Luke Cage 1.6

• First episode that didn’t feel overly slow. A lot happened. And the while thing was basically a race against time, as Luke and Claire tried to get Scarfe to safety.
  
• The scene that set the story in motion was the weakest in the episode. Scarfe deciding to ask Cottonmouth for more money? Which then developed into a fight? One where Cottonmouth shot Scarfe? But didn’t finish the job, and opted to drive away? Pretty much none of that made any sense. Even Scarfe’s choice of Luke Cage is questionable…
• However, the rest of the episode was strong. The various action scenes, though understated, were cool. And so were the scenes with Mariah Dillard facing the press. Made the world of the show seem rounded and real.
  

9/10

Luke Cage 1.4

• Many good things here (Luke’s origin, Reva, etc.) but the pace is slow. And we don’t see Cottonmouth at all.
  
• The way they incorporated the flashbacks was clever (showing us his backstory while Luke was trapped under the building) but taken as a whole they didn’t really have enough story to fill a full episode.
  

8/10

Luke Cage 1.3

• The story continues to move slowly. We get some stunning action, but… a whole lot of talk. And, on episode three, we are passed the world-building stage. Now, it’s just self-indulgent storytelling.
  
• Not buying Frank Whaley and Simone Missick as partners. Her, yes. Him, not so much.
  
• The music is great.
• That action sequence at the end was great. 
  

9/10

Luke Cage 1.2

Luke Cage 1.1

• Slow, engrossing first episode confidently introduces the world of the show and establishes conflict and drama between the characters.
  
• The cast are excellent and make a strong impression.
  
• The music is non-stop and does a lot to set the mood.
  

9/10