20 best superhero TV shows of 2018, ranked

Photo Credit: Marvel’s Luke Cage/Netflix Image Acquired from Netflix Media Center

15. Luke Cage

On paper, 2018 was, without a doubt, a very bad year for Luke Cage, as Netflix abruptly cancelled the show – ending the story of one of the four foundations of the streaming service’s Marvel universe. However, if you actually watch the show’s offering this year, you’ll realize that it was also a pretty good year for it as well.

The superhero series returned to Netflix, following the protagonist’s prior adventure in The Defenders, when its second season debuted back in the summer of this year – and it ultimately proved to be a pleasant surprise. With the titular character now considered somewhat of a celebrity in Harlem (due to his heroics and invulnerability to pain), it doesn’t take long for him to become a target as the season’s new threat, Black Mariah emerges – looking to become Harlem’s new “queen.” Of course, Luke doesn’t back down from anything and not even the discovery of his own weaknesses stop him from protecting his turf.

With plenty of action, strong character development and a well-characterized villain, there is more than enough in there to keep you enthralled throughout Season 2, and Mike Colter once again holds our attention every single time he is on screen. However, he is equally matched due to the screen presence of the incomparable Alfre Woodard who delivers a powerhouse performance as Mariah Dillard (Black Mariah).

We know Luke Cage isn’t the best that Netflix’s Marvel universe has to offer, and it does continue to suffer from pacing issues, but its second outing is in a completely different league than its predecessor, and it’s a darn shame that the show has been robbed of the opportunity to improve again in another season.