Luke Cage: Moment of Truth
September 30, 2016 1:34 PM - Season 1, Episode 1 - Subscribe
With tension building in the streets of Harlem thanks to ruthless club owner Cottonmouth, Luke finds it increasingly difficult to live a quiet life.
We pick up at some point after Luke's 'rebound' relationship with Jessica Jones. Luke is working two jobs, by day in a barber shop and by night washing dishes in a club. A colleague's absence leads to Luke tending bar and encountering both a love interest and a villain. Crime ensues. Despite trying to keep his head down and stay out of all that, Luke's need to do that right thing for folks in need brings him back into the game and leads to some impressive displays of strength and unbreakable skin.
Points of note:
The show is around halfway in before a white character has a line of dialogue.
We learn that, in addition to being played by an actor described by the New Yorker as having 'so much sexual gravity he could be his own planet', Luke Cage does in fact read the New Yorker.
We pick up at some point after Luke's 'rebound' relationship with Jessica Jones. Luke is working two jobs, by day in a barber shop and by night washing dishes in a club. A colleague's absence leads to Luke tending bar and encountering both a love interest and a villain. Crime ensues. Despite trying to keep his head down and stay out of all that, Luke's need to do that right thing for folks in need brings him back into the game and leads to some impressive displays of strength and unbreakable skin.
Points of note:
The show is around halfway in before a white character has a line of dialogue.
We learn that, in addition to being played by an actor described by the New Yorker as having 'so much sexual gravity he could be his own planet', Luke Cage does in fact read the New Yorker.
Cottonmouth, Diamondback - is this the Official New Marvel take on the Serpent Society?
posted by robocop is bleeding at 6:22 PM on September 30, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by robocop is bleeding at 6:22 PM on September 30, 2016 [2 favorites]
AV Club pre-air review: Black skin matters in the electrifying Marvel’s Luke Cage
AV Club - episode 1 binge review
Vulture - A Beginner’s Guide to Netflix’s Luke Cage
I haven't read any of the comics, just know what I've learned from watching everything MCU and from what I've read on the internet, so I had no idea who the woman at the bar was until I read the recap. When she got into the car outside Luke's apartment, I thought maybe it was supposed to be Cottonmouth's Escalade that Luke had mentioned. Wikipedia - Misty Knight - I guess now it's just a question of whether she'll get a bionic arm eventually or whether she'll be a non-powered superhero like MCU Black Widow?
Good beginning though, that last shot of Cage standing guard at the window gave me shivers. Onward to episode 2!
posted by oh yeah! at 6:53 PM on September 30, 2016 [2 favorites]
AV Club - episode 1 binge review
Vulture - A Beginner’s Guide to Netflix’s Luke Cage
I haven't read any of the comics, just know what I've learned from watching everything MCU and from what I've read on the internet, so I had no idea who the woman at the bar was until I read the recap. When she got into the car outside Luke's apartment, I thought maybe it was supposed to be Cottonmouth's Escalade that Luke had mentioned. Wikipedia - Misty Knight - I guess now it's just a question of whether she'll get a bionic arm eventually or whether she'll be a non-powered superhero like MCU Black Widow?
Good beginning though, that last shot of Cage standing guard at the window gave me shivers. Onward to episode 2!
posted by oh yeah! at 6:53 PM on September 30, 2016 [2 favorites]
Oh, and Genghis Connie's is a wonderful groaner of a pun.
posted by oh yeah! at 7:02 PM on September 30, 2016 [11 favorites]
posted by oh yeah! at 7:02 PM on September 30, 2016 [11 favorites]
This is so good. That is all.
posted by limeonaire at 7:14 PM on September 30, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by limeonaire at 7:14 PM on September 30, 2016 [1 favorite]
I've had such a mixed feeling with the Netflix Marvel Universe. I couldn't get into Daredevil and while I enjoyed Jessica Jones, it too didn't hit the right buttons for me. But Luke Cage, Luke Cage surprised me. I went into this expecting to like this one least of all and here I am actively championing it, telling all my friends that they need to watch this, that even if they dislike the other series in this television universe, this one deserves to be given a chance.
