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| Mike Colter |
Welcome to a new column called Channel Surfing, in which I sporadically look at current TV shows and talk about them. These are not ones that I care to write weekly recaps for and are instead reflections either on the episode, the series, or particular moments. This will hopefully help to share personal opinions as well as discover entertainment on the outer pantheon that I feel is well worth checking out, or in some cases, shows that are weird enough to talk about, but should never be seen.
Major studios have been consistently receiving one complaint over the past decade: where's the diversity? The answer has trickled into all facets of pop culture, but largely remains an issue in the most popular of properties. It wasn't until a few years ago that Marvel introduced a black superhero in Captain America: The Winter Soldier (and even then, he doesn't have much company after the fact). The lack of black superheroes is especially troubling given the general notion that switching a character's race still ushers in controversy. However, Netflix's third deal with Marvel has the answer that hit the streaming service like a freight train. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome Luke Cage.
While the Marvel movies tend to be more successful as a joint entity, the TV series have become the stomping ground for the company's future, and not only in the serialized story sense. Netflix began their deal with the fairly recognizable Daredvil: a blind lawyer who fought crime on the streets. From there, the other series have expanded on a lower class superhero structure that has come to include the redefining feminism of Jessica Jones and the conflicts of war veterans with Daredevil's second season cohort The Punisher.
In the most literal sense, Luke Cage has the benefit of being Marvel's first major black superhero show. However, that is a crass generalization given the symbolism that the character embraces. He is the bulletproof hero who wears a hoodie and has strength like a bull. He fights for justice in his local community, which includes a strip club run by the evil Cottonmouth (Mahershala Ali). The series may feel like a familiar crime show in which Luke Cage (Mike Colter) beats up the bad guy, but there's a certain societal relevance that makes his seemingly normal appearance seem grander.
While it is not overtly the case, Luke Cage feels like it took notes from the various murders that lead to the Black Lives Matter. The shot of a bullet-ridden hoodie feels reminiscent of the unfortunate death of Trayvon Martin. It may seem likely that other images will continue to form over the episodes to come. For now, Luke Cage feels like an empowering middle finger to those who oppress black culture in any way. He feels like an icon in the making, proving that black characters can be strong and charismatic. Considering the impressive work that Marvel did with Jessica Jones, it does seem likely that Luke Cage isn't too far behind.
If nothing else, Luke Cage already has a distinctive groove to it. The music is funkier. The streets are lit with a yellowy tinge. The language flows smoothly with every syllable holding purpose. This may not be a show that sets out to rewrite the books on what superhero TV can be, but it likely will become an important one simply by being of its time. Maybe there will come a day where diversity isn't an issue. For now, Luke Cage has to embody the best and worst of black superheroes. To some extent, Luke Cage's introduction isn't that different from several characters on The Wire. He is strong, but the first episode doesn't allow for much beyond introductions. He slams heads of criminals, but will that be enough to sustain a show? If the image of a bullet-ridden hoodie means anything, it's that the show runners are just getting started. There will be more moments to stimulate the viewer, possibly even creating some of Marvel's most empowering images.
If nothing else, Luke Cage is among a good group of shows. While Daredevil's second season may have waned, there's still the appeal of a street superhero saving the day. It's a nice break from the big budgeted mayhem of Iron Man or Captain America (of whom are referenced in Luke Cage). The naturalism also helps to shift the drama more to character, which has a few promising aspects. Cottonmouth gets a delightful monologue that introduces his menace to the series. Luke Cage is allowed to rise in the ranks of being a hero without having to prove his strength. Considering that Luke Cage's best moments on Jessica Jones were those of intimacy instead of violence, the show should have no problem dealing with drama. The only question is if it will be able to separate itself from the other series and become more than "the black show." Like that hoodie suggests, it's here to stay not only as a great show, but as an image of protest against oppressors. It's quite an image to have.
While the Marvel movies tend to be more successful as a joint entity, the TV series have become the stomping ground for the company's future, and not only in the serialized story sense. Netflix began their deal with the fairly recognizable Daredvil: a blind lawyer who fought crime on the streets. From there, the other series have expanded on a lower class superhero structure that has come to include the redefining feminism of Jessica Jones and the conflicts of war veterans with Daredevil's second season cohort The Punisher.
In the most literal sense, Luke Cage has the benefit of being Marvel's first major black superhero show. However, that is a crass generalization given the symbolism that the character embraces. He is the bulletproof hero who wears a hoodie and has strength like a bull. He fights for justice in his local community, which includes a strip club run by the evil Cottonmouth (Mahershala Ali). The series may feel like a familiar crime show in which Luke Cage (Mike Colter) beats up the bad guy, but there's a certain societal relevance that makes his seemingly normal appearance seem grander.
While it is not overtly the case, Luke Cage feels like it took notes from the various murders that lead to the Black Lives Matter. The shot of a bullet-ridden hoodie feels reminiscent of the unfortunate death of Trayvon Martin. It may seem likely that other images will continue to form over the episodes to come. For now, Luke Cage feels like an empowering middle finger to those who oppress black culture in any way. He feels like an icon in the making, proving that black characters can be strong and charismatic. Considering the impressive work that Marvel did with Jessica Jones, it does seem likely that Luke Cage isn't too far behind.
If nothing else, Luke Cage already has a distinctive groove to it. The music is funkier. The streets are lit with a yellowy tinge. The language flows smoothly with every syllable holding purpose. This may not be a show that sets out to rewrite the books on what superhero TV can be, but it likely will become an important one simply by being of its time. Maybe there will come a day where diversity isn't an issue. For now, Luke Cage has to embody the best and worst of black superheroes. To some extent, Luke Cage's introduction isn't that different from several characters on The Wire. He is strong, but the first episode doesn't allow for much beyond introductions. He slams heads of criminals, but will that be enough to sustain a show? If the image of a bullet-ridden hoodie means anything, it's that the show runners are just getting started. There will be more moments to stimulate the viewer, possibly even creating some of Marvel's most empowering images.
If nothing else, Luke Cage is among a good group of shows. While Daredevil's second season may have waned, there's still the appeal of a street superhero saving the day. It's a nice break from the big budgeted mayhem of Iron Man or Captain America (of whom are referenced in Luke Cage). The naturalism also helps to shift the drama more to character, which has a few promising aspects. Cottonmouth gets a delightful monologue that introduces his menace to the series. Luke Cage is allowed to rise in the ranks of being a hero without having to prove his strength. Considering that Luke Cage's best moments on Jessica Jones were those of intimacy instead of violence, the show should have no problem dealing with drama. The only question is if it will be able to separate itself from the other series and become more than "the black show." Like that hoodie suggests, it's here to stay not only as a great show, but as an image of protest against oppressors. It's quite an image to have.
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