In general, I have really enjoyed the Marvel Cinematic Universe series on Netflix. Although I sometimes feel that they pursued a mature rating simply to have a mature rating, some of the themes and ideas brought through Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Punisher, Luke Cage, and even Iron Fist are complex and well done. Despite the violence and sex that seem to be the norm with modern television, the writing generally holds me to the edge of my seat and makes me want to watch the next episode.
Unfortunately, the second season of Luke Cage did not have that same pull. It's the norm in our family to find Janelle sleeping when we sit to watch a movie or show, especially late at night (which is when we have to watch these shows since we wait until the little boys are asleep). However, this time I was having trouble staying awake. The twists were unnecessary and often ended up making me feel like the resolutions brought about in the previous episodes were worthless. I know that many different writers contributed to the story, but this really felt like each one had a different view of who Luke Cage was and where the story was going.
I did like the development of Bushmaster's character. I feel that they again created a credible villain with believable motivations. Unfortunately Mariah's development made significantly less sense and relied too heavily on Alfre Woodard's amazing acting ability.
One issue in the show got under my skin. Each writer went out of the way to use the word "nigger" in one form or another. I think almost every character used the word at least once. While they tried to play it off as normal, each use felt like a hammer had to be used to force it in. Similarly, using coffee as a metaphor for sex, which was a cute reference in the first season, reminded me of the guy who has just told the same bad joke for the twelfth time and then keeps asking if I got it.
Again, my primary barometer for television and movie experiences is whether I would want to see it again. Honestly, I'd be more interested in another viewing of Iron Fist before seeing this season a second time.
Unfortunately, the second season of Luke Cage did not have that same pull. It's the norm in our family to find Janelle sleeping when we sit to watch a movie or show, especially late at night (which is when we have to watch these shows since we wait until the little boys are asleep). However, this time I was having trouble staying awake. The twists were unnecessary and often ended up making me feel like the resolutions brought about in the previous episodes were worthless. I know that many different writers contributed to the story, but this really felt like each one had a different view of who Luke Cage was and where the story was going.
I did like the development of Bushmaster's character. I feel that they again created a credible villain with believable motivations. Unfortunately Mariah's development made significantly less sense and relied too heavily on Alfre Woodard's amazing acting ability.
One issue in the show got under my skin. Each writer went out of the way to use the word "nigger" in one form or another. I think almost every character used the word at least once. While they tried to play it off as normal, each use felt like a hammer had to be used to force it in. Similarly, using coffee as a metaphor for sex, which was a cute reference in the first season, reminded me of the guy who has just told the same bad joke for the twelfth time and then keeps asking if I got it.
Again, my primary barometer for television and movie experiences is whether I would want to see it again. Honestly, I'd be more interested in another viewing of Iron Fist before seeing this season a second time.
RSS Feed
