A big part of the success of Marvel’s Netflix TV series is due to how great the characters are. It has been said before, but these shows are in effect 13-hour movies, which allows for a deeper look at the main players than in, say, The Avengers films. Think Matt Murdock with his conscience split between his vigilantism and his catholic faith. Or Jessica and her post-traumatic stress disorder.
Now that we’ve seen Luke Cage, we can let out a collective sigh of relief that it is at least on a par with the previously released shows in this neck of the MCU woods. Obviously, its central hero should take a lot of the credit, but the supporting cast that surrounds him is also very strong, perhaps the best of all three series so far.
And so, with a big spoiler warning attached, here are the eight most significant characters of the show, ranked from worst to best.