It's exploring all kinds of interesting dynamics: blackness, masculinity, politics, drugs, gun-culture, fatherhood, community, faith, prison industrial complex, etc. Everything about this show feels timely. Considering the state of America right now and its relationship with race, identity, violence, authority....everything about this show feels like a response, a conversation. It's trying to tackle these issues in a meaningful way. To bring light to ideas and thoughts that are all too often ignored. And it's doing it in all the right ways. Strong men and women on screen talking about these issues, strong visible minorities, persons of colour! Don't forget that. And yes, they're using the medium of comics to do this, but that's certainly ok. It's a medium that has a long history of engaging with these kinds of political and social ideas.
I'm just starting Episode 6 and I'm already annoyed that I'm at the half way point. I can see the ending coming and I don't want it to. As limeonaire said:
posted by Fizz at 7:21 PM on September 30, 2016 [8 favorites]
It's exploring all kinds of interesting dynamics: blackness, masculinity, politics, drugs, gun-culture, fatherhood, community, faith, prison industrial complex, etc. Everything about this show feels timely. Considering the state of America right now and its relationship with race, identity, violence, authority....everything about this show feels like a response, a conversation. It's trying to tackle these issues in a meaningful way. To bring light to ideas and thoughts that are all too often ignored. And it's doing it in all the right ways. Strong men and women on screen talking about these issues, strong visible minorities, persons of colour! Don't forget that. And yes, they're using the medium of comics to do this, but that's certainly ok. It's a medium that has a long history of engaging with these kinds of political and social ideas.
I'm just starting Episode 6 and I'm already annoyed that I'm at the half way point. I can see the ending coming and I don't want it to. As limeonaire said:
This is so good. That is all.Quoted for mother-fucking truth ya'll!
posted by Fizz at 7:21 PM on September 30, 2016 [8 favorites]
It's also refreshing visually. Daredevil and Jessica Jones are often so dark that it can be difficult to see what's on screen, and I haven't been having that issue with Luke Cage at all. It's also a much bluer palette than any of the other shows, which a) reflects the fact that they're actually working to make the mostly darker skin tones of the show look good and b) helps set Harlem and Luke Cage apart. We're in a different part of New York now.
Also, the kid selling videos of the incident was the most Harlem thing ever, and great.
Luke Cage has the worst pick up lines. He's lucky he's pretty.
posted by dinty_moore at 8:09 PM on September 30, 2016 [10 favorites]
Also, the kid selling videos of the incident was the most Harlem thing ever, and great.
Luke Cage has the worst pick up lines. He's lucky he's pretty.
posted by dinty_moore at 8:09 PM on September 30, 2016 [10 favorites]
(the most minor of spoilers) I am ten thousand percent on board. A "he was no angel" reference, putting Charles Bradley in the spotlight, I am in.
posted by Peccable at 11:48 PM on September 30, 2016 [3 favorites]
posted by Peccable at 11:48 PM on September 30, 2016 [3 favorites]
Most of this episode seemed to be setting things up for the rest of the series, which is fine for the first episode. I feel like there was less exposition in the 1st eps of DD & JJ, but I'm probably just looking back at those with the context of all of the episodes jumbled up in my memory.
That said, it should have been obvious from the title sequence -- this is a story about a neighborhood as much as it is a story about Luke Cage. Harlem is literally projected on his unbreakable skin.
posted by Jugwine at 8:32 AM on October 1, 2016 [5 favorites]
That said, it should have been obvious from the title sequence -- this is a story about a neighborhood as much as it is a story about Luke Cage. Harlem is literally projected on his unbreakable skin.
posted by Jugwine at 8:32 AM on October 1, 2016 [5 favorites]
Really good so far. My favourite moment this episode was when Pops called out Luke for his lack of "ambition". Not Great Responsibility, but ambition. More Marvel than Marvel.
posted by comealongpole at 4:41 PM on October 1, 2016
posted by comealongpole at 4:41 PM on October 1, 2016
Fun little reference drops in the episode. Saying "that power man stuff" at the beginning, Luke saying he's "not for hire."
