was mediocre at best. And although the show had some explicit scenes, this season reminded me more of a abc daytime show, a la Revenge, than a hardcore show like The Wire. Too many cliche lines and a lot of the story felt forced leaving most characters' motivations hard to believe. I will say the casting for Luke was pretty spot on and love what he was able to bring to the character. I just wish the writing was stronger.… Expand
  13. jc51coronet
    Oct 12, 2016
    4
    When this show was released I heard on the radio it broke Netflix. I Decided to watch the first episode. Borring, bad writing, bad acting, conflicting character standards. Attractive girl walks into the barber shop and ultimately hits on Luke, he throws her number on the floor and appears to show that he is not ready for any sort of relationship then hours later hooks up with someone.When this show was released I heard on the radio it broke Netflix. I Decided to watch the first episode. Borring, bad writing, bad acting, conflicting character standards. Attractive girl walks into the barber shop and ultimately hits on Luke, he throws her number on the floor and appears to show that he is not ready for any sort of relationship then hours later hooks up with someone. Episode 2 attempted to set up a very awkward and extremely tense moment in the barber shop but failed miserably. The acting nor dialogue improved by episode 2 so I came here to read some reviews and I am not alone, this show is bad. The first episode of any show is suppose to draw you in and spark interest, Lukes character almost achieved this but failed to deliver each time. The cast looks solid so it needs a way better script and directing for me to bother with season 2. I wont bother with any other episodes of season 1. I fell asleep after halfway through episode 2. This show is a far cry from a 10 and not a 1 either. It needs help to reach its potential.

    Start over guys you have a good cast and some potentially interesting storylines here. Polish up the writing and Work on the delivery because its lacking badly.    … Expand
  14. HatersWannaHate
    Oct 3, 2016
    3
    Overrated! Watched all 13 episodes, and if you enjoy listening to 10 hours plus of blaxploitation music, with predictable action, and terrible characters, then you'll LOVE Luke Cage.

    I like the blaxploitation music in moderation, but it is Luke Cage's entire score! We get it! In fact, we got it in episode 1. Most of the characters are weak--especially Misty Knight, played by Simone    Overrated! Watched all 13 episodes, and if you enjoy listening to 10 hours plus of blaxploitation music, with predictable action, and terrible characters, then you'll LOVE Luke Cage.

    I like the blaxploitation music in moderation, but it is Luke Cage's entire score! We get it! In fact, we got it in episode 1.

    Most of the characters are weak--especially Misty Knight, played by Simone Missick. I found it hard to believe this character could be such an idiot, yet appears to have psychic ability

    The show rips off the TV show Hannibal in the way Misty views crime scenes, and the one meaningful message I took from the entire show is black guys wearing hoodies can be the good guys. But we already knew that, which brings me to the point--Luke Cage does nothing original. I watched it all and came here to review in the hopes that I can I can save someone 13 episodes of meh.    … Expand
  15. carter13
    Oct 6, 2016
    4
    A show that picks interesting topics but dives to shallow depths in exploring the ideals of Harlem and current event struggles of low income, violence plague communities. All and all, a lack luster story with a bland and poorly driven protagonist against a undeveloped antagonist that leaves you feeling unsatisfied with each episode's finish.
  16. ScienceAdvisor
    Oct 2, 2016
    6
    The first few episodes seems to be all people watched before running to the internet to judge the entire 13 episodes, which is a crime, since this is Netflix and all were available on-demand. While initially full of promise, it quickly devolves into predictability and long periods of discussions which are quickly made meaningless. If it were not for being able to binge-watch the entireThe first few episodes seems to be all people watched before running to the internet to judge the entire 13 episodes, which is a crime, since this is Netflix and all were available on-demand. While initially full of promise, it quickly devolves into predictability and long periods of discussions which are quickly made meaningless. If it were not for being able to binge-watch the entire 13 hours in about 6 with judicious use of skip (dialogue mostly), this would have been lower. The entire epsiode where he is "healed" (superhero tv trope #2) is so nonsensical that it is worth special note. While the words coming out of Luke's mouth are all correct, his action fall far short of their potential. Perhaps season 2 will improve, but if like Daredevil, this was the highpoint.… Expand
  17. mrmonster
    Oct 4, 2016
    6
    I watched the first three. Suffice to say, I'm disappointed. The show lacks a compelling main character, a developed villain, and interesting action scenes. My main qualm is that Luke Cage is so impervious that when he fights, there's no tension. You know even if he's shot, he can't be hurt.
    I hope when Iron fist comes out, I'm not this disappointed.
  18. oreotchalla
    Oct 8, 2016
    8
    It feels real. Delivers great messages for the youth, nice script, amazing soundtrack and an stunning use of art: production design is on top, great costumes, nice sets, good photography, lovely details. Comparing with Daredevil, it has less fighting scenes, extras and FX, so it feels like Luke Cage was made with less money or something, but it compensates it with great art and details, IIt feels real. Delivers great messages for the youth, nice script, amazing soundtrack and an stunning use of art: production design is on top, great costumes, nice sets, good photography, lovely details. Comparing with Daredevil, it has less fighting scenes, extras and FX, so it feels like Luke Cage was made with less money or something, but it compensates it with great art and details, I think Luke Cage was made with love. Also female roles in Daredevil are basic and weak, and in Luke Cage female characters are strong as hell, thanks for that. Loved how it quoted real life things and how it stands up for black lives matters. Luke Cage's flirting made me giggle, but missed Jessica (my fav of The Defenders so far), and I'm so sorry for her because she was call "a rebound girl" by pops, but mostly, because her man has been drinking coffee with all damn harlem!… Expand
  19. ozymandiaz
    Oct 18, 2016
    2
    I loved Daredevil and Jessica Jones, but this show just did not work for me. There wasn't enough focus on Luke Cage himself. All the sideplots and other characters were really boring, and the acting was pretty terrible. I ended up skipping through most of the last episodes to fast forward Luke's plot line. I hope they just reintegrate him back into the Marvel Universe as I don't thinkI loved Daredevil and Jessica Jones, but this show just did not work for me. There wasn't enough focus on Luke Cage himself. All the sideplots and other characters were really boring, and the acting was pretty terrible. I ended up skipping through most of the last episodes to fast forward Luke's plot line. I hope they just reintegrate him back into the Marvel Universe as I don't think it works as a standalone show.… Expand
  20. Aiace
    Oct 3, 2016
    4
    The choices of the character do not make a bit of sense. The dialogues are so corny even the characters make fun of it. The special effects are stunnungly bad for a Neflix series, so bad that the camera does not focus on the action whenever a special effect would be necessary (Luke that jumps from a building or get hit by a car). Extremely slow pace without any philosphical depth to makeThe choices of the character do not make a bit of sense. The dialogues are so corny even the characters make fun of it. The special effects are stunnungly bad for a Neflix series, so bad that the camera does not focus on the action whenever a special effect would be necessary (Luke that jumps from a building or get hit by a car). Extremely slow pace without any philosphical depth to make it interesting

    All in all, having very much appreciated Jessica Jones and Daredevil, I was really disappointed and surprised by the scarce quality of this show

    Great locations, soundtrack and good casting, but they should fire whoever wrote the plot and dialogues (I skipped a lot of it in the last episodes - totally unnecessary)    … Expand
  21. horrorsparadise
    Sep 30, 2016
    8
    Seen almost half of the season now and it's quite great in many ways. I feel like the dialog is quite bad at times, and acting with that dialog is quite bad. But the show shines most of the time. I love the intro and the setting, it's well done. Compared to Jessica Jones I feel this is a milestone better. But in my opinion worse than Daredevil.

    Luke Cage does very well and quite excited    Seen almost half of the season now and it's quite great in many ways. I feel like the dialog is quite bad at times, and acting with that dialog is quite bad. But the show shines most of the time. I love the intro and the setting, it's well done. Compared to Jessica Jones I feel this is a milestone better. But in my opinion worse than Daredevil.

    Luke Cage does very well and quite excited about the last 6 episodes. I would recommend seeing this Marvel series.    … Expand
  22. Rtheom
    Oct 11, 2016
    8
    Right up there with Daredevil and Jessica Jones and it makes reference to each and the original Avengers movie quite nicely throughout. Actors were top-notch as usual, portraying their characters fantastically, and by the end I was ready for a season 2.

    It wasn't all perfect, the "plot twist" that happens about half-way through the series was kinda meh and there were just one too many    Right up there with Daredevil and Jessica Jones and it makes reference to each and the original Avengers movie quite nicely throughout. Actors were top-notch as usual, portraying their characters fantastically, and by the end I was ready for a season 2.

    It wasn't all perfect, the "plot twist" that happens about half-way through the series was kinda meh and there were just one too many characters to make all of them unique and interesting, but the series did a good job of keeping it's focus on Luke Cage and making him feel like a real person, rather than just another super hero.

    Definitely a must watch for any fan of the Marvel universe.    … Expand
  23. Licherus
    Nov 3, 2016
    1
    Too boring and too stupid. All characters are not interesting and lacks of charisma. Action shot very poorly. Luke is so boring character according to Mike Colter's performance.
  24. Costs1129
    Oct 22, 2016
    2
    Are we watching the same show? The acting is cringe worthy. The hero is hard to relate to (with so much his past being mysterious). I do not understand his interactions with the villains. Everyone else he beats to an inch of their lives, but the most dangerous bad guy he "warns" a thousand times? It makes no sense. This honor in the ghetto makes no sense!
  25. Qldgamer
    Oct 2, 2016
    7
    Very slow to start, too much singing over the acting, the first 4 eps were pretty lame. Luke's character got better as the series went by and Rosario Dawson really lent some great acting.

