Luke Cage Strikes Back for Season 2!!!

"Luke Cage" returns to Netflix for Season 2 (June 22), where all 13 episodes will be locked and loaded for superheroic gorging.  

The series' star, Mike Colter has earned praise for his Marvel icon portrayal in "Jessica Jones", "The Defenders" or his initial, self-titled outing. Mind you, this isn't the character most of us grew up with (if I had my way, Colter's Cage would be constant Power Man yellow shirt and shiny belt); nonetheless, as far as Marvel's modernized (i.e., less flashy) Cage goes, Colter has nailed it.

Much of the success stems from Colter's cool, calculating demeanor. Harlem's humble hero isn't a brute, even though he springs from tough turf. He's a thinking man who'll pound an opponent into the ground only if the desperate moment requires it. Then again, if his temper should ever get the best of him, Rosario Dawson's Claire Temple is usually nearby to snuff the indignant flame. 

Per Neflix, Season 2's big villain is John Bushmaster (Mustafa "the Cavern" Shakir), aka the Power Master. Like Cage, Bushmaster is bulletproof, but Caribbean born and a New York mobster. In comic lore, there have been several Bushmasters, who've combated both Cage and Iron Fist; so, even though mythical liberties have been taken for Season 2, the concept will still graze its Marvel context.

This live-action Bushmaster sounds formidable, but is he up to the task? These Netflix shows do sway toward surprising misleads. Season 1 sure as hell taught us that. (I suppose if Bushmaster fizzles, we'll still have Alfre Woodard's Mariah Dillard prowling the criminal corridors.)

Colter claims that Season 2 emits a more brooding tone than the initial, which concentrated on mob interplay, but considering Bushmaster's background, why would the second stretch be much different, even if spiked by darker depths? On the other hand, the trailer does convey a distinct vengeance element, after Cage's mettle is tested in a most mortifying way. 

No matter how things develop, this new engagement should spark interest among fans, ensuring that "Luke Cage: Season 2" becomes another powerful pillar in Netflix's expanding, Marvel foundation.

Netflix/Marvel's Jessica Jones Returns for Season 2!!!

Among the Netflix/Marvel superhero shows, "Jessica Jones" was the hardest for me to identify with. I guess that's because I'm a guy, and I'm more likely to identify with (aspire to be) Daredevil, Iron Fist, the Punisher...Power Man. What can I say? I'm not going to apologize for it. It simply is what it is.

In the same vein, Marvel's printed version of Jessica Jones never wowed me (too damn pedestrian), but at least the Netflix interpretation has a dark edge to it, which I do like, and of course, there's Krysten Ritter.

Ritter, to put it bluntly, is a looker. I thought so when she played Jane on "Breaking Bad", and I might add, she holds more than a fleeting resemblance to Barbara Steele. There's something about the long, black hair and those big, dark eyes that makes these stunning thespians comparable.

I only wish that, for the sake of Season 2, we might see Ritter/Jones in more fetching attire from time to time. I realize that the character's sloven semblance fits the downtrodden, detective mode, but a scene or two requiring her to don an evening gown or bathing suit would be nice. I mean, most women do sport such garments, and since the character does go undercover, doesn't it make sense to change her look on occasion? Also, I've a hunch that the writers (and the women assigned to direct the episodes) would have no objections in giving Jones varied disguises if the plots justified such, but hey, maybe I'm delusional, or at the very least, old fashioned. 

Also, it would be neat to learn more about Jones' superhero background. For example, what kind of flamboyant suit did she wear, what villains did she clobber, and why don't we ever see such in flashback? What's there to be ashamed of? Matt Murdock ain't ashamed to sport a superhero suit and kick ass; why should Jones be? Then again, many do find her unorthodox stance unique and as such, a major draw. 

As with other Netflix/Marvel series, there's lots of secrecy surrounding this new season. Will Mike Colter's courageous Luke Cage make an appearance somewhere within the 13-episode stretch? What about those rumors of David Tennant's mind-crushing Killgrave returning? Who, indeed, is the big baddie this time out? 

Ah, so many questions; so few answers...

But I suppose that's part of why I'll be watching. Curiosity lures me. It probably lures you, too.

"Jessica Jones" returns March 8...

THE DEFENDERS: NETFLIX DELIVERS JUSTICE FOR ALL!!!

Our Harlem/Hell's Kitchen heroes are back--Charlie Cox as Matt Murdock/Daredevil; Mike Colter as Luke Cage/Power Man; Krysten Ritter as Jessica Jones; and Finn Jones as Danny Rand/Iron Fist--all assembled and equipped to kick some villainous ass and of course, bring justice to NY's meek and downtrodden.

The highly anticipated “The Defenders”, based on the popular Marvel comic-book series, is Netflix’s reply to Disney’s "Avengers" and WB’s "Justice League". The tone here is of its own variation: vicious, brooding and (chances are) woeful. (Jon Bernthal’s Frank Castle/Punisher would fit right in, if not for his loner disposition, but give it time…)

For the sake of this series, our heroic collective faces a baddie named Alexandra. Folks are wondering if she's a disguised element of Marvel's vast lineage, but whether she holds a historic link (let alone rubs elbows with the opposing force, the Hand) shouldn't matter to fans of "Alien", "Avatar" and "Galaxy Quest", for she's played by none other than Sigourney Weaver. Evidently, Weaver's character wields lots of big-city influence, but has any officious, self-serving opponent ever halted our defenders? Then again, who knows what devilish plan Alexandra may be hatching? (Say, wouldn't it be cool if it connects to a character otherwise thought defunct...one perhaps played by Elodie Yung? Hint, hint...ha, ha.)

Though Weaver's enigmatic "queen-pin" and her resulting actions aren't to be taken lightly, advanced footage for the show does present some wry banter for our admirable quartet, so though doom and gloom may predominate, we might at least anticipate some sporadic levity.

For superhero/comic-book fans, this is a golden age, with live-action adaptations riding an all-time high. Some, however, would take delight in seeing the trend end, but I emphatically say to hell with them. “Defenders” is another welcome chunk of good-vs-evil escapism and another reason why Netflix is fast becoming one of the most reliable entertainment sources around. Hey highbrow HBO—ya payin' attention?

All eight episodes of “Defenders” will be queued for viewing on Aug 18. Engage, enjoy...defend!!!

Netflix Introduces Jessica Jones...

Gotta be honest; I'm not terribly familiar with Marvel's Jessica Jones, but that Netflix has branched out again with another comic-based series is just fine by me.

The alluring Krysten "Breaking Bad" Ritter plays Jones, a young woman with super powers, who's tossed flamboyant heroics to the side (at least for the most part) to play private eye. 

What makes "Marvel's Jessica Jones" all the more enticing is that tough guy Luke "Power Man" Cage (Mike Colter) is Jessica's spouse--well, at least in comic lore--and his presence, even as only a potential love interest, at least guarantees some serious two-fisted action. (Hope I'm not wrong.) 

Will definitely check this one out and offer my two-cents worth (and probably then some) accordingly...