Luke Cage

Starting with Daredevil in 2015 is when Marvel’s Cinematic Universe took on a darker tone for its content. The show was dark, and gritty unlike its predecessors like the Avengers which has a light-hearted approach. Later in 2015, Jessica Jones’s show continued the newly established dark and gritty atmosphere while debuting the launch of Luke Cage’s own show. In Luke Cage, the origin story is touched upon and briefly revealed throughout the first seven episodes in the series while creating a Harlem built on hip-hop. The most prominent enemy is Cottonmouth, a nightclub owner who deals with the shady underworld of Harlem. Cottonmouth and his cousin work together to bring change in Harlem. Both Cottonmouth and his cousin have intriguing, interlocking histories and together make a brilliant villainous duo. Luke Cage’s Harlem is believable and feels real to the audience. In the first few episodes of the show, the characters spend most of their time in Pop's Barbershop as members of the community come and go. This helps reflect the New York life which makes Marvel’s Harlem feel so real despite the enhanced beings. The hip-hop music that is played throughout the show helps engage yet more senses, which in turn allows the viewer feel a part of Luke Cage’s world.