    Not in the same league as Jessica Jones or Daredevil. But a solid show overall.
  26. Vaxkang
    Oct 16, 2016
    5
    Full of cliche's, terrible writing, the action looks phoney and the acting is mediocre. I could not get past the first 4 episodes because the show is just not worth continuing to see what happens next. Mediocre all around.
  27. Slats
    Oct 20, 2016
    6
    I can't believe I was actually bored watching a Marvel series... I don't know what happened here, but Coulter, who was truly intimidating in his brief appearances in 'The Good Wife', and apparently propped up by the quality personalities around him in Jessica Jones - making him look good - was dull. He has absolutely no acting range, or at least wasn't given license to use it here. TheI can't believe I was actually bored watching a Marvel series... I don't know what happened here, but Coulter, who was truly intimidating in his brief appearances in 'The Good Wife', and apparently propped up by the quality personalities around him in Jessica Jones - making him look good - was dull. He has absolutely no acting range, or at least wasn't given license to use it here. The rest of the actors - the good - Pop is cool and Rosario Dawson who owns everything she's in, and Simone Missick is fantastic although not allowed to stay true to her character. The bad guys are laughable - literally. They are not remotely scary, poorly acted and questionable character choice. I mean Shades, one of the baddest guys around, is played by Theo Rossi - the weakest dude on the block in Son's of Anarchy. He is actually the only semi decent bad guy though, in his defence, which says a lot about the rest of the bunch.… Expand
  28. Dannyboy525
    Nov 3, 2016
    7
    I have mixed feeling's about this show, It's got a lot of positives for me, but it's also got some negatives. I think the tone is great. I have not read the comics, but I think they do a great job of modernising the character, however the show just doesn't have that stand out part to it that makes me want to watch the next episode. Daredevil has it's awesome choreographed fight scenes andI have mixed feeling's about this show, It's got a lot of positives for me, but it's also got some negatives. I think the tone is great. I have not read the comics, but I think they do a great job of modernising the character, however the show just doesn't have that stand out part to it that makes me want to watch the next episode. Daredevil has it's awesome choreographed fight scenes and side characters. Jessica Jones had the best villain I have ever seen on a show, but Luke Cage kinda goes through the motions.

    The action scenes are not great a lot of time it's just Luke walking very slow towards a group of guys shooting him ineffectively while he's throwing them around the room.

    The villains are ok, there not as compelling to watch as Wilson Fisk or Kilgrave though.

    The shows main point is about Luke Cage accepting who he is and taking responsibility for his actions, which I think the show does really well, but for me the show feels a lot more slow paced compared to the other Marvel shows because that's kinda all it has. Where Jessica Jones and Daredevil had it's side story's like the Punisher or balancing there second occupations being a Lawyer/Detective, both very intertesting occupations, Luke is a barber well not even that he sweeps hairs up...

    The show really would of benefited If Luke cage had to actually do some real detective work and stretched out who diamondback was and his motivations for wanting Luke cage dead. I would of loved Luke Cage taking a few more episodes uncovering diamondback and a side character uncovering who Luke Cage was before he arrived at Harlem. Instead we get it all covered between 2 episodes and the rest is the villains whining about Luke Cage.

    I think Luke Cage is a good show but definitely the weakest of the Marvel Netflix shows.    … Expand
  29. mehdiveb
    Sep 30, 2016
    10
    Briefly I love what marvel do specially the strategy that it takes in TV series and these series has no exception for that, like the previous series its describe everything very well with different aspect of the town,characters,actions,etc.
    that makes me persuasion to see this series and further series for this company
  30. aguarner11
    Oct 2, 2016
    9
    I've watched it in one weekend. What I love the most about this show is the harlem gangsta style and its characters. Luke Cage is not the most iconic hero ever but all the characters that are in the show are just awesome. I love Mr Stokes, Shades, Pop, Misty, Scarfe....
  31. abm0
    Oct 9, 2016
    6
    The first 3-4 episodes are pretty hard to get through, with the predictable action, blatantly preachy monologues and completely unrealistic and boring 1-on-1 dialogues that are supposed to show us the characters as real people having real conversations yet they make them feel about as real as cardboard cutouts. But the story does find its footing, it becomes interesting enough later on toThe first 3-4 episodes are pretty hard to get through, with the predictable action, blatantly preachy monologues and completely unrealistic and boring 1-on-1 dialogues that are supposed to show us the characters as real people having real conversations yet they make them feel about as real as cardboard cutouts. But the story does find its footing, it becomes interesting enough later on to be worth watching to the end. The monologues and dialogues don't get much better though, the only good thing is that there are fewer of them. From episode 4 onward I just had to fast-forward through about 80% of the long unbearably bad all-talk scenes (similar defect to what degraded Sense8 S1 after a while, but it's much worse here). Also, Alfre Woodard needs to get fired and replaced with a real actress.… Expand
  32. chidime
    Oct 13, 2016
    8
    A really good show, and first season. I initially had low expectations for this, since I didn't like Jessica Jones a all. However, from the first episode, I was blown away. The show has some really good depth, and very excellent character development. Can't wait for the next season.
  33. Ripandread
    Oct 14, 2016
    10
    I had not planned to watch this show on Netflix but after two episodes I'm sure glad I did. Great acting and writing. What I especially like is that even though the hero has super abilities, he is hesitant to use those abilities, making him more human.
  34. univega2003
    Oct 2, 2016
    4
    A lot of very good elements that made for some good episodes early in the show, but poor writing, dialogue and direction could not save the lack of cohesive vision and a weak plot. While it offers SOME nuanced and interesting perspectives on relevant issues, it is ultimately full of hollow, half-formed ideas and statements, instead of exploring and posing meaningful questions.

    It was    A lot of very good elements that made for some good episodes early in the show, but poor writing, dialogue and direction could not save the lack of cohesive vision and a weak plot. While it offers SOME nuanced and interesting perspectives on relevant issues, it is ultimately full of hollow, half-formed ideas and statements, instead of exploring and posing meaningful questions.

    It was nice to finally see a couple of fleshed-out villains with back-stories that provide believable motivation (Cottonmouth and Mariah). It is a glaring flaw rampant in the superhero genre.

    Would love to see a second season with some serious course correction.    … Expand
  35. Alexsrt10
    Oct 1, 2016
    0
    I don't understand why everyone likes this show so much, it was really bad I just wanted each episode to end. Their was no suspense at all yet rotten tomatoes gave it a 95% really, it was trash just garbage the acting the fight all lame. So can some one explain to me why everyone likes it so much?
  36. kristijan1001
    Oct 12, 2016
    0
    Terrible.....Show doesn't pick up at all,acting is kinda bad,alot of **** makes no sense or it is plain stupid.13 Episodes or should i say around 14hours of straight rambling and nothing else that's what luke cage is.
  37. multiwalrus
    Oct 3, 2016
    4
    I gave it 3 episodes before giving up. The main character is unlikeable- his demeanor and the way he struts around and behaves like he is cool conflicts with the dialogue and plot- chalk that up to bad acting I guess, but apart from that, the dialogue was super weak; After nearly every sentence, better dialogue just slipped into my mind and I was wondering how they could have failed soI gave it 3 episodes before giving up. The main character is unlikeable- his demeanor and the way he struts around and behaves like he is cool conflicts with the dialogue and plot- chalk that up to bad acting I guess, but apart from that, the dialogue was super weak; After nearly every sentence, better dialogue just slipped into my mind and I was wondering how they could have failed so miserably with it. The racial theme being so prevalent is also an annoying detractor. Use it a few times, I'm all right with it, but bring up every few minutes that you are black and punctuate it with a racial slur, and it gets to be unwatchable.… Expand
  38. Bo33y
    Oct 3, 2016
    5
    The music cool, that NY groove sometimes with rap, jazz and soul. But the show drags, it becomes far to preachy with some message of messianic empowerment.

    Where the hell is New Jack City, Gangster Number One, Shaft, and there are plenty more. Come on. Even Boardwalk Empire had much better themes, setting that kind of gangster Harlem background, and no drugs either in that operation,    The music cool, that NY groove sometimes with rap, jazz and soul. But the show drags, it becomes far to preachy with some message of messianic empowerment.

