"Sweet Christmas!" says the indestructible blast from the past. The catchphrase that echoed through the comic pages of time has now made its presence known in a new generation. The 1970's have become one with 2016, merging the nostalgia of blaxploitation film with contemporary threads of modern society. The recent release of Marvel's Luke Cage explores not only the epic pursuits of Harlem's hero, but the current events that shape and take place around the country. Though it's only the first season and there's more development to come, the web series has a sophisticated feel that undeniably intends to draw the audience in with great dialogue, complex characters, and realistic emotion.
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Without spilling the details of the season, each episode is an intricately connected web following the humble Luke, his antagonists, and the police force surrounding Harlem. What's ideal about this is the illustration of representation. In order for the series to succeed in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), historical fact/fiction are intertwined to keep up with the other titles in the same universe.
Outside of that competitive realm, representation is of importance because of the origin of Cage, the authenticity of Harlem, NY, and the people that live in predominately black neighborhoods as such. The power in imaging in the black community is exceptionally influential. To have a black man working and helping those to the best of his abilities in his community, merged with the fictional element of being "indestructible" can create a sustainable figure for many to look up to (especially children).
The police and antagonist (crime lords, Luke's past) dynamics are intriguing plot devices that are representations of their own, and the most realistic pertaining to real societal problems. The NYPD faces the same enemies as Cage yet struggles to find a balance within their own force. With corruption, betrayal, and injustice amok, Cage comes along to seek justice for those who cannot rely on law enforcement.
The constant struggle for Harlem's protection is just a microcosm for the real implications currently at hand in neighborhoods like the impenetrable Luke's. Police brutality, conniving politicians, and senseless violence are tenets that plague America. But "Power Man" himself is the fictional physical embodiment of a solution to these relatable issues.
This is not your average show on Netflix, nor is it centered towards one demographic. This piece of art simply chronicles the life of a man and the situations he must endure in an elegant and elaborate way. Molding this experiment of a show together truly highlights the want for an actual superhero. If this was thought into fruition then a hero like Cage certainly exists. There is a Luke Cage in the mindset of everybody, as there are times humans feel indestructible. But if you're looking to be inspired on how to help solve societal problems, and look past the immortal mindset, then watch Marvel's Luke Cage (only on Netflix).
