@Nobodyman:
Just finished Season 2 of Luke Cage. A few hiccups, but otherwise a pretty strong. Probably better than the first.
To me it makes no doubt. Luke Cage 1 was pretty weak, and although some say Diamondback's appearance was the beginning of the downfall, I think there were flaws from the beginning. It's been quite some time since I've seen it, so I couldn't point to particular issues, but overall it was the pacing, and the story that just wasn't compelling. I hardly remember anything great from that season.
This one, on the other hand, ranks high (my 4th favourite Marvel/Netflix, after Daredevil's two seasons and Jessica Jones' first). It's due to a better treatment of all S1 characters (Luke Cage, Mercedes, Shades, Dillard…), the Bushmaster, the somehow complex plot and themes, improved fight scenes, impeccable soundtrack, and surprising moments
! Danny Rand, Mercedes and Colleen, Rum Bar Massacre, el bezo de la araňa. And I forget: thank you writers for sending Claire wherever she was sent to.
The writers of the show said, prior to the release, that they did their best to shape a better story considering the criticism received from Luke Cage 1. I'd say they did a great job.
@Nobodyman:
! 1)-Not sure what to think to think about Luke Cage's anger management issues from the first few episodes. Seems like it kinda just dropped off with no resolution.
! -Honestly, episode 9 felt like it should have been the end of the season, but it kept going. But hey, the stuff was still pretty great.
! -So glad that Mariah died. Bitch deserved it and now she won't wear out her welcome like The Hand did.
! -**2)**So I guess Bushmaster will be back next season? Funny how he just disappeared like that.
! 1) Maybe it wasn't well managed at times, but I feel like this season tries to deal with (black) masculinity. Luke Cage being the male figure, with his large muscles and unbreakable skin. The 'coffee' running gag is also a reminder to that. So, this 'anger management' issue is a symptom of dealing with that masculinity (referring to that scene with Claire where he punches the wall).
If this is going too far (it might), I'd say at least Danny Rand's role is also to help Luke Cage let go of the anger, by making him refocus. I believe this role will be developed even further in Luke Cage 3, considering how this season ended…
Regardless it seems pretty clear to me that he has been angry all season (almost killing Bushmaster, throwing death threats here and there...)
! 2) I don't think he will. His sole goal has been reached (killing STOKES), and I am sure the creators learned from Daredevil's mistakes: sometimes, it's best to just let go of a good villain instead of turning him into a bad one. Like Nobu.