MCU: Ranking Every Netflix Marvel Season Worst To Best

6. Luke Cage Season 1

Marvel Luke Cage
Netflix

Choosing between Season 1 & 2 of Luke Cage, and indeed The Punisher Season 2, is a little bit of a coin flip - overall, there isn't much difference between them. However, Luke Cage Season 1 edges it because, for the first seven episodes, it's right up there with the best of this universe.

The conflict between Cage and Cottonmouth is riveting drama driven by both character and theme, with Mike Colter's bulletproof hero a steady, sturdy presence and Mahershala Ali shining brightest than his megawatt smile with a mix of cunning and charisma, and it's all backed up the MCU's most distinct soundtrack.

It's not just that it's thematically rich, but that it uses those themes to craft a fascinating power struggle in Harlem, which itself becomes a character, and complex characters, including one hell of a supporting cast. Sadly, the final six episodes suffer after a shocking twist at the midway point: the story begins to stall, and new villain Diamondback cannot come close to matching Cottonmouth - indeed, he's downright laughable at times. Had Luke Cage stuck the landing it'd be much higher here, but that it's not even lower is simply a testament to how good the first half was.

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NCTJ-qualified journalist. Most definitely not a racing driver. Drink too much tea; eat too much peanut butter; watch too much TV. Sadly only the latter paying off so far. A mix of wise-old man in a young man's body with a child-like wonder about him and a great otherworldly sensibility.