    Where the hell is New Jack City, Gangster Number One, Shaft, and there are plenty more. Come on. Even Boardwalk Empire had much better themes, setting that kind of gangster Harlem background, and no drugs either in that operation, because the gangsters are like some kind of cardboard cutouts, changing constantly from hard crim's then into something else, I wants that gun because it's so cool hehe, previously they were smashing somebody to pulp or shooting somebodies face off. I suppose they are like a comic book mimicking a child's read, ice then giggling and entering cussing matches, Yawn. Cage is tends to be more consent until he enters a sermon. Some of the acting is good sometimes, and the dialogue has its moments, but then it drags becoming this empowerment sermon of some kind of messianic savior freeing from oppression. D'oh a comic book doesn't stop to tell a drawn out movie.    … Expand
  39. sidiota
    Oct 24, 2016
    3
    Marvel's Luke Cage starts with a good story and it all goes well until the 4th episode. After that, the scripts lacks storytelling and timing in flashbacks, all characters seems to start losing motivation and all goes lost. This should be a 6 episodes season, Netflix format of 13 episodes is getting all Marvel's series in medium-low action shows, like selling crap from Warner Bros. TheMarvel's Luke Cage starts with a good story and it all goes well until the 4th episode. After that, the scripts lacks storytelling and timing in flashbacks, all characters seems to start losing motivation and all goes lost. This should be a 6 episodes season, Netflix format of 13 episodes is getting all Marvel's series in medium-low action shows, like selling crap from Warner Bros. The first season of Daredevil was absolutely flawless, and it had 13 episodes, but there was a good and simple story to tell. Jessica Jones, the second season of Daredevil and Luke Cage is just full of random information without any story structure, a lot of character motivation loss and MASSIVE continuity errors. Antagonists keeps getting lost in story, it appears the script was abandoned by original writers and someone hired Fox's Daredevil crew to finish it.… Expand
  40. ComandanteCobra
    Oct 10, 2016
    4
    It is more like a bad gangster flick than a modern superhero show: Luke Cage is in the background of his own show filled with screentime of supporting characthers.
    In my personal point of view Daredevil season 1, Jessica Jones and Daredevil Season 2 are all very good shows (Daredevil Season 2 a notch less) and Luke Cage is below them all.
    Recycled scenography in most of the episodes (all    It is more like a bad gangster flick than a modern superhero show: Luke Cage is in the background of his own show filled with screentime of supporting characthers.
    In my personal point of view Daredevil season 1, Jessica Jones and Daredevil Season 2 are all very good shows (Daredevil Season 2 a notch less) and Luke Cage is below them all.
    Recycled scenography in most of the episodes (all happens in the same 3 location: boxing club, barber shop and nigth club), stereotyped characters especially villains, very stiff action sequences especially Power Man close querter fightings, slow paced, watching previous netflix superhero series is mandatory to understand some of the dialogues....
    I hope that "Iron fist" will be better    … Expand
  41. 998817268
    Oct 8, 2016
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I'm hesitant to write a review for this show since it seems like I'm just going to grate some people's cheese, yet some people need to realize that cheese isn't the only thing that makes something good, and sometimes the illusion that grated cheese creates in terms of volume is better than just slapping a block of cheese on something and hoping that people don't care about the rest. The creators of this show have slapped their audience with a solid pound of crackerbarrel and it's your fault that you got hit cause your mouth wasn't open. Seriously though, this show is cheesy as hell, with fist fulls of corn thrown in because those are essential ingredients around which to build a solid show - is apparently what the people behind the show, or the actors, or whoever is to blame for how condescending this show can be thought. I'm describing this show as condescending because it tries so hard to come across as realistic or believable; and then a guy recovers data from a destroyed computer's hard drive even though he supposedly wasn't allowed to be alone with the data to transfer it from the flash drive that it was stored on (harddrives don't store temporary data). That's just nit-picking though, right? I can't say this show is condescending because there is one possible plot-hole. Luke's mass isn't effected by his mutation, but he stops a van without flinching; Luke's skin doesn't even react to the force of bullets, but Diamondback, a regular dude, kicks his ass in a theatre; etc. The problem here is that there are plot holes everywhere; some that are logical, but that just don't make sense anyway - like why the hell the main insane villain would go through so much trouble to destroy Luke's life (I mean, he spent pretty much his whole life on his revenge plan), to just throw away all of his planning to go after Luke in the streets in broad daylight, or in a club full of witnesses; and some that are illogical - refer to the list of plot-holes above. Also, I don't like Luke as a character - I think I'm allowed to have a personal opinion on this after watching the whole series. He's like Captain America, except less funny somehow - and I'm definitely not saying that the good Captain is funny at all. The show surrounding Luke - which is where this show comes to life - is like a fantasy/noir version of The Wire that had the misfortune of a character as boring as Luke emerging to ruin it - and this is especially true if you consider that Diamondback wouldn't have been a part of the show if Luke wasn't.… Expand
  42. high90
    Oct 15, 2016
    0
    First three episodes not bad, and then it progressively gets worse and worse by the end you're left with a horrible mess. Repetitive in its story line I was hoping one of the exploding bullets caught him between the eyes. It really made next to no sense and the set up for season two left me in no doubt that I wont be watching. If only they left it at six episode like uk dramas this couldFirst three episodes not bad, and then it progressively gets worse and worse by the end you're left with a horrible mess. Repetitive in its story line I was hoping one of the exploding bullets caught him between the eyes. It really made next to no sense and the set up for season two left me in no doubt that I wont be watching. If only they left it at six episode like uk dramas this could have been a winner but no lets drag it out until it become both tedious and absurd. Good job.… Expand
  43. AthifEdge4Ever
    Oct 3, 2016
    9
    Netflix & Marvel have done an outstanding job once again by portraying another minor superhero from Marvel comics and by tying it really well with the other shows such as Daredevil & Jessica Jones. We got to see the origin of how Luke Cage got his powers and how he gets framed more than once in his life. The series also illustrates the dark life in Harlem, New York and how helpless some ofNetflix & Marvel have done an outstanding job once again by portraying another minor superhero from Marvel comics and by tying it really well with the other shows such as Daredevil & Jessica Jones. We got to see the origin of how Luke Cage got his powers and how he gets framed more than once in his life. The series also illustrates the dark life in Harlem, New York and how helpless some of the cops & other innocent civilians are with the presence of crime lords and corrupt politicians.… Expand
  44. ryeca
    Oct 2, 2016
    1
    Quite possibly the worst new show out there, and definitely the most overrated. This show could be a parody of itself, it is so poorly written and acted. A mishmash of ideas, styles, and genres that comes together in a godawful mush.
  45. Kilrymont
    Oct 24, 2016
    2
    Started off fairly well, bu with virtually no back story to explain the strength and "bulletproofness" the title character is blessed/cursed with. By episode 9 it had become absolutely mired in a mishmash of terrible scripts, directionless directing and plot lines that had no idea where they were going.

    The constant flashback/forward/back again is never the best way to provide back    Started off fairly well, bu with virtually no back story to explain the strength and "bulletproofness" the title character is blessed/cursed with. By episode 9 it had become absolutely mired in a mishmash of terrible scripts, directionless directing and plot lines that had no idea where they were going.

    The constant flashback/forward/back again is never the best way to provide back story, and it's used far too much here. Sack the director, you'll have a better show would be my cure for most of what's wrong with Luke Cage.

    As a spin off from Jessica Jones it's inferior to JJ in most every single way - and isn't likely to do much for the career of the main participant, Mike Colter. Whose gangster character in that lawyer show that went on forever - that was better written in every way.

    But this very average made-for-TV thing is - actually way below average for Marvel productions. Even the poor serving they produced for Daredevil was better than this half-baked offering. The drafting-in of Rosario Dawson to play the Claire nurse character from Daredevil - plot aspects based on crackpot coincidence never serve to satisfy any but the least discerning of viewers.

    Teens and fanboys will no doubt be outraged at this critical review; but then if they like to read reviews they like, they should stick to reading reviews of quality shows. And this isn't a good quality show by any means.

    By episode 10 it's showing all the battle-weariness of some moribund junk that's having every last piece of appeal wrung out of it before the plug gets pulled. It's getting to be packed full of scenes that contribute NOTHING to the story line, they're only there to serve as padding since the main plot is so desperately thin. The last two or three viewed seemed to me to have all the quality of writing to be expected if produced over coffee ten minutes before screening - and scribbled on the back of a cigarette packet.

    And when the plug is pulled on this one, well - only the most avid of fans could work up a temerature about it.    … Expand
  46. Arfington
    Oct 5, 2016
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Lost all hope of the plot picking up as of episode 9. Everything stopped making sense and I am done.

    I liked the main characters and acting up till cottonmouth got killed. After that it's like someone just drove the already dull plot over a cliff. The plot is so boring, devoid of tension. I just don't care about any characters or what happens next.

    The Diamondback reveal was awful. It was referenced earlier in the show by shades and it appeared as though he was calling all the shots and would be revealed as some sort of crime lord. Yet after all this talk he's taking it upon himself to walk around the streets in broad daylight with a rifle? And on top of refraining from taking an easy shot he decides to engage in a lengthy pointless monologue that nobody cares about.

    Detective Knight losing her temper with Temple about Cage's whereabouts, totally out of character — compare how coolly she acted when she was pressed earlier by internal affairs about her partner.    … Expand
  47. AJ-Mathew
    Oct 3, 2016
    1
    Oh my Gosh. The Television is **** up. I just saw the 27 minutes and shut down. Really, really bad acting, so fake characters. Wow... This series is only for Teenager or people really don't appreciate a good script and acting.
  48. qwerty8883
    Oct 7, 2016
    6
    The series actually started off pretty well but a combination of some awful script, bad casting, and questionable acting detract from what started out as an awesome series. Hopefully, the next season will correct the negatives as it's still quite an entertaining series.
  49. Greysteel
    Oct 3, 2016
    7
    Mike Colter's performance might only be fitting the numbers but his fellow cast and crew make this a strong addition to Marvel's Defender series. It's the first real glimpse of the day to day mumblings of a post Avengers world where Daredevil and Jessica Jones only touched on it. It isn't all I hoped it would be, it suffers from poor pace while action could never hope to compare toMike Colter's performance might only be fitting the numbers but his fellow cast and crew make this a strong addition to Marvel's Defender series. It's the first real glimpse of the day to day mumblings of a post Avengers world where Daredevil and Jessica Jones only touched on it. It isn't all I hoped it would be, it suffers from poor pace while action could never hope to compare to Daredevil. It is, as mentioned, enough to fill the numbers with Ali in particular very impressive. Now, roll on Iron Fist!… Expand
  50. ezbreezee
    Oct 2, 2016
    8
    Like all of the netflix-marvel shows, Luke Cage is focused on the struggles of a city. A particular section of New York. But unlike Daredevil or Jessica Jones, there is no master plot, no great menacing evil like Fisk, Kilgrave, or the Hand. Cage's fight is for Harlem and Harlem alone. The show doesn't delve into his demons the way it did with DD or JJ. Instead, it focuses on the survivalLike all of the netflix-marvel shows, Luke Cage is focused on the struggles of a city. A particular section of New York. But unlike Daredevil or Jessica Jones, there is no master plot, no great menacing evil like Fisk, Kilgrave, or the Hand. Cage's fight is for Harlem and Harlem alone. The show doesn't delve into his demons the way it did with DD or JJ. Instead, it focuses on the survival of a city on Cage's back and the way past is clashing with his present. Of course, the delivery is not clunk-free. Characters are introduced in a rough shod way and Colter's static delivery makes it sometimes difficult to see the world through his eyes. In fact, his stoic and somewhat hard performance makes all the characters around him seem lively, which they are. Delivering great performances. But perhaps that suits the character that the series is trying to build. A stoic, calm, and quiet giant that walks through life hoping to go unnoticed.

