Marvel Cinematic Universe: The 8 worst performances

6. Alfre Woodard as Mariah Dillard

In the first few episodes of Netflix’s Luke Cage Mariah Dillard was built up to be this major player. Mariah was a powerful and well-respected councilwoman who just happened to be related to Cornell “Cottonmouth” Stokes. After she killed her cousin Cottonmouth Mariah was meant to be one of the main antagonists in the show. This was a bad move. Alfre Woodard’s performance was forgettable.

The only moment where Mariah added anything was when she killed her cousin. It was an emotional scene between the two that ended with Alfre absolutely destroying Cottonmouth with a microphone stand. Ironically, it’s also the moment where the show started to die as well. Even during that scene there was no rage in her face and barely any in her voice.

Mariah wasn’t a strong enough character to keep the show afloat even with Shade at her side. When Mariah is being interrogated at the end of the season it should have been a defining moment for Mariah. It was a poorly acted scene that lacked the villain’s touch necessary to complete the ending and give the audience a reason to anticipate her return in season two. Woodard is an amazing actress with over 100 roles dating back to 1978. Her portrayal of Black Mariah will be one that will remain a stain on her resumé.