My D.C. area question is, was this a Ben's Chilli Bowl reference?
posted by phearlez at 8:37 PM on October 1, 2016 [2 favorites]
My D.C. area question is, was this a Ben's Chilli Bowl reference?
posted by phearlez at 8:37 PM on October 1, 2016 [2 favorites]
This is good but I'm concerned that the apparent villains actually have no chance of stopping Cage. Hurting those around him, yes. Causing him mental anguish, sure. But watching him wade through thugs is like watching Superman take on your average robber. There isn't a lot of suspense.
By contrast, Matt Murdock came very close to dying multiple times and would have if not for the intercession of others, and the Purple Dude in Jessica Jones was the scariest Marvel villain yet put to screen. But Luke Cage can go through basically anything thrown at him by a gangster and his local-politician cousin without breaking a sweat. Maybe a few tears from collateral damage but it's not really the same thing.
Perhaps I will be shown to be wrong once I get further into the season.
posted by Justinian at 8:41 PM on October 1, 2016
By contrast, Matt Murdock came very close to dying multiple times and would have if not for the intercession of others, and the Purple Dude in Jessica Jones was the scariest Marvel villain yet put to screen. But Luke Cage can go through basically anything thrown at him by a gangster and his local-politician cousin without breaking a sweat. Maybe a few tears from collateral damage but it's not really the same thing.
Perhaps I will be shown to be wrong once I get further into the season.
posted by Justinian at 8:41 PM on October 1, 2016
Have only watched this ep so far, so not spoiling anything, but the McGuffin for the robbery was some boxes of light weapons capable of putting a hole in a battleship, so maybe something for Cage to worry about there?
posted by rhamphorhynchus at 8:59 PM on October 1, 2016 [4 favorites]
posted by rhamphorhynchus at 8:59 PM on October 1, 2016 [4 favorites]
I’m really enjoying the episode recaps on Vulture by Angelica Jade Bastién.
posted by 1970s Antihero at 5:51 AM on October 2, 2016
posted by 1970s Antihero at 5:51 AM on October 2, 2016
RAPHAEL SAADIQ, YOU GUYS.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 3:21 PM on October 2, 2016 [1 favorite]
Stone Rollin' was a dope albumWho says there are no intelligent characters on tv anymore?
posted by DirtyOldTown at 3:21 PM on October 2, 2016 [1 favorite]
Have only watched episode one so far, does the dialogue become less wooden? It's really putting me off.
posted by Coaticass at 10:37 PM on October 2, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by Coaticass at 10:37 PM on October 2, 2016 [2 favorites]
Coaticass, can you give an example of something you thought was wooden? I think the dialogue was a little 'on the nose' sometimes, but the cast is so good. And Luke being corny is kind of a running joke - I mean, what kind of a catch phrase is "Sweet Christmas"?
posted by oh yeah! at 8:11 AM on October 3, 2016 [4 favorites]
posted by oh yeah! at 8:11 AM on October 3, 2016 [4 favorites]
The clunkiest bit was the whole scene at the bar between Luke and Misty. Also any scene involving Cottonmouth. Maybe partly due to the pacing, I don't know. Have now watched the second episode and enjoyed it way more, had to put my film noir glasses on, haha. I'm fresh off a Gilmore Girls marathon and have genre whiplash.