    The plot is a bit predictable and a little thin but captivating enough that you will want to see it unfold. However, it awkwardly shifts as characters move in and out of the series. Going from a rags-to-riches affair to a standard revenge-served-cold show. Unlike its predecessor shows, the writers didn't have motivations for all characters that focused on a single point. Instead all characters wanted different things and that led to a chopped and cobbled together plot line that works but is noticeably cringeworthy. Perhaps it's the bias of watching the more complicated plot lines of DD and JJ that seeing a story so focused on the title character looking to purely save his little corner of NY is a bit of a huge shift. DD wanted to save Hell's Kitchen, but he was fighting these huge bad guys and sinister evil people that it was easy to forget that Hell's Kitchen was what mattered and not the world or New York. JJ wanted to kill Kilgrave but all the background monologues were about New York City. At the start of this movement of Netflix comic book shows, the characters were all written to focus on their part of NY. But Luke Cage is the only one who seems to have achieved that. He fights regular people, local gang leaders, pushers, crooked cops, and so on in order to keep them from destroying Harlem. Whereas DD and JJ fought super powered folks, ninjas, extremely rich men with absurd chainmail suits and so on. It's refreshing to see Luke Cage, which also offers one of the most stellar soundtracks as compared to its predecessors on Netflix, focus on that strategy. No super powered bad guys, just regular people looking to get him. Yes, there is some technology stuff in there that kinda throws an awkwardness to it but it still generally fits within the story. Even if you don't sympathize with Cage, you sympathize with the characters around him and you understand what it takes to be a hero when all you want to do is be left in peace.    … Expand
  51. silentking
    Oct 2, 2016
    8
    This series got a lot of things right. The cultural references, the soundtrack, the casting.....all dead on. The writing, for the most part, is good....at times great. But the series seems to put all its energy into these elements and skimps on visual style and convincing action. A lot of dialogue scenes drag out and build unnecessary tension, which make the unconvincing action scenesThis series got a lot of things right. The cultural references, the soundtrack, the casting.....all dead on. The writing, for the most part, is good....at times great. But the series seems to put all its energy into these elements and skimps on visual style and convincing action. A lot of dialogue scenes drag out and build unnecessary tension, which make the unconvincing action scenes an even bigger contrast. Daredevil had some amazing action scenes that really made the show, and Jessica Jones had character depth and spot on directing. Luke Cage lacks in both of these areas. Many times, I felt like it switched from being a cutting edge modern super hero show to the old Bill Bixby Incredible Hulk series. All of that said though, the good elements far outweigh the bad and this is a solid building ground for future greatness.… Expand
  52. Mukkinese
    Oct 5, 2016
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I loved the whole owning of the blaxploitation theme. It worked well and the character development was, as usual in Netflix's Marvel series, exceptional. Unfortunately, the "Hammer suit" at the end was somewhat underwhelming and to be honest weak.

    Everything was going well up until just after Cottonmouth was killed, then it began to flag. The Judas bullets limited by massive cost were fine, but the later mass-produced version was dumb. Even the early indications of the "Hammer suit" were not convincing, a glove with a wire made Diamondback's punch as strong as Luke's? No.

    Either the suit should have looked like an Iron man knock off or not used at all. I presume budget was the reason for the weak effort they did use.

    Far better to have hinted at a dark and dangerous "hired muscle" of diamondback's and then reveal a mutant capable of taking on Luke, Punchout would be interesting or Moses Magnum or some anonymous mutant forced into serving diamondback by some nasty means, kidnapping of a family member perhaps? Anything, but that weak-ass suit!

    Strong start, disappointing end...    … Expand
  53. SaintThrog
    Oct 6, 2016
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I'd like to have given a higher score, but there were a few things that noticeably dragged the show down. Predictability was a pretty big problem while watching the show. Some of the acting, mostly by secondary characters, really dragged some scenes down. The special effects, mostly the explosions, we're pretty bad. They just didn't look like the fit the scenes right and they had a distinct CGI look that's pretty uncommon to see these days.… Expand
  54. AbeMC
    Nov 19, 2016
    5
    Boring, predictable, and unconvincing. High production values can't cover exceptionally tepid writing. Cottonmouth was an interesting villain, but he's the focus for only half of the first season. Diamondback (the second major villain) is as stereotypical as villains come: spouting cheesy scripture and leering at the camera while nursing a grudge we've seen all too often (most recently inBoring, predictable, and unconvincing. High production values can't cover exceptionally tepid writing. Cottonmouth was an interesting villain, but he's the focus for only half of the first season. Diamondback (the second major villain) is as stereotypical as villains come: spouting cheesy scripture and leering at the camera while nursing a grudge we've seen all too often (most recently in 007 Spectre). Characters are introduced with a handwave. The action never feels or looks interesting (the "I'm bulletproof" thing gets old fast). The music performed in the night club is consistently great; but the theme music to the show generates none of the tension and excitement that Daredevil's does.

    Some blame Colter for the show's laid-back persona; he's just acting what is written, and he does it well. Maheshala Ali (as Cottonmouth) and Theo Rossi (as Shades) are both standouts; a little over-the-top, but both refreshingly interesting in a sea of stoicism. Rosario Dawson is good of course, but she's barely there until the final three episodes (she and Colter have great chemistry, too). Alfre Woodard's character has probably the best writing of all of them, and she is great. For the rest, the acting revolves around lowering their voices to a subdued monotone while saying the line, then elevating the volume at the end for emphasis. Incredibly lackluster.

    Not awful, but not too interesting either. Don't bother unless you're a mega fan or there's nothing else that is good in your watch queue.    … Expand
  55. alejandro970
    Dec 2, 2016
    8
    One of Marvel best plays for TV. Mike Colter wears well the role of the backstreet Harlem hero, with smart drama and pounding action sequences; the final chapter develops expectation for next season.
  56. quagmire0
    Oct 14, 2016
    5
    I'm 5 episodes in and I find myself REALLY wanting to like this show, but also REALLY wanting to fall asleep at times. I like the music and the overall 'feel' of the show. Some of the dialogue is good in that it helps to give the characters some dimension, but some of it is also very cliche and cringe-worthy. Not to mention that there is just too much of it! Call me crazy, but when I'mI'm 5 episodes in and I find myself REALLY wanting to like this show, but also REALLY wanting to fall asleep at times. I like the music and the overall 'feel' of the show. Some of the dialogue is good in that it helps to give the characters some dimension, but some of it is also very cliche and cringe-worthy. Not to mention that there is just too much of it! Call me crazy, but when I'm watching a superhero show, I want to see a good amount of that superhero in action - and not just punching an occasional wall or clubbing guys over the head to knock them out. Here, Luke Cage is more similar to Jessica Jones than Daredevil. I think Jessica Jones was able to pull it off, mostly due to a fantastic job by David Tennant as Killgrave as well as Jessica just having a quirkier personality than Luke. Luke mostly just scowls through most of the shows and the plot (so far) is just so formulaic. There's no Kingpin, there's no Killgrave - villains that can really put it over the top. I find myself watching and waiting for things to pick up - not just from episode to episode, but minute by minute - but it never really does.… Expand
  57. OMNIMOVIE
    Sep 30, 2016
    1
    if less that 0 scores were able to be granted this for sure earns ones. Acting = horrid, plot = horrid
    camera work = good
    fight/action sequences = on par with Kevin Surbo and XENA Black dude that gets angry and smashes things that got super powers whilst in jail. WTF really man.. thats some racist **** "i dont like to be called **** 3 lines later..... "Shoot me **** Please for    if less that 0 scores were able to be granted this for sure earns ones. Acting = horrid, plot = horrid
    camera work = good
    fight/action sequences = on par with Kevin Surbo and XENA

    Black dude that gets angry and smashes things that got super powers whilst in jail. WTF really man.. thats some racist ****

    "i dont like to be called ****
    3 lines later..... "Shoot me ****

    Please for the love of god stop making such trash!    … Expand
  58. hoala
    Sep 30, 2016
    10
    Best Marvel's performace yet. Haters back off. 10/10 I hate DC's fans come here and rate it 1 or 0 for nothing. It was amazing.. I wish I cound put an 11.
  59. damman
    Sep 30, 2016
    10
    So excited about the show. I know they are a lot of trolls on this site but hey you know it's a good show and different well scripted and the acting is really good. It got me into this comic character. Nice
  60. bellbottombrews
    Sep 30, 2016
    3
    The writing is almost as bad as the acting. This is marvel, please move on and don't kill any other comic characters. The standard is high and did not come close to my expectations. Please add a story and some cool characters. Huge miss.
  61. the12black
    Oct 1, 2016
    7
    Solid performances (for the most part) all around, with the exception of the series nemisis Diamondback, and a few bit players. There was a lot of need to suspend disbelief through the first few episodes and writers leaned a lot on conveniences to further the plot which kept this series from being as good as DD. But it was a fun watch and worth all 13 hours.

