It’s no secret that I have been waiting, with baited breath, for the Luke Cage series to happen. I have been over the moon satisfied with every one of the Marvel series that Netflix has produced. But this one, as well as the upcoming Iron Fist, are my most highly anticipated. Now, this is not a line for line interpretation of the iconic character, but all of the changes are minor, reflect his modern depiction and definitely add to the character as a whole.

The three main things that were added to his backstory are that he’s a former cop, was Marine Force Recon and is very well read. Actually, the well read part comes more with the modern comicbook version of him, but the other two are not part of the 1972 origin, but it does not matter. Also, Luke being from the south, but I liked that bit too – coupled with having a father who was a preacher, it just worked. The relationship with Willis Stryker is tweaked, but it adds a dimension to the story and complex relationship of the protagonist and antagonist that is a definite upgrade from the original origin story.

How about the music? Seriously, how about the music?! It is its own character, almost similar to the choir in a Greek tragedy. The music is used to set the mood, announce the presence of characters and even comment on the action, to a certain degree. I honesty cannot wait to get my hands on this soundtrack – although it currently exists on some streaming sites, it won’t be the same as having it on mp3 or, my preference, CD! I like to enjoy my music on the go and I have an old SUV!

Now the feel of the show is an excellent mix of neo noir, crime drama and blaxsploitation, in the best way possible. Harlem is its own world and makes no apologies for it. And it is plain to see that Luke Cage is the hero Harlem needs, although he doesn’t see it at first. What we end up with is an epic tale about two men who are on a collision course and Harlem is the battleground, and the prize. By time you make it to Episode 13 you’re invested, drawn in and almost exhausted! I will definitely binge this again!!