Also, Mr Cage can say "Sweet Christmas" whenever he likes! The poor guy should have some fun at some point.
posted by Coaticass at 7:04 PM on October 3, 2016 [1 favorite]
Also, Mr Cage can say "Sweet Christmas" whenever he likes! The poor guy should have some fun at some point.
posted by Coaticass at 7:04 PM on October 3, 2016 [1 favorite]
Does anyone know why they nixed Jessica Jones?
Nixed how? JJ Season 2 is still a go for sometime in 2018 after The Defenders series, as far as I know. I don't remember ever hearing anything about whether the character was going to guest in Luke Cage S1. (I feel like saying anything more about story reasons for whether she's in the show/should be in the show belong in later threads though, so as not to spoil anyone just starting the show now.)
posted by oh yeah! at 5:57 PM on October 5, 2016 [1 favorite]
Nixed how? JJ Season 2 is still a go for sometime in 2018 after The Defenders series, as far as I know. I don't remember ever hearing anything about whether the character was going to guest in Luke Cage S1. (I feel like saying anything more about story reasons for whether she's in the show/should be in the show belong in later threads though, so as not to spoil anyone just starting the show now.)
posted by oh yeah! at 5:57 PM on October 5, 2016 [1 favorite]
RAPHAEL SAADIQ, YOU GUYS.
I was like "oh shit, WHO IS THAT"
I'm so amazed they got an exclusive track for the show. here it sort of is, by the way, although it might get pulled. Apparently the soundtrack, including that, is out friday.
posted by emptythought at 10:01 PM on October 5, 2016 [3 favorites]
I was like "oh shit, WHO IS THAT"
I'm so amazed they got an exclusive track for the show. here it sort of is, by the way, although it might get pulled. Apparently the soundtrack, including that, is out friday.
posted by emptythought at 10:01 PM on October 5, 2016 [3 favorites]
Apparently the soundtrack, including that, is out friday.
Instant purchase for me.
posted by tobascodagama at 5:36 AM on October 6, 2016 [2 favorites]
Instant purchase for me.
posted by tobascodagama at 5:36 AM on October 6, 2016 [2 favorites]
This is good but I'm concerned that the apparent villains actually have no chance of stopping Cage. Hurting those around him, yes. Causing him mental anguish, sure. But watching him wade through thugs is like watching Superman take on your average robber. There isn't a lot of suspense.
This kind of comment frustrates me so much, whether it's about Luke Cage or a Superman story. There are literally thousands of movies and shows on Netflix you can watch about an action hero in mortal danger. Can we have maybe one or two stories about a character like Luke Cage who can't be hurt directly? Stories about the problems he can and can't solve, the people he can and can't save, by punching and being bulletproof?
It's so very applicable to the real world. America has enormous power to rain down violence on her enemies, and the decision makers who control that violence are pretty nearly untouchable. Luke Cage as metaphor for Barack Obama?
posted by straight at 12:08 PM on October 6, 2016 [4 favorites]
This kind of comment frustrates me so much, whether it's about Luke Cage or a Superman story. There are literally thousands of movies and shows on Netflix you can watch about an action hero in mortal danger. Can we have maybe one or two stories about a character like Luke Cage who can't be hurt directly? Stories about the problems he can and can't solve, the people he can and can't save, by punching and being bulletproof?
It's so very applicable to the real world. America has enormous power to rain down violence on her enemies, and the decision makers who control that violence are pretty nearly untouchable. Luke Cage as metaphor for Barack Obama?
posted by straight at 12:08 PM on October 6, 2016 [4 favorites]
Worth clicking: before he was an indisputably cool solo act, Raphael Saadiq was the lead singer of 90s new jack swing pop R&B act Tony! Toni! Tone! Their coolness is... more easily disputed, but this song, and a few of their others were hits. This one aged better.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 1:54 PM on October 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by DirtyOldTown at 1:54 PM on October 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
You are not logged in, either login or create an account to post comments
Well, at least on Mt. Rushmore.
posted by Bee'sWing at 3:48 PM on September 30, 2016