    I would recommend this    Solid performances (for the most part) all around, with the exception of the series nemisis Diamondback, and a few bit players. There was a lot of need to suspend disbelief through the first few episodes and writers leaned a lot on conveniences to further the plot which kept this series from being as good as DD. But it was a fun watch and worth all 13 hours.

    I would recommend this series to others.    … Expand
  62. Noisy-Ninja
    Oct 3, 2016
    8
    Thru Season 1:6, My favorite Marvel TV series by far.

    1st off, Luke Cage is just a BA. His voice, demeanor, attitude, and he does the right thing! He's the full package. He's rivaling Phil Coulson for best Marvel TV character, imo, (and winning.) 2nd: No over-the-top cheesy fight scenes. The action is short, sweet, to the point. Unlike, say, Daredevil where the fights are as    Thru Season 1:6, My favorite Marvel TV series by far.

    1st off, Luke Cage is just a BA. His voice, demeanor, attitude, and he does the right thing! He's the full package. He's rivaling Phil Coulson for best Marvel TV character, imo, (and winning.)

    2nd: No over-the-top cheesy fight scenes. The action is short, sweet, to the point. Unlike, say, Daredevil where the fights are as boring as possible: you know who is fighting and who will win before the fight scene even arrives. Luke Cage brings a refreshing look to action.

    3rd: Subtlety. Instead of the overly dramatic constant in most other shows of this type (Skye from Agents of Shield, or Tom Cruise in anything) the show plays out nice and easy. The makers don't try to cram action into every crevice like a Transformer mutation. This is jazz of TV.

    4th and last: The first couple episodes had some cool cinematography that really brought out the "comic-book" feel. Not so much in later episodes. I liked it, hope to see more of it.

    Overall 8/10. What could change the score perhaps?
    Add in more comic book effects +1.
    Gyneth Paltro cameo +2. (I know, I'm a sucker for her voice.)
    Luke loses his morale compass -2.
    Film-makers reveal their liberal bias -3.    … Expand
  63. red_rhino
    Oct 3, 2016
    10
    Ok. Damn. This has to be my favorite viewing experience in a very long time. First the bad, the guy who plays Luke is a bad actor... like, cringeworthy bad. He is the reason I hesitated watching, because he was so wooden and dull in Jessica Jones and the Good Wife. But it didnt matter because, oh my god, the supporting cast were terrific. I mean, award winning terrific. I actually endingOk. Damn. This has to be my favorite viewing experience in a very long time. First the bad, the guy who plays Luke is a bad actor... like, cringeworthy bad. He is the reason I hesitated watching, because he was so wooden and dull in Jessica Jones and the Good Wife. But it didnt matter because, oh my god, the supporting cast were terrific. I mean, award winning terrific. I actually ending up enjoying simple Luke because everyone else was so intense. I wold recommend this just for everyone to see Remmy from House of Cards play the most charismatic black villain I have ever seen on screen. I got goosebumps. Is this the post obama contribution to film and tv... really well constructed black villians, like in Fargo season 2....

    Anyways, most of all... as black American man who got so many of the references, it was just so much fun and I am so grateful to have my history and heritage put on screen in such a fun way. I see now how some people might feel if they relate to Captain America ad his history. It makes you feel like a kid again, and as a young black man, we just dont have any superheros and villains to relate to so well. I see my aunts and sister, and mother and friends in these characters. I also was getting so fed up with only hearing about black civil rights heroes in serious films. This was fun as hell, and also made me realise I need to read more, because damn it / black people re interesting folk. I am sure Tarantino would love this series, and its a shame he is the only person who has had fun with black characters in mainstream. His dialogue never resonated as deep as in this show, and I am sure he was taking notes... or at least he should.    … Expand
  64. contodopeixao
    Oct 10, 2016
    10
    a forma como a serie lidou com os poderes de luke foi incrivel,dando espaço para mais cenas bacanas de ação, eles lidaram com questões sociais e preconceitos e fez ganhar muitos pontos merecidos com a critica
  65. Argento
    Oct 16, 2016
    2
    Los primeros episodios son entretenidos.... después se torna una serie predecible, repetitiva y aburrida.
    No tiene nada que ver con fanatismos sobre Marvel o DC como leí en otros reviews, ni siquiera leo comics, y hasta que no vi en la presentacion que decia Marvel, ni sabia que la serie estaba basada en comic.
  66. MovieLover123
    Oct 10, 2016
    8
    Loved the storyline and the minority representation finally present in the MCU, however I found this series to be the weakest of all the MCU tv series. Mike Colter just didn't embody the character of Luke Cage like Krysten Ritter did justice to her character in Jessica Jones. Also, the fight scenes were laughably terrible, awkward and lazy. Luke pretty much just slaps, pushes or punchesLoved the storyline and the minority representation finally present in the MCU, however I found this series to be the weakest of all the MCU tv series. Mike Colter just didn't embody the character of Luke Cage like Krysten Ritter did justice to her character in Jessica Jones. Also, the fight scenes were laughably terrible, awkward and lazy. Luke pretty much just slaps, pushes or punches all his assailants in the lamest manner possible . Overall, it is a decent superhero tv series.… Expand
  67. jackeebleu
    Oct 2, 2016
    10
    “What happens to a dream deferred?
    Does it dry up, like a raisin in the sun?
    Or fester like a sore, And then run? Does it stink like rotten meat? Or crust and sugar over, like a syrupy sweet? Maybe it just sags, like a heavy load. Or does it explode?” Langston Hughes wrote those words in a poem titled “Harlem”. This is where Cheo Hodari Coker drops us. A dream deferred Harlem. A    “What happens to a dream deferred?
    Does it dry up, like a raisin in the sun?
    Or fester like a sore, And then run?
    Does it stink like rotten meat?
    Or crust and sugar over, like a syrupy sweet?
    Maybe it just sags, like a heavy load.
    Or does it explode?”

    Langston Hughes wrote those words in a poem titled “Harlem”. This is where Cheo Hodari Coker drops us. A dream deferred Harlem. A modern day construct erected from the hopes and dreams of a Harlem once revered for its creative and financial excellence; Black Excellence. This isn’t a series about heroes and villains, its a retelling of a love lost. A love letter about relationships built on promises, bricks, blood, and bass. Full of colorful references to the people, places, things, sins, and successes, that either elevate or devastate the human condition.

    This is not a series about super powers. This is a technical masterstroke of camera work, acting, and character development that speaks to power; Political, Financial, Street, and Police. But more importantly, the power of will. A keen eye and ear are required, as littered through this narrative are nods to cultural icons, from Biggie to Barnes to Basquiat, Ellison to Hughes to Sutton, all hands are on deck. Simone Missick and Mike Colter push and pull their way through a complex tale that takes you where you wouldn’t expect, but inevitably, the way thats required. This is a series about accountability. Its about people not relying on badges and guns to get things done. An acceptance that the burden of change lies on us all. Its about the hope and dreams that push us forward, to ensure that future generations have it better, not deferred. Never backwards, always forward. Always. Triumphant.    … Expand
  68. HughJarsole
    Oct 4, 2016
    0
    Luke cage is a solid OK series that brings nothing new to the table, honestly it is leagues below any other season of any CW show or any Marvel Netflix show. The action sequences are poorly structured especially the final battle and it is the directing that saves that aspect of the show, it had a VERY slow build up and passed its logic as methodical but truthfully the show had a habit ofLuke cage is a solid OK series that brings nothing new to the table, honestly it is leagues below any other season of any CW show or any Marvel Netflix show. The action sequences are poorly structured especially the final battle and it is the directing that saves that aspect of the show, it had a VERY slow build up and passed its logic as methodical but truthfully the show had a habit of not showing what actually happens in a scene; a plot device great for a flashback or two that gets annoying when used constantly. Compared to the first seasons of Daredevil and Jessica Jones it lacked edge and style, moreover it lacked the thing that sets it apart from other shows and didn't make a case for the justification of an entire season/series. It forced the hood life aspect way too hard and they never truly got it right, they borrowed the crowd aspect from every superhero movie ever, they pushed the villains running scared trope to a ridiculous height then made unbreakable Luke Cage bow down to cops with easily manufactured kryptonite, taking Luke Cage out of the elusive club of things that won't break. It never found its feet and never truly gave us Luke Cage. Kryptonite is a rare alien metal that takes money to find and brains to make into a feasible weapon, compare that to Judas and you have something any enemy that presents the defenders can take out the muscle at sniper range. Luke Cage was ok, good at best but was simply overhyped mediocrity that was good until it was let down in a shoddy third act.… Expand
  69. HOFFERN
    Oct 1, 2016
    10
    Great acting, great story and cool characters! There is not much more to be said than that, I simply loved it. Looking forward to a second season, and seeing how they connect it to Jessica Jones and Daredevil later on.
  70. FleshWorld
    Oct 2, 2016
    9
    I'm a huge fan of Colter and think he did a great job as Luke in Jessica Jones. Only just started the season, and although there's not a ton of action, I appreciate what the makers are doing with it.
  71. Thirdrail
    Oct 3, 2016
    6
    I will say, up front, that having characters who are far more interesting than the dumb story they're trapped in is the quintessential Marvel comic book experience, so in that sense, Luke Cage could not be any more true to its source material.

    The first half of the season is predictable and a little boring, but still works because Colter is so good as Luke Cage, but then the show tries    I will say, up front, that having characters who are far more interesting than the dumb story they're trapped in is the quintessential Marvel comic book experience, so in that sense, Luke Cage could not be any more true to its source material.

