Luke Cage (TV series)

Marvel's Luke Cage, or simply Luke Cage, is an American web television series based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name, a former convict with superhuman strength and unbreakable skin who now fights crime.

Season 1

Moment of Truth [1.01]

Henry "Pop" Hunter: Take my advice, brother. The past is the past. And the only direction in life that matters is forward. Never backwards.

Luke Cage: Dumb men like little girls. Me? I ponder a woman.

[Cottonmouth's henchmen have brought in Shameek, one of the young men who robbed from him]

Cornell "Cottonmouth" Stokes: You like my Biggie photo? Me, too. You know what draws your eye when you look at that? The crown. Wanna know why? Huh? 'Cause everybody wants to be the king. [slaps Shameek] I slapped you like a little bitch. I'm not the kind of man to use a closed fist on a woman. Where's my money?

Shameek Smith: I, I didn't -

Cottonmouth: Uh-uh. Only thing worse than a thief is a damn liar. [smacks Shameek] Where's my - money? Hmm? You left Dante alive. He called Tone. And with his dying words, gave up you and your homeboy. We got your money. Now you're gonna tell us where Chico is so we can get the rest.

[Shameek spits in Cottonmouth's face]

Cottonmouth: [laughing] Yeah. Thank you. Now I can hit you like a man. [throws Shameek to the floor and beats him to death]

Reva Connors: Loneliness never goes away, especially in places like Seagate. If you don't make attempts to befriend someone loneliness is guaranteed to eat you alive.

Mercedes "Misty" Knight: You know Benjamin Franklin said that the only way that three people can keep a secret is if two of them are dead. First Dante, now Shameek. Chico's the last man standing.

Rafael Scarfe: Benjamin Franklin? Didn't he electrocute himself flying a kite in a rainstorm? I wouldn't base any theories on that fool.

Misty: Benjamin Franklin is on the $100 bill sir.

Scarfe: So? He wasn't a president!

Misty: That's even more impressive! Come on, give the man some credit.

Code of the Streets [1.02]

Cottonmouth: What's your name again?

Luke: Luke.

Cottonmouth: Luke. Mmm, old school. Biblical. I'm all about the old school. You know that eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth kind of thing. Fire and brimstone. See back then do someone wrong, wasn't no beggin' and pleadin'. Just took care of it. Handled your business.

Pop: What about turning the other cheek?

Cottonmouth: Mmm. Jesus saves. I don't.

Luke: I ain't guilty. But I ain't innocent either.

Mariah Dillard: You're wasting your gifts, my brother. This gangster life not what our ancestors fought for. Not what our people died for.

Cottonmouth: This is exactly what they died for. Self-determination, control, power.

Cottonmouth: What's wrong, Shades?

Hernan "Shades" Alvarez: We should've waited.

Tone: Waited? [scoffs] Bump that noise! I got the call. It was me.

Cottonmouth: What happened?

Tone: Look, Turk calls me. Tells me, he saw Chic at the shop, slippin'. I came and ask you if it was important that the nigga was breathing. You seem non-committal, so I make an executive decision. [claps his hands]

Cottonmouth: [laughs] That's what you call it? An "executive decision"? [Tone nods and smiles] Okay. Mmm, so you caught him slippin' outside?

Tone: Nah, bro, I lit that shit up like a Fourth of July. It was all so Django Candieland shit for real. Lights, camera, action, baby! Somebody call Quentin! [laughs]

Shades: I suggested we wait.

Tone: [turns on Shades, annoyed] Wait? Wait for what, Shades? You ain't even down with the clique! You can't give orders. It was loud 'cause it's supposed to be! Niggas need to know you don't rob Cottonmouth!

Cottonmouth: [gets in Tone's face] MY NAME IS NOT COTTONMOUTH!!

[Tone slinks back, nervously]

Tone: [stammering] My--my bad. My bad.

Cottonmouth: [tensely] He's dead, right?

Shades: Chico's laid out. He's done.

Tone: [picks up Chico's backpack] It don't matter. We got the money!

[Cottonmouth dwells for a few seconds as he composes himself]

Cottonmouth: You had to do it, I guess. Pops can rebuild. He won't like it but I'll donate some money anonymously. It's all gonna be okay...[He notices Tone and Shades are shifting around uneasily, and that Shades has removed his sunglasses] ...What?

