LUKE CAGE

mtv movie awards excerptThe 26th annual MTV Movie Awards was not its usual event this weekend as it was the first time it combined movie and television categories and removed gendered categories. Beauty and the Beast was the big winner of the night, taking home multiple statues and being the inspiration for the event’s opening number.

Luke Cage Excerpt Season 1, Episode 12 – In “Soliloquy of Chaos,” Luke Cage gives all of its plots plenty of room for exposition before resolving them all in anticipation of the season finale. Luke is on the run, Misty gains new insight in her investigation, and Diamondback makes a play for all of Harlem while the show takes its most political stand.

Luke Cage Excerpt Season 1, Episode 11 – Luke Cage brings all of its plots to a head in “Now You’re Mine” with two episodes left to go in the series. In typical fashion, the show lets its hero have quiet moments of heroism while providing a platform for all of the characters to test their mettle.

Luke Cage Excerpt Season 1, Episode 9 – Luke Cage mixes science, politics, and psychiatry in its best episode so far, furthering the series’ story while firmly situating itself in the Marvel Cinematic Universe at large at the same time.

Luke Cage Excerpt Season 1, Episode 7 – There are just certain things that, if a story gives them to me, I will eat up like a bear slurps honey. I’m discovering that traumatic childhood backstories—especially for villains—are one of those things. That’s what Luke Cage just did for Mariah and Cottonmouth in “Manifest” and I hadn’t realized I’d been waiting for it the entire time.

Luke Cage ExcerptSeason 1, Episode 6 – Luke Cage puts an unconventional spin on a tired story of dirty cops and organized crime and livens up the entire genre in “Suckas Need Bodyguards.” With a compelling narrative structure and motivation for every character, the series’ sixth episode continues the show’s hot streak and proves that it’s found its feet.

Luke Cage ExcerptSeason 5, Episode 5 – “Just to Get a Rep” is everything that Luke Cage should be. The plot picks up, characters find motivation, and the show embraces its very distinctive 1970’s style. It even ties solidly into the Marvel Universe at large while still remaining a personal story about Luke, Harlem, and the cultural heritage entrusted to Harlem’s citizens.

Luke Cage ExcerptSeason 1, Episode 5 – Luke Cage spends most of its forth episode weaving a shoddy origin story that doesn’t quite cut it. Messy and strange, “Step in the Arena” has trouble balancing the past with the present and loses itself trying to keep up with everything we’ve been told about Luke to this point.

Luke Cage ExcerptSeason 1, Episode 2 – Luke Cage finds just enough plot in its second episode to get the ball rolling on a larger story for the season. “Code of the Streets” fleshes out the characters and provides them with motivation while gently pointing the largely atmospheric aesthetics of the show in a more narrative direction.

Luke Cage ExcerptSeason 1, Episode 2 – Luke Cage starts off with a plodding mood piece that’s more aesthetic than narrative. But it’s so pretty and just plain cool that it’s plenty of hook to keep watching even without major intrigue or plot points. “Moment of Truth” does just enough set up work to hint at future story and keep you interested.