Okee-Dokee, finished this series. I liked it, but it's not my favorite of the three (Jessica, Daredevil and Luke being the third) and honestly has a great chance of being my fourth favorite once Iron Fist hits. But hey Iron Fist could over take a lot of character's shows as he is one of the top 10 reasons I was a Marvel fan when I was a kid. His look was just so powerful to me.
But there is some good stuff here, real good stuff. There is also so stuff that doesn't work as well, but that stuff never ruins the show as much as just falls flat for me.
Lots and lots of cool "nods" and easter eggs litter the show, yet sadly, I am sure I missed even more as my early knowledge of Luke is not large. I didn't really get into Luke Cage until Iron Fist came on, so for those that have a strong history with the character will be more than happy, as even with my limited knowledge I was finding a good bit of nods to the comic world/history stuff (some are extremely obvious as they discuss them
). It is easy to see where they are going with this show and setting up some 90's titles along the way was part of the plan.
The creative team does a good job of, well, staying black. I mean that in a good way. I think it is important for younger viewers to get that shot at coming on early to a hero they can look up to. I had one. Hell, I had many. Glad they didn't white-wash too much. Sure, the streets and tone are a little comic booky white-washed, that was bound to happen, but they let the "strong black character" be a "strong black character". I missed a couple inner-city references, but yeah, as a 50 year old, white guy, I would wouldn't I? Good on 'em.
And also, there is one scene in the final episode I think they cut. It just hits like something is missing and I kinda understand why they decided to ax it, if that is what they did (they almost certainly did). I will talk more on that as people get the show completed, but for those that want to know what I am thinking ...
After the final showdown with ... one of the bad guys
, the cops go to surround Luke to take him to jail, but "someone"
stands in-front of him and stops the cops from doing so. I believe, and this is just a feeling based on the flow of the show, the producers might have originally had more of the crowd, that had just watched the fight, come stand with the someone protecting Luke. It just felt like it was going to go there. Ya know, the "No, you are not doing that to this guy"! moment? Well it never happens I think they may have pulled it due to the recent standoffs and situations with police officers. Better to not show another police/black protest situation.
But hell, I could be totally wrong, just seemed that way.
Anyway, while I was a huge advocate of the other shows, I can't come as strong recommending this one, although I think it is worth watching. It isn't something you must blast through. You can take your time. Maybe not as bad ...or slow as Jimmy has been with DD
, but no need to rush either.
7 outta 10 "You want to go get a cup of coffee"s
EDIT - and as a side note, this show is heavy music related. During one episode there is one scene with a guy doing his thing and I really liked the song/rap whatever. I told my wife that I liked it, and I have finally found out who it was and the name of. It is in episode 5, the guy on stage is Jidenna and the song "Long live the chief" is really powerful stuff. I would post the video of it, but it has show spoilers so I am not, but when you watch episode 5, and there are two guys on stage, one guy at the mic and one guy at the board ... check it out out and listen ... listen to what the guy is saying/rapping
Really good stuff!!!