Shades: [beat] ...Pops is dead.

[Cottonmouth, now furious, turns on Tone]

Tone: A casualty of war. You know...shit happens.

[Turk Barrett arrives on the rooftop]

Turk Barrett: Yo! Where's my money?

Cottonmouth: [confused] How the hell did you get up here?

Turk: I'm Turk Barrett, baby. The door ain't been built yet that can hold me back. Now where's my money?

Cottonmouth: Okay, Mr. Barrett. Tone promised to pay you for finding Chico, right?

Turk: Yeah.

Cottonmouth: [turns to Tone] That right? [Tone nods yes] Okay.

[Without a moment's hesitation, Cottonmouth grabs Tone, drags him over to the edge, and throws him off the roof. Tone falls and crushes a car parked on the street below, dead on impact]

Cottonmouth: YOU CAN COLLECT YOUR MONEY FROM TONE DOWNSTAIRS, MR. BARRETT! [buttons his suit] I assume that completes our business.

Turk: …y'all Harlem niggas are off the hook. I'm going back to Hell's Kitchen where it's safe.

Who's Gonna Take the Weight? [1.03]

[Luke has run into Cottonmouth at the funeral parlor where Pop's body is being prepared for viewing]

Cottonmouth: Me and Henry didn't see eye to eye. But I always had his back. He wouldn't want any drama. Especially here.

Luke: What Pop would have wanted is for you not to pay for his arrangements with bloody guilt money. We set a parley. I thought your word was bond.

Cottonmouth: It is. A former associate of mine was feelin' himself. He's not feelin' much of anything right now.

Luke: Doesn't matter. Pop's death is still on you.

Cottonmouth: Step off. Before you get hurt.

Luke: Why? I'm just getting started.

Cottonmouth: [laughs] Good to know. How's the job search coming? Dishwasher.

Luke: You're absolutely right. I'm not gonna touch him. Not the way I should. Since I can't touch the king, I'm gonna take his queen, his knights... his rooks... I'm knocking all his pieces off the board.

[Cottonmouth and Spurlock the funeral director stand over Pop's corpse]

Cottonmouth: Pop was a friend. He deserves the best.

Spurlock: Yeah. I see you've been busy. [He brings Cottonmouth over to another sheet covering what's left of Tone's body] What about this man right here?

Cottonmouth: Tone? I had to let him go. Nothing humbles a man like gravity. [Cottonmouth grabs some money from his coat pocket and hands it to Spurlock] Remember, same as always. This body can't exist.

Spurlock: [pockets the money] ...What body?

Scarfe: See... I thought you didn't have a boyfriend because you love the brothers, and not many brothers can get with a girl who carry a gun and kick their ass. But that's not the reason.

Misty: Oh, so now you're an expert?

Scarfe: The reason is you're a Celtics fan living in New York City.

Misty: I like the Pistons.

Scarfe: [groans] Oh shit!

[Misty is looking at a board of crime scene photos from the Crispus Attucks raid]

Scarfe: Damn it, you're doing it again.

Misty: Damn it, you just broke my concentration.

Scarfe: As usual, your priorities are all out of whack. Now, you're looking at a picture of an empty husk of a building. I'm looking at millions of dollars of contraband.

Misty: You know this money belongs to Cottonmouth, allegedly.

Scarfe: Allegedly. Thing I can't figure out why would somebody go through all this hell outside, cause all this mayhem, and then leave the money behind?

Misty: To take it off the streets. Once it's logged, whoever it belongs to doesn't have access to it anymore.

Scarfe: That's quite a message someone's trying to send.

Misty: All that gunfire and no bodies.

Scarfe: Oh, you got that right. They are nobodies.

Misty: I mean, no bodies. Not one. Some big black dude in a hoodie takes on direct bullet shots slaps, punches and pulls people all over the place and doesn't kill a single one? That doesn't seem strange to you? It's like this person wanted us to shut this place down.

Scarfe: Who cares?

Misty:: What?

Scarfe: I'm serious. Who cares? How many investigations from the time we put boots on the ground, begin and end in these projects?

Misty: Dozens.

Scarfe: And now somebody comes along and wants to clean up a year's worth of patrol work by himself? I don't see anything wrong with that.

Misty: A vigilante? Yeah. There's something wrong with that: it's anarchy. A complete breakdown of the system. There are rules and regulations to what we do.

