Marvel Cinematic Universe: 20 best actors, ranked

11. Mahershala Ali as Cottonmouth

It’s funny how much of impact someone can have in a show in just six episodes. Mahershala Alia turned season one of Luke Cage from an amazing show, to average with his death. How can one character make such a difference? When you’re as skilled is as Mahershala Ali, you make it look easy.

Cottonmouth was a different kind of gang boss. While Wilson Fisk ran his empire on mostly fear, Cottonmouth ran his with both fear and respect. Cottonmouth, who hated that name, had respect for certain parts of the community. For example, Pop’s Barber Shop being a neutral ground was something he stood by and respected. Once Cottonmouth died, the show took a nosedive.

Ali showed how a regular guy can take on a guy with superpowers and make it look believable. He was smooth, but had enough viciousness in him to make people fear him.

Had Ali remained in the series, Luke Cage would have been a hit. Instead, Luke Cage is known for having a gigantic drop after Cottonmouth died. If we’re lucky, Cottonmouth will return and save the series. While Mike Colter (Luke Cage) and Simone Missick (Misty Knight) are great, they can’t save the series without a high caliber villain.