    The first half of the season is predictable and a little boring, but still works because Colter is so good as Luke Cage, but then the show tries to expand from "Luke Cage vs. Boardwalk Empire" into a larger, more dynamic story, and everything just collapses like a cheap tent in a windstorm. None of it is as bad as those final, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle episodes of Daredevil's second season, but it gets close to being that silly, at times. The series is full of boring action scenes; the show revolves heavily around the simple idea that Luke is bulletproof, and he's surrounded by the same bad guys the entire season, and yet none of them ever stop firing guns at him. Long, long after the point where it becomes the dumbest thing you've ever seen, people who know full well that Luke is bulletproof continue shooting at him. The single silliest sequence is probably the "healing episode", which is wall to wall pseudo-science nonsense babble, and then somehow manages to forget (continuity? anyone? anyone?) one of the two bullets they're trying to remove. Completely. As though it never existed at all.

    The sad part of all this, of course, is that the characters themselves, from the supporting cast to the main players, are all so fun and interesting, and all so well acted. It's a waste.

    It would behoove Netflix to put the creative team from Jessica Jones in a leadership position with the rest of the Marvel shows, before they try to combine everyone for the Defenders. Her show was several orders of magnitude better (and more coherent) than Daredevil and Luke Cage, even during their best moments.    … Expand
  72. cdodd404
    Sep 30, 2016
    8
    Luke Cage is what you'd expect from Marvel on the small screen at this point. They make sure that you know Luke Cage shares a universe with others. They use references to other events within the MCU as plot devices throughout the series. The acting is decent, Colter brought Cage to life and the supporting cast delivers as well. The feel of the series is it's own. I honestly expected themLuke Cage is what you'd expect from Marvel on the small screen at this point. They make sure that you know Luke Cage shares a universe with others. They use references to other events within the MCU as plot devices throughout the series. The acting is decent, Colter brought Cage to life and the supporting cast delivers as well. The feel of the series is it's own. I honestly expected them to cookie cutter from Daredevil or Jessica Jones. It's not however, the R&B and funk music give Harlem a soul of it's own. Rather than the noir approach that Jessica Jones, or the dark organized crime theme of Daredevil, Luke Cage gives us almost a Pulp Fiction feel. I say Pulp Fiction because the black gangster kind of reminds me of Marcellus Wallas.… Expand
  73. Melisa77
    Nov 2, 2016
    7
    The trailer for this really caught me. However, after a few episodes, I lost interest in it. The acting is poor with a ton of cheesy lines. Mike Colter is good but the cast lacks what it takes to pull off a convincing performance. I feel like they did the work but didn't give it their all. During some episodes I'll literally put it on pause because the acting was so poor. I'll get back toThe trailer for this really caught me. However, after a few episodes, I lost interest in it. The acting is poor with a ton of cheesy lines. Mike Colter is good but the cast lacks what it takes to pull off a convincing performance. I feel like they did the work but didn't give it their all. During some episodes I'll literally put it on pause because the acting was so poor. I'll get back to it when there nothing else I fancy. The story line is interesting though, I like that Luke is cleaning up and that he is almost immortal but even that part needed to be a bit more compelling. I'm on episode 8, I'll finish it though just only because I like to finish whatever I start and not because I'm exciting to do so as is usually the case with Arrow or House of Cards where the acting is superb. Improve the acting in season 2, pretty please.… Expand
  74. jibaro
    Dec 5, 2016
    3
    I waited for this series to come up, though it would be great. To my surprise it was a let down. What is wrong with Netflix and it's heroes?

    Luke Cage is a slow soap opera and my wife could not stand it. Right now I'm forcing myself to watch it with the hope it will improve but old Luke is slow, no style, depressed ,cowardly super hero. To top it all out, he shows his face openly so the    I waited for this series to come up, though it would be great. To my surprise it was a let down. What is wrong with Netflix and it's heroes?

    Luke Cage is a slow soap opera and my wife could not stand it. Right now I'm forcing myself to watch it with the hope it will improve but old Luke is slow, no style, depressed ,cowardly super hero. To top it all out, he shows his face openly so the bad guys can go after those dear to him. A real flake.

    What happened to Marvel's heroes flippant nature. He could at least pretend he is some kind of Super Fly or something. I really don't get it.

    Racists?, Well this takes place in Harlem. I haven't been there for a long time but as I remember it the people in Harlem are mostly black with some Hispanics thrown in. It's the lack of action that gets me and the flaky attitude of a man that is supposed to be bullet proof and super strong.    … Expand
  75. Idiota150
    Oct 2, 2016
    0
    I don't get it, it even feels more stupid then I am ... plus tons of bad acting. Okey, I should also confess that I'm European and have never heard of this Luke character or pretty much anything beside Spiderman & Batman - Judge Dredd was more my kind of comic when I was a kid. Anyway, signing off after just one episode ... yeah it was that bad.
  76. KinkyKid
    Oct 4, 2016
    9
    The best series of Marvel so far. The acting, the writing, the direction, the music, the photography, all on point.i really enjoy the show, Mike Colter IS Luke Cage.
  77. Jaleo
    Jan 12, 2017
    3
    I don't know where to start. Well, let's see... Daredevil set the bar very high... then came Jessica Jones, wasn't expecting it to be as good as DD, and after all was another kind of heroe. So with Luke Cage was expecting to contain more action, and then turned out to be the typical show about Harlem gangs but with a bald black guy with super strenght (which is very poorly performed). TheI don't know where to start. Well, let's see... Daredevil set the bar very high... then came Jessica Jones, wasn't expecting it to be as good as DD, and after all was another kind of heroe. So with Luke Cage was expecting to contain more action, and then turned out to be the typical show about Harlem gangs but with a bald black guy with super strenght (which is very poorly performed). The plot is super slow, and when were thinking something big was going to happen, then the show dissapoints you again. There have been times I literaly fell asleep. Also are continuously expecting more cameos or references, or even a crossover, but nothing. The plot and the characters are so unineteristing and have no charisma, the story so poorly written, the "action" (if you can call it action) is so mediocre, low, rigid, cheap... and if Agents of Shield has special FX from the 90's, this serie has none. And could go on. I guess they spent the budget on the soundtrack, because I cannot explain how this product is so poorly done after the masterpiece of Daredevil.… Expand
  78. Kmacc
    Sep 30, 2016
    10
    After watching the first few episodes I am honestly blown away.. Yet another tremendously crafted Marvel series that somehow manages to set the bar even higher than it's predecessors with one of the best pilot episodes I've ever scene. Amazing cinematography, flawlessly connected story, and unparalleled sense of realism to modern day existence are the things that separate Luke Cage.After watching the first few episodes I am honestly blown away.. Yet another tremendously crafted Marvel series that somehow manages to set the bar even higher than it's predecessors with one of the best pilot episodes I've ever scene. Amazing cinematography, flawlessly connected story, and unparalleled sense of realism to modern day existence are the things that separate Luke Cage.

    This is a much welcome addition to the MCU, although I have to say the Netflix Marvel series are blowing the Avengers movies out of the water and making them look feel like second rate entertainment.. It's starting to become unbalanced because the Netflix series' building up to the Defenders is heavily outproducing the entertainment value anything else in the MCU has to offer right now. I continue to be thoroughly impressed with the Netflix Marvel partnership and encourage anyone who's been living under a rock for the last few years to come out and wake up to a world where Donald Trump might become president and Luke Cage/Jessica Jones/Daredevil are our most badass superheroes... Enjoy!    … Expand
  79. minaTTi
    Oct 1, 2016
    10
    It's truly the best Marvel series ever produced by Netflix. The ambiance is great: a nostalgic Harlem, with great characters, very nice music. The violence is only subtil, giving space for story and acting. No "never-stop-coreography-fighting-scences" as we saw in Daredevil. With Luke the trouble is quickly solved, no room for boring fights.
    Many of the supporting roles are also great,    It's truly the best Marvel series ever produced by Netflix. The ambiance is great: a nostalgic Harlem, with great characters, very nice music. The violence is only subtil, giving space for story and acting. No "never-stop-coreography-fighting-scences" as we saw in Daredevil. With Luke the trouble is quickly solved, no room for boring fights.
    Many of the supporting roles are also great, creating a high standard TV novel. And the villain is someone we love to hate. Thumbs up!    … Expand
  80. marcmyworks
    Oct 7, 2016
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Luke Cage is one of those shows that has great moments, amazing music and a great cast. What it suffers from is what most action TV shows suffer from; cheese factor. The series started slow and didn't really get going until what we thought was the main villain is replaced halfway through but unfortunately the final battle is riddled with extras who cannot act and chant Luke Cage's name as if it was a bad football film.

    The positives are the main cast. Mike Colter as Luke Cage, Simone Missick as Misty Knight and Alfre Woodard as Black Mariah all deserve Emmy nominations for their roles this season.

    I was also please to see a series where every black actor wasn't stereotyped but actually true to form at what can be considered the modern struggle in the United States.    … Expand
  81. KA7AL
    Oct 5, 2016
    7
    The first season of Luke Cage does what you would expect from a new TV show, the first two episodes are just an introduction to the main characters and the city, it is until the 3rd episode that action kicks off, then it goes slow again. The main problem i had with the show is the lack of Luke Cage is a show Called Luke Cage, there are episodes where we have 30 minutes of screen time ofThe first season of Luke Cage does what you would expect from a new TV show, the first two episodes are just an introduction to the main characters and the city, it is until the 3rd episode that action kicks off, then it goes slow again. The main problem i had with the show is the lack of Luke Cage is a show Called Luke Cage, there are episodes where we have 30 minutes of screen time of two cops talking while we only see Luke for a few minutes.