Scarfe: And lawyers and paperwork and excuses? [He and Misty sit back down at their desks] Other than mopping up blood... and arresting the same piece of shit over and over, you know, not much we can do as cops.

Misty: Jesus, Scarfe, whose side are you on?

Scarfe: I saw the Incident up close. What we can do as cops, what we can't do. [motions to his duty pistol] Now, unless this sidearm that I'm wearing suddenly turns into some kind of magic hammer, this whole job is irrelevant.

Misty: They have no training! No responsibility. You have to know what you're doing. They don't have the right to just start weeding out justice. Come on!

Scarfe: Some guy in a hoodie hits various gun running spots around the city today? I think that's wonderful. I think we should thank him.

Misty: For doing our job?

Scarfe: Exactly. I don't like paperwork. But I'd rather get a papercut on my finger than a bullet in my ass. Look at—look at all them rounds! Look! [motions to Misty's wall of crime scene photos] You really wanna be in the middle of all this? And for what? For-for a chicken banquet dinner, and a photo with the Mayor as a reward? Shit. Hell no.

Misty: Wow. You are a credit to the badge, Scarfe.

Step in the Arena [1.04]

Albert Rackham: Shut up! In here you got no voice, you've got no rights. You used to be a citizen, but from the moment you reached the bottom of stupid, your dumb asses belong to the State of Georgia. If you are a recidivist, then you know the rules. If, however, this is your first visit to the Seagate theme park, let me just say. As long as you follow the rules, you'll be fine. Rule number one: You will obey every rule I say after rule number one. Rule number two: None but the righteous shall see God. And since we ain't got no righteous people in here, God ain't gonna have to worry about your shitty prayers. So that means I'm His mean, shitty substitute.

[Luke's been thrown in solitary after Shades and Comanche are sent to rough him up]

Rackham: Well, you're a hell of a fighter, Lucas. You learn that in the military or during your police training? Hmm? How'd you like to live like a king using them fists of yours? We got some bad boys who's pretty good with their hands. And they making money in here. Good-ass money. I want you to get in on this. Believe it or not, it'll benefit both of us. And I get a little extra coin. And you... If you survive get to be your own man. Untouched, extra rations, maybe a conjugal or two, hmm? It's a good offer, convict.

Luke: Slavery was always a good offer to a master.

Luke: My father's a preacher. He used to say, one way or the other I would regret the life that I led. He used to say "The Spirit of the Lord is on me because I have been anointed to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners, and recovery of sight for the blind to release the oppressed."

Just to Get a Rep [1.05]

Luke: [to Dan] Hey, what was Mike Tyson like?

Bobby Fish: [chuckles] I know you're sick of telling that story. He whooped Mitch Green fine, didn't he?

Dapper Dan: Mike Tyson is a real nice guy.

Luke: But he hit like a beast.

Bobby: Yeah, well there was beauty in that beast. You can't control what people say. Just be the best man that you can be. And always make sure they spell your name right.

Luke: Where'd she get the gun?

Blue: Yo, I plead the eighth.

Luke: You mean the fifth.

Blue: Yeah, that shit. I plead the fifth.

Cottonmouth: There he is. Dishwasher Lazarus. You want your old job back? It costs to be a savior. Ask Jesus.

Luke: You started all this. This is me finishing it.

Cottonmouth: You want Harlem, it's expensive.

Luke: I don't want Harlem. I just want you to stop messing with it.

Cottonmouth: It's my home. You don't know a damn thing about it.

Cottonmouth: [eulogizing Pop] Henry Hunter was my mentor. An old friend. He taught me streets the hard way. I'll remember the sound of his fists, but that's how he got his name. Pop. But he changed, he evolved. See, Harlem could do that to you. Some people saw war-zone, Pop always saw pasture, a breeding ground for art history, for greatness. From Billy Strayhorn, Teddy Riley, Big L, ASAP Rocky, all those brothers, came from right here. All because of people like Pop. I believe that whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger, and that's how we have to look at Pop's death. They never caught the shooter, but I have faith that he is right in the depths of Hell. I miss Pop. I promise you with all my might, and even though we are being attacked on all sides by foreign interlopers, strangers with arcane abilities, I promise you I'll stay true to what we have right here. 'Cause that's what Pop would've wanted.

