Luke Cage (Season 2) - A RMNT Review

The second season of Luke Cage is now available to watch on Netflix! The first season was a good introduction for the setting's atmosphere and Cage's character arc after his debut appearance in the first season of Jessica Jones, but suffered from slow pacing, subpar action scenes that could've been better, the sudden death of the fan favorite villain Cottonmouth, and the arc of the other villain, Diamondback, who's motivation was understandable, but left a poor impression, that and several moments that felt questionable, but the acting, visuals, and soundtrack were the major highlights. Luke would then later appear in the miniseries The Defenders a year later, in which we got see him reunite with Jessica Jones and bond with Iron Fist, who in the comics, are partners who run their own vigilante agency "Heroes for Hire", which I will get to later. Cheo Hodari Coker returns as showrunner for the second season, and of course, a new soundtrack made for the season, which is definitely a huge highlight of the season, as it brings more vibrance into the setting since the series is part blaxploitation! But has this new season improved?

Following after the events of The Defenders, Luke Cage continues embracing his role as the "Hero of Harlem" as he's currently on a mission of ridding the streets of dangerous drugs named after himself, which of course, he's not very happy about, and finding the manufacturers responsible. But while he also deals with criminals, he also has to maintain his status as a symbol for his home as the locals still look up to him for his heroic actions. Meanwhile, Mariah Dillard, one of the show's antagonists played once again by Alfre Woodard, prepares to go more legitimate and leave the gun dealing business behind, including her family name and sins, but then a new antagonist, Bushmaster, seeks to destroy everything that means to her to seek revenge for what her family has done to his family in the past, thus starting a complicated gang war in which many people can get killed in the crossfire, making this Luke Cage's biggest fight yet, but how can he when he must also fight with his own inner demons? Unlike the narrative and pacing of the previous season, the second season has improved tremendously, as its better paced and much more character driven, but while slow to breathe in moments on occasion, but fortunately, not at a snail's pace.

The characters are much more fleshed out, giving each of them many memorable moments that are well-executed and all delivered by strong performances from the cast. Aside from Luke going through a new arc, we get more understanding into the antagonists, including gangster and Mariah's second in command, Shades, who has one of the best character arcs in the season with Theo Rossi giving a standout performance in certain episodes. Alfre Woodard once again delivers a more captivating performance as Mariah, who goes through many hoops during the season, from moving on from her family's history and ways, to embracing it, and you can't help but love her to hate her. Simone Missick as Detective Misty Knight also goes through her own arc where she adjusts with having one arm after the events of The Defenders and becoming more determined in taking down Mariah and Shades. Bushmaster, played by Mustafa Shakir, is by far one of the best villains of the Marvel Netflix Universe, as you understand his motivation, what he's been through as a character, how he's capable in taking on Luke Cage with little difficulty, and having lasting charisma, all thanks to the performance. The season also features Luke's father, James, a reverend of a church, played by Reg E. Cathey, who gives his last performance before he sadly passed away on February, but man, does he deliver brilliantly, as you can see that he and Luke have complications after what happened with Luke going to prison and losing his wife to cancer. Other characters from previous Marvel Netflix shows make guest appearances, including Foggy Nelson from Daredevil, Colleen Wing and Danny Rand/Iron Fist from Iron Fist, which I have to say, his featured appearance in Episode 10 of the season, is my definite favorite as his scenes with Luke Cage are fun, engaging, and their fight against groups of gangsters are everything fans wanted to see, especially when the portrayal of Iron Fist feels more improved after his first season and in The Defenders, as it seems like the writers, plus Finn Jones' performance is prove of that, and even concluded in a dark and tragic way.

Another "character" of the series, the soundtrack, as I stated, really brings more vibrance, from hip-hop, rap, jazz, now featuring reggae songs since the season features Jamaican characters like Bushmaster, culture and traditions, which is a nice fitting addition. The score of the series continues to be as beautiful as the previous season, as it still gives that blaxploitation magic. Cinematography and sets remains as visually eye-catching, from the Harlem Paradise club, the barbershop where Luke Cage spends his time, the streets of Harlem, and Brooklyn, where the Jamaican locals reside, as they're full of life, culture and its their unique identity.

I'm surprised to admit, the second season of Luke Cage has truly redeemed the series as a whole, with a more engaging character-driven narrative that's nicely paced, well-shot action scenes, a more memorable villain who you can't help but root for, a dynamic soundtrack, fleshed out characters delivered by strong performances, more fluid world-building, and a very, very unexpected, but brilliant conclusion, which got me very intrigued in how season 3 will continue from there! Let's hope that season two of Iron Fist, makes a solid comeback because its definitely going to need it!

Story: 4.5 / 5

Characters: 4.5 / 5

Production: 4.5 / 5

Final rating: 4.5 / 5