    The main antagonist is Cottonmouth, a very good character that is easy to understand, the other adversary is Diamondback, straight from the comics, and he's really boring, the show didn't even want to hurt him, the final battle is disappointing, some action scenes are good, i think i expected more from a Luke Cage show, i expected more action then talking,but overall the directing and the soundtrack are excellent.    … Expand
  82. imthenoob
    Oct 7, 2016
    6
    Gets to about episode 7 where it's fantastic and then it takes a huge nose dive with the reveal of the main villain and his scheme. Over the course of episodes 8-13, They draw out a story that could be told in 3 episodes instead of 6 and it goes from being well paced to painfully slow and uninteresting.
  83. TheQuietGamer
    Oct 28, 2016
    9
    Another strong entry in Netflix's side of the MCU. The different perspective makes the world these heroes and villains live in feel more alive and diverse. For the majority of it's run, the adventures of Luke Cage are very compelling. The characters in this story are complex and interesting. They come together to form a very compelling whole.

    Something that works with these Netflix    Another strong entry in Netflix's side of the MCU. The different perspective makes the world these heroes and villains live in feel more alive and diverse. For the majority of it's run, the adventures of Luke Cage are very compelling. The characters in this story are complex and interesting. They come together to form a very compelling whole.

    Something that works with these Netflix series is that they are really allowed to take the time to fully dive into multiple aspects of these character's personalities. Much like Daredevil and Jessica Jones before him, there's a lot going on with Luke Cage. However, he's not the only one with an exciting tale to tell.

    Just about everyone onscreen is worth following. The increase in attention to the villains does a fantastic job of making Cage's conflict more interesting. While perhaps a little strong on the gangster motif, it allows the show to feel different from anything else that's come before in the MCU. Think superhero movie meets Blaxploitation flick in some way. Anyways, I can't praise the villains enough. I'd say they are the best the MCU has offered so far, big-screen or not.

    There is one complaint I have with Luke Cage though. It just feels to stretched out at a certain point. The first half of the season is excellent all the way through. However at a certain point there is a noticeable drop in quality. Particularly in the writing. A few things going on begin to not make much sense. Making some of the end season wrap ups feel all too convenient.

    Yet, it's a small drop altogether. The show still remains incredibly enjoyable until it's conclusion. The characters are excellent and the plot compelling. It also manages to tell a very different kind of superhero story. If you've enjoyed Netflix's previous MCU series, I'd find it hard to imagine you'd be disappointed now.

    9.4/10    … Expand
  84. nightblade00
    Nov 15, 2016
    9
    "Long live the Chief"

    One of the most successful stylistically creative T.V. shows in a long time. Netflix is on top of their game with this show---which varies greatly from the creative choices in the other Defender shows (Jessica Jones, Daredevil). Also, whoever did the soundtrack and score for this show deserves and Emmy. If you have been watching the show and haven't been    "Long live the Chief"

    One of the most successful stylistically creative T.V. shows in a long time. Netflix is on top of their game with this show---which varies greatly from the creative choices in the other Defender shows (Jessica Jones, Daredevil). Also, whoever did the soundtrack and score for this show deserves and Emmy. If you have been watching the show and haven't been listening to "long live the Chief"-- you're doing it wrong.    … Expand
  85. RvwFromUpHere
    Oct 17, 2016
    8
    What: Yet another Netflix show about a really strong super hero
    Who: Mike Coulter, Becks, and NO OTHER MEMBER OF THE ALREADY EXISTING MCU
    Where: Tyler Perry's New York When (will I be addicted to this show): If you're a dedicated member of the MCU you're gonna watch this no matter what I tell you. Why: This is perhaps the strongest standalone franchise in the MCU to date. The    What: Yet another Netflix show about a really strong super hero
    Who: Mike Coulter, Becks, and NO OTHER MEMBER OF THE ALREADY EXISTING MCU
    Where: Tyler Perry's New York
    When (will I be addicted to this show): If you're a dedicated member of the MCU you're gonna watch this no matter what I tell you.
    Why: This is perhaps the strongest standalone franchise in the MCU to date. The atmosphere it creates alone is a 10 out of 10; when you watch this show, you are in Harlem. The character development, directing, and soundtrack are all incredibly on point. I felt way more sympathy for the side characters in this than Jessica Jones or Daredevil. All that being said, this is the weakest contribution to the MCU since Iron Man 2. This isn't phase 1, it's way too late in the game to have one lead in your movie or show. Rosario Dawson is the CLOSEST thing to another Defender in this show. Overall, it's enjoyable and if this was a one time thing for Netflix/Marvel then I am all about changing up the pace, but if Iron Fist has similar problems the MCU could suffer big time.    … Expand
  86. MrWonderful
    Oct 11, 2016
    4
    Disclaimer: I am only 6 episodes in to the series.

    Luke Cage is a disappointment compared to it's parent series Jessica Jones. I like the music but the whole vibe of the show seems to have taken a detour from JJ. It's very slow paced and there isn't really any sort of "super-hero villain" to grab one's attention. This is more of a Sopranos meets Shaft than any semblance of a Marvel    Disclaimer: I am only 6 episodes in to the series.

    Luke Cage is a disappointment compared to it's parent series Jessica Jones. I like the music but the whole vibe of the show seems to have taken a detour from JJ. It's very slow paced and there isn't really any sort of "super-hero villain" to grab one's attention. This is more of a Sopranos meets Shaft than any semblance of a Marvel universe story. Acting is good however. My wife however loves it. I'm now just watching for the brownie points.    … Expand
  87. comiclover370
    Oct 18, 2016
    9
    A new (but not so new) superhero has hit New York's streets. Alongside other characters he is not the first black hero to save the day, but he is the first one to have his own tv show. Luke Cage has impenetrable skin and has unparalleled expertise in hand-to-hand combat.
    Luke Cage, the new Marvel series on Netflix, is set in present day Harlem. The first episode is set mostly in Pop’s    A new (but not so new) superhero has hit New York's streets. Alongside other characters he is not the first black hero to save the day, but he is the first one to have his own tv show. Luke Cage has impenetrable skin and has unparalleled expertise in hand-to-hand combat.
    Luke Cage, the new Marvel series on Netflix, is set in present day Harlem. The first episode is set mostly in Pop’s Barber Shop. Pop is an old man, maybe in his 50’s, who is characterized as someone who would be a good father. He teaches kids how to act, he does not let people talk about gangs or shootings while inside his shop, he even has a swear jar where if you swear you put five dollars in the jar. Luke works two jobs to make money, and mostly keeps to himself. He respects other people and wants change too come about Harlem.
    Luke Cage is played by Mike Colter. He plays Luke very well because of his stoic look and deep voice that grabs the viewer’s attention. Mike is well muscled and uses his size well when fighting gang-members and other foes. He wants to help the people of Harlem, and after a few events that affect Luke and his close friends he sets out to rid Harlem of the crime lords and make Harlem a safer place to live.
    Unlike other heros, Luke does not dress up in a fancy costume or wear a mask. He usually wears a sweatshirt and a carhartt overcoat to combat New York City’s cold fall. Luke Cage is not very family-friendly. Cage’s backstory is a dark one, and the show does a great job of showing how Cage got to be the way he is. Luke comes from wrongful imprisonment and lives in modern day Harlem. The fight scenes are bloody, although there is not any gore. Also, the show is set in present day Harlem, where criminals run rampant and people “walk on the other side of the street.”
    Luke Cage has many references to making Harlem better and defining what Harlem’s culture and history means. One of the characters, a dirty councilwoman who is also Cottonmouth’s cousin, uses the campaign of making Harlem beautiful and going to its roots to rebuild what once was. There are references to people who have made it big out of Harlem including Langston Hughes, Duke Ellington, and even modern celebrities like ASAP Rocky.
    With the racial strife that is going on in our world including, cop killing unarmed black men, presidential candidates saying all muslims are terrorists, etc.. It is good to see a black super-hero trying to make the world a better place by making it safer and protected for generations to come.    … Expand
  88. LucasGabriel95
    Oct 27, 2016
    10
    A nice serie, punctual, with interesting theme and well Featured characters.
    Netflix / Marvel did a great job. I hope that the second season be as good as the first.
  89. natesplace19010
    Oct 26, 2016
    9
    Great show, suffers in the middle a bit but the last 4 episodes are so so good. They address racism and marginalization so well. Luke cage does an awesome job, Cottonmouth and Diamondback are formidable foes recommend it.
  90. dorout
    Nov 4, 2016
    1
    Luke Cage was my absolute favorite character in Jessica Jones, hands down. Every aspect of his character, his acting, it was all so entertaining to me. However, to see what they portrayed him to be in the new show Luke Cage is, at the bare minimum, extremely disappointing.

    Overall, the show is dreadfully slow and quite bland. Although there were some parts that were entertaining, but    Luke Cage was my absolute favorite character in Jessica Jones, hands down. Every aspect of his character, his acting, it was all so entertaining to me. However, to see what they portrayed him to be in the new show Luke Cage is, at the bare minimum, extremely disappointing.

    Overall, the show is dreadfully slow and quite bland. Although there were some parts that were entertaining, but not enough to save my opinion on what I regrettably watched.