Luke: [eulogizing Pop] I asked Pop once why he didn't want people to curse in his shop and why we had to wear these ugly smocks. He said: these kids need to see a man go to work, every day, and be in the presence of men in uniform putting in work. I didn't want to walk in late, but I was trying to do what Pop always did, help those in need and protect them from the forces that would do them harm. At first, it was selfish, because my name was attached to it. Then it got bigger. If we try to protect only ourselves, without looking out for those people closest to us, then we lose. Pop never forgot his people. Where some people saw hard rock kids, he saw precious jewels. He reminded me that diamonds are formed by pressure, covered in dirt, but when you polish them, they shine. Pop saw the shine in everyone that walked in his barbershop, he cut their hair, he listened to their problems, and he made them feel better about the world, themselves. We have to strive on a daily basis to do the same for each other, and sometimes that's gonna mean standing up to a bully, especially if he calls himself a friend. I don't believe in Harlem. I believe in the people who make Harlem what it is.

Suckas Need Bodyguards [1.06]

[Luke listens to Trish Talk on his morning jog]

Trish Walker: If you're just joining us, this is Trish Talk and we are discussing the recent events that have the residents of Harlem confused, and some even frightened. Line one, Sophia, you're on the air.

Sophia: Luke Cage is turning the neighborhood upside down and giving it a good shake. Trust me, no one wants to see what falls out.

Trish: Are you suggesting we turn a blind eye to the problems in our city?

Sophia: No, but I've seen the news. The man is so strong, he doesn't have to answer to anybody. Can you trust a person like that? Let the police do their job, that's what I say.

Trish: Some would argue the boys in blue don't exactly have a sterling reputation these days.

Sophia: Oh yeah missy? Well the next time trouble comes bangin' at your door, maybe you should call Luke Cage instead of 911!

Trish: You know what Sophia? I just might. Let's take another caller. Line two, hi Amir.

Amir: Hey Trish, I want to respond to that lady, 'cause she's got it all wrong. I know Luke, comes into the fish shop, always treats my wife and me with respect. Last week, two kids started a fight, Luke took care of it and nobody got hurt.

Trish: I think it's noteworthy that the only people I've spoken to who criticize are the ones who don't know him personally. So many others have merely read about him or saw him on the news and jumped to conclusions.

Amir: Trish, Luke is good people, and he belongs right here in Harlem.

Trish: And I think it's important for all of us to realize something. We're witnessing a massive shift in the boundaries of possibility, but what is scary to some, inspires hope in others. I for one would like to thank Luke Cage for all the work he's doing in Harlem. Those of us below 110th see the good work he's doing, and we hope he's doing well.

Mariah: I believe in Harlem. You know, my Harlem is saturated with jazz and good food and the pure genius that permeates the streets. Harlem is rising like a phoenix out of the ashes. I mean, that's what all of my various complexes are about, it's restoring that luster.

[Claire comes over to Luke and Bobby, who are dining at a table]

Claire Temple: Luke?

Luke: Yes.

Claire: Oh, you probably don't remember me, do you? Your girlfriend had me take care of you when you were brought into the hospital. [Luke and Bobby have blank stares] In Hell's Kitchen?

Luke: [look of recognition] Hey. [pause] Hey.

Bobby: [extends hand to Claire] Bobby. Bobby Fish.

Claire: [shakes Bobby's hand] I'm sorry. Claire. Very nice to meet you.

Bobby: Claire, you... you are far too beautiful to ever apologize for anything. You remember that.

[While Misty and her lieutenant are staking out Scarfe's apartment, Perez receives a text from Cottonmouth]

Misty: You're a popular man.

Lieutenant Perez: Oh, uh... the ex-wife. Took all my money and she still needs the dick.

Misty: Glad to see chivalry isn't dead.

Claire: Swiss cheese shirt, car bounces off of you, punching through steel and concrete. Just another day, right?

Luke: You're safe and your mum's van is insured. That's all that matters to me.

Claire: After all that, you can't say you're not special.

Luke: I'm still not sure what I am.

Claire: You know exactly who you are, and what you need to do.

Luke: [chuckles] Pop used to say the same thing you're saying to me. I did right by him. Cottonmouth's in jail, and I'm done.

Claire: You're moving on?

Luke: I think so. It's time.

Claire: There's things with your powers you haven't even tested. So many good things that you could still do. Maybe I could help.

Luke: You have ideas?

