Luke Cage (2016)

A 13-episode Marvel series on Netflix.

Luke Cage is a series (and a man) for anyone interested in a good action thriller.  This series is not just for Marvel fans.  The soundtrack is almost an additional character with the music adding emphasis and meaning accomplished  simply through audio.  The action is directed well with impact of fists and inorganic objects noted clearly yet not over done.  The standout performances are Mike Coulter (as Luke Cage), Alfre Woodard (as Mariah Dillard) and Rosario Dawson (as Claire Temple), but there are literally no bad performances. Characters have backstories creating 3D personalities.This is a 13 episode series thus was a challenge for my usual binge (took 2 days) watch.  My only negative comment is regarding the last episode.  In a specific scene, it went a little close to the campy-ish effect.  Mike Coulter's gravitas and acting skills prevented that scene from propelling that episode to cartoon. I learned from someone familiar with the comic that the villain's look was reminiscent of Marvel's 1970's-80's illustrations, but somehow it took me out of the scene. Again, watch this series whether Marvel fan or not. This series is exciting, brutal and worth the time.