    Please. Bring back the Jessica Jones Luke Cage. The subtle bad ass that had some depth and unique interest to his character. Generally, I absolutely abhor altering characters from their original portrayal, but the Jessica Jones version of Luke Cage significantly better and in this rare occasion I wholeheartedly support the change.    … Expand
  91. browno47
    Nov 8, 2016
    9
    What can I say? Great show! I binge-watched the entire season one over the weekend and I am impressed. Well developed characters, great music from awesome artists, excellent writing, beautiful girls and solid performances. If you only want action go somewhere else. If you also want drama, tension, an actual plot that evolves, and a few laughs mixed in with your special effects then this isWhat can I say? Great show! I binge-watched the entire season one over the weekend and I am impressed. Well developed characters, great music from awesome artists, excellent writing, beautiful girls and solid performances. If you only want action go somewhere else. If you also want drama, tension, an actual plot that evolves, and a few laughs mixed in with your special effects then this is the place to be. "Luke Cage" is not perfect but then I've never seen a show that is. But for people like me who grew up on Marvel comic books and love a mix of fantasy with reality in their TV shows or movies, this is pretty close to the top of the food chain.… Expand
  92. cdougall
    Aug 4, 2021
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It’s nice to a Marvel Netflix show centered around a black superhero. Luke Cage s1 is well acted, written and directed. The story and dialogue, as with shows like Daredevil and Jessica Jones, gives us a deep look at how Cage’s experiences in the past have made him who he is today. At the end of the day, the Marvel Netflix shows (the good ones) are character studies that give us people with traumatic experiences and some sort of superhuman ability and put them into situations that make them question who they are and what they’re place in the world is, and Luke Cage is no exception to this. LC also follows the structure of having the traumatic experience be in the past and us following their story in the present, but also having frequent flashbacks to give depth to the character and the season. LC does this very well and manages to not let any moments in episodes interfere with the bigger plot. This season, while there is violence and are complicated themes, is a slightly easier show to watch than Daredevil or Jessica Jones were, which is interesting since Luke Cage is a spin off of Jessica Jones. Cage benefits from being a character we’ve seen before, so we’ve had a little time to get to know him before we see him in his own show. Mahershala Ali’s Cottonmouth is a nice antagonist; he’s reminiscent of Fisk since he doesn’t have any superpower or special abilities, but he’s isn’t able to reach Fisk’s level due to his fate in s1. That’s the real shame and disappointment of this season for me since Ali is a great actor and I would’ve loved to see the villain get developed more. Cottonmouth feels like a missed opportunity to me as he’s more intriguing to me than Kilgrave was, and while I don’t think the season totally squandered Ali, I don’t think it made great use of him, either. Overall, Luke Cage season 1 succeeds in many areas where some of it’s predecessors did and serves as a little bit of a palate cleanser for fans.… Expand
  93. drlowdon
    May 23, 2021
    7
    When a sabotaged experiment gives him super strength and unbreakable skin, Luke Cage becomes a fugitive and must attempt to rebuild his life in Harlem.

    The latest in a line of collaborations between Marvel and Netflix, Luke Cage should appeal to anyone that enjoyed Daredevil and/or Jessica Jones. Personally I didn’t find this series quite as enjoyable as the debut seasons of either of    When a sabotaged experiment gives him super strength and unbreakable skin, Luke Cage becomes a fugitive and must attempt to rebuild his life in Harlem.

    The latest in a line of collaborations between Marvel and Netflix, Luke Cage should appeal to anyone that enjoyed Daredevil and/or Jessica Jones. Personally I didn’t find this series quite as enjoyable as the debut seasons of either of those shows, Luke’s initial reluctance to fight during the opening episodes was particularly frustrating (why waste the time when we know he’ll fight at some point?) but overall it was relatively entertaining.    … Expand
  94. Tss5078
    Jul 12, 2017
    8
    I was never a big superhero guy, but what I love about this new crop of Netflix superhero shows, is that for the most part the characters are new and relatively unknown to the general audience. It's so refreshing to see something in the genre beyond Batman and Superman. What's more is that this new crop of superhero is much more realistic than anything we've seen before, perhaps none moreI was never a big superhero guy, but what I love about this new crop of Netflix superhero shows, is that for the most part the characters are new and relatively unknown to the general audience. It's so refreshing to see something in the genre beyond Batman and Superman. What's more is that this new crop of superhero is much more realistic than anything we've seen before, perhaps none more so than Luke Cage.

    Luke Cage was in prison for a crime he didn't commit, the victim of a horrifying experiment that left him with super strength and unbreakable skin. Unlike the other superheroes, Luke doesn't want to be a hero, he just wants to live a normal life in obscurity, in his Harlem neighborhood content with working in a barber shop. What Luke can't stand though is seeing injustice, when he knows that he is capable of doing something about it. When he finally decides to take a stand, all hell breaks loose.

    What I find odd is how everyone is talking about Wonder Woman. How it's more than time we had a strong female superhero and how great the film was, but no one mentioned the fact that it's about time we had a strong African-American superhero too. What's more is that his story was completely original and more realistic than any other superhero film or TV show I've ever seen! Luke Cage isn't a blind attorney who somehow sees everything. He's not fighting some ridiculous weird purple mist, and he's not some samurai who thinks he's a God, Luke Cage is just a man, who is fighting gangsters and corrupt politicians.

    Mike Colter is the star of the show and he just has this way about him that is infectious and makes you want to follow him. He couldn't be more perfect for this role, as he's laid back most of the time until he's not and then watch out. As for his co-stars, the stand out among them is recent Academy Award winner, Mahershala Ali. I said it years ago when I reviewed his awful show, the 4400, and I've repeated it every time I've seen him since, this guy is outstanding! Ali is one of the best actors, who until last year, nobody knew existed. Every single thing he is in, is that much better because of it, and I am thoroughly entertained every single time I watch him. His portrayal of the gangster Cottonmouth, was the best villain I've seen in a superhero themed project since Heath Ledger in The Dark Knight.

    The bottom line, Luke Cage IS a real life superhero. To date there has never been anything in the genre, even close to being as real or as honest as this. Luke Cage is unique, dynamic, and exciting, as well as being the best written out of any superhero show that I've ever seen. Marvel didn't just hit a home run with Luke Cage, they hit a grand slam!    … Expand
  95. Realisti
    Oct 23, 2016
    6
    After watching a few episodes of this series it looked promising entertainment but towards the end the writing is so bad that it makes me say "really??!?!?". It's a shame :/
  96. ozymandias79
    Mar 13, 2017
    8
    It's good. It's black. It's good because its black. Luke Cage is a thoroughly entertaining TV series. The musical score to this show is outstanding. The character of Luke Cage is somewhat aloof and has few lines but that's okay, because Luke Cage is a badass ummm.... African-American. Can't wait for season two and "The Defenders".
  97. zurnzurn
    Dec 27, 2017
    4
    The dialogue is painfully bad. I appreciate the effort put into the setting, but even that's not stellar, and can't overcome the terrible deficiencies in the writing.
  98. mark_sf
    Oct 23, 2016
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Looks promising at the beginning, then it's more of a train-wreck starting mid way through. I really liked Daredevil and Jessica Jones, and loved Luke in JJ, but after episode 8 I'm ready to give up on this show. They killed off the interesting lead villain, right after finally giving him a proper back story, and replaced him with the most absurd mid-season "reveal" I think I've ever seen. And in the next scene Luke's cop "girlfriend" inexplicably goes completely off character. The writing is truly abysmal.… Expand
  99. LinttaFlamingo
    Dec 21, 2017
    8
    Luke going against 30 people and spinning them down with a sofa while some Wu-Tang Clan is playing is funny and awesome!

    I mostly really enjoyed Luke Cage. The first few episodes, just like in Jessica Jones, are damn good. The introduction of Luke Cage and the antagonist Cottonmouth is pretty much perfect. The show was immediately able to grab me and make me want to see more of the    Luke going against 30 people and spinning them down with a sofa while some Wu-Tang Clan is playing is funny and awesome!

    I mostly really enjoyed Luke Cage. The first few episodes, just like in Jessica Jones, are damn good. The introduction of Luke Cage and the antagonist Cottonmouth is pretty much perfect. The show was immediately able to grab me and make me want to see more of the characters. Later a character called Shades also came in to the show and he was freaking awesome too. Although there are some smaller characters at some points that weren't interesting and some of the acting was pretty bad especially after watching Mike Colter and Mahershala Ali just grab every scene they're in with their performances.

    Luke Cage was also paced pretty well, and the 13 episode thing didn't bother me almost at all. There is repetition in the final two episodes, and it was uninteresting, but I was still alright with it because there was a lot of cool stuff too. The club scenes (especially in the first half of the show) and the action scenes were the best part. Aside from some weird camerawork at times, they were well made and the soundtrack mixed in to the scenes was amazing. A perfect blend of jazz, funk and hip hop, I loved it.

    Even though It's not a perfect show, I enjoyed my time with it. Though it's not something I'd watch a second time really. Bonus points for Kendrick Lamar reference and a Sway cameo though!    … Expand
  100. Zeblar99
    Jan 18, 2019
    8
    Albeit too long, Luke Cage manages to be a success with great characters, good villains and a solid story.
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Awards & Rankings

42
#42 Best TV Season of 2016
5
#5 Most Discussed TV Season of 2016
43
#43 Most Shared TV Season of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 30
  3. Negative: 0 out of 30
  1. Under The Radar
    Reviewed by: Ryan E.C. Hamm
    Oct 18, 2016
    70
    Overall, the show could have used a little tightening (it might be time to rethink the 13-episode model, which Daredevil's second season ought to have already proven), and episodes can lag a little bit in the middle, but it's an enjoyable ride.
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  2. The Atlantic
    Reviewed by: David Sims
    Oct 6, 2016
    70
    Despite its languid narrative style, Luke Cage is doing many fascinating things. Its mood and visual aesthetic are as well-honed as the perfectly bleak Jessica Jones; its action scenes, when they arrive, are brutal and swift; and its lead performers are uniformly terrific, most of all Mike Colter as Cage, who wrings endless charisma from his character’s resolute stoicism.
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  3. The Lincoln Journal Star
    Reviewed by: Jeff Korbelik
    Oct 3, 2016
    100
    These shows are character studies. They are methodical and well-orchestrated. Both are a joy to watch and savor.
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