Claire: Yeah!

Luke: Why don't we start by getting some coffee first?

Claire: I'm not sleeping with you.

Luke: Whoa! Did I say anything about that? Why can't coffee just be coffee?

Claire: Okay, you didn't even touch your coffee this morning, you drank the orange juice. You don't drink coffee.

Manifest [1.07]

[Luke fights his way into Domingo Colon's gym and finds himself targeted by two henchmen with guns]

Luke: I guess you guys haven't heard about me, have you?

Domingo Colon: Take him out!

[the henchmen empty their guns at him, but the bullets simply ricochet off and fly into the rest of the gym—leaving Luke still standing in a jacket riddled with bullet holes]

Luke: …I'm about sick of always having to buy new clothes.

Cottonmouth: There is honor among thieves, but you ain't no thief. Gave a speech at a church, knocked down a few doors in the projects and now you Harlem's Captain America? Nigga please. How they gonna feel about their folk hero when they find out he ain't nothing more but a goddamn hoodlum? You act like you better than me, you ain't better than me.

Claire: What did your father say when he saw you?

Luke: Nothing. He doesn't know I'm alive. He wouldn't want to see me anyway. I'm his… shame. The last thing my father wanted to do was raise a black criminal. He did everything in his power to give me the kind of life so that wouldn't happen. And yet, I still went to jail.

Claire: That wasn't your fault.

Luke: He didn't see it that way. I tried to explain. I made calls. I sent letters, and he returned every last one of them.

Claire: Then why let your father's last memory of you be as a criminal? A dead criminal? I think he'd be very proud to know who you are now. [pause] Anyway, thank you.

Luke: For what?

Claire: I can't imagine there are that many people who know the saga of Luke Cage. It means a lot that you trust me.

Luke: I didn't come to Harlem to be a hero, Claire. I came because I needed time to figure shit out.

Claire: So did I.

Luke: You're right. I can't keep running. But I want you to know what you're getting into. If Cottonmouth talks, or if anybody connects the dots that Luke Cage is Carl Lucas… I go back to Seagate.

Claire: You knew the risks and you did it anyway. That's what makes you a hero.

Luke: Maybe I should get a mask after all.

Claire: No. Too much in Harlem happens in the shadows. People fear what they can't see. And that's what makes you different. They see you. It makes them trust you.

Blowin' Up the Spot [1.08]

[Shades is helping Mariah cover up Cottonmouth's murder]

Shades: The trash bag is for the clothes you're wearing. Every stitch goes in. Jewelry, too. Spurlock will incinerate them. The towels you use, the rugs... they all go in that trash bag. Get dressed from the clothes in the garment bag.

Mariah: I look like I'm in shock. Is that why you're speaking to me as if I'm a child?

Shades: I need you to hear me. I want you to win. Do what I say... and when you get away with this... you can go back to being the sexy, domineering bitch, that we all hate to love. Now go.

Mariah: [sighs and sniffles] That's the last time you will ever call me a bitch.

[Mariah is swarmed by reporters outside the precinct]

Reporters: Can you confirm that it was Luke Cage who killed your cousin? Is Harlem's hero a cold-blooded murderer? Or did he just take out the trash?

Mariah: Who said that?

Reporter: I did. Frank...

Mariah: My cousin Cornell Stokes was a complex man. Conflicted, but underneath all the bluster was the soul of a musician. He was a true Harlem original. [stammers] But what about this stranger? That's the garbage. But in your media rush to anoint a savior after the explosion at Genghis Connie's, no one asked the crucial question. Who the hell is Luke Cage? You label Cornell Stokes a gangster, a thug. But as many people recently witnessed at Mount Olivet, Cornell was a repentant man dealing with his violent past. Making amends for his wrongs. He had every intention of cooperating with the police. Goddamn vigilantes who call themselves heroes, like Luke Cage, they are dangerous. They are a menace to the safety, the security, and the sanctity of our community. You know what? People have used a lot of words to describe my cousin, but one word they have never used is "coward." And only a coward would hide in the shadows and kill an innocent man. [stutters] That's it.

Willis "Diamondback" Stryker: I see Carl's taste in women hasn't changed. He likes frizzy hair and a tight frame.

Misty: Carl? Who's Carl? You mean Luke?

