Marvel Cinematic Universe: 10 Best Female Villains

Appeared In: Luke Cage

Mariah Dillard really didn't come into her own until halfway through the season, when she snapped and killed her own cousin, Cornell "Cottonmouth" Stokes, in one of the show's most surprising and unforgettable moments. That's not to say she hadn't been great up until that point, but that act truly defined the character she would go on to become, with a history of sexual abuse, frustration, and more all coming to a head in a way that unleashed her once Cottonmouth was gone.

It's unfortunate that the arrival of Diamondback, a contentious figure among people who have watched the show, somewhat overshadowed Mariah's arc in the back half of the season, as her fall from grace as a politician to ascendancy as a criminal leader was done pretty well. Her practicality about killing Cage and being done with it while everyone else, even Diamondback, had a "When the time is right" mentality was great, even if no one listened, and her conflict with Misty Knight, which gave birth to an excellent interrogation scene, was a highlight of the final stretch.

Alfre Woodard delivered a solid performance, and though Mariah may not be as "cool" as Cottonmouth was or as scene-stealing (for better or worse) as Diamondback, the character ends up being one of the series' most powerful simply for how understated her journey is in comparison. What's in store for her in the eventual second season is anyone's guess, but it will undoubtedly be interesting to see how she continues to be shaped by embracing her villainous destiny.