Diamondback: No, I mean Carl, Misty. "Your adversary, the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." First Peter, chapter five, verse eight. See, my daddy was a preacher. Oh, come on. Aren't you gonna beg? Not even a little bit?

Misty: If you're going to shoot me, then do it.

[Luke tracks Diamondback down to a deserted theatre]

Luke: Stryker? Stryker!

Diamondback: You left me to rot, Carl.

Luke: We can work this out.

Diamondback: Work what out? My life? [loads bullets into his gun] My mother destroying herself? Being away for so long? Nah, there's nothing left to work out. "I did not come to bring peace, but a sword." Ain't that what the great Reverend James Lucas used to scream at us? Preached peace and prosperity, every Sunday on the pulpit, but come Friday night on the sideline? Nothing but fire and brimstone. Guess he saved the sin for Saturday night like everybody else. And everybody else caught hell but you. All the world's a stage for the preacher's son, and I was a quarterback. And no matter how many passes I threw, he was all about running the ball. Because he wanted the game in your hands. [Luke steps out into the orchestra section, right below Diamondback, up in the balcony] Hello, Carl.

Luke: Willis.

Diamondback: I prefer "Diamondback".

Luke: Because you're a snake. Just like Cottonmouth.

Diamondback: I am a snake! I shed my skin for something better. Stronger. You left me to rot, Carl, in a gutter. But I changed that sewer into a garden.

Luke: I wasn't a good friend. I should've stood tall, but I didn't. And you paid the price.

Diamondback: I've been watching you. Harlem doesn't realize they're worshiping a false idol.

Luke: False idol?

Diamondback: You, Carl! You! You're the golden calf! But I've got commandments for your ass. I'm gonna bring the pain. Reva's death?

Luke: Keep her name out of your mouth!

Diamondback: The crimes you went to jail for? The torture you endured once you were inside? All me! I'm afraid. Well, not Reva's death. I just like saying her name just to watch you squirm.

Luke: You ruined my life!

Diamondback: I gave you wings! [voice breaking] I sent you to hell, and you come back with superpowers! [inhales deeply] Ain't that a bitch?

[As Luke staggers down a street, Diamondback appears behind him]

Diamondback: They call this bullet the Judas. You barely survived the first blast. You won't survive the second. Any last words?

Luke: Willis, I'm sorry. You don't have to do this. I loved you like a brother.

Diamondback: Nigga, I am your brother. [shoots Luke in the shoulder]

DWYCK [1.09]

Shades: You don't have any friends.

Diamondback: "A man of too many friends comes to ruin, but there is a friend who comes closer than a brother." Proverbs 18:24. Cornell Stokes was that friend for me. And I could trust him like I could my own...brother.

Misty: I apply foot to ass. And match lead for lead. I put murderers in handcuffs. I don't just seek justice. I stalk it. And that much should go in my record!

Dr. Gabe Krasner: With your resumé you could've been downtown years ago. Hell, you could've been a Fed! You chose to stay in Harlem.

Misty: I know this place, I know the players, and I can make a difference here.

Krasner: Or use some of those old-school connections to make a little money on the side, like your partner.

Misty: I didn't know anything about Scarfe, or anything he was doing. He didn't buy new clothes, no new watch, no new girlfriend, no loose cock, nothing!

Krasner: But he'd been working for Cottonmouth for years.

Misty: And I trusted him! So I didn't see it, and neither did anybody else in this damn department! So why do I get singled out for it?

Krasner: Because you're the closest to him. [Misty shakes her head] It's written all over your face. Not seeing it bothered you, didn't it?

Misty: 'Cause seeing is my thing, right? That's what made me such a good point guard. 'Cause I could see everything in my head. I knew exactly where people were gonna be, so I put the ball right where it needed to go.

Krasner: But you couldn't see Scarfe for what he was? Or were you blinded by your emotions?

Misty: [scoffs] You wouldn't say that if I was a man!

Krasner: Oh, that is not true.

Misty: Bullshit! Male cops can screw cop groupies in the back of their unmarked RMP, and you guys cheer. They get drunk, they fight each other in the parking lot and it's called "blowing off steam." There's always a double standard.

Luke: What if this is a one-way trip?

Claire: Hey, hey, you are gonna make it. You hear me? You're gonna make it just fine. We're gonna fix this. Don't even. You're not dying in my mom's car.

Claire: If you go down his throat…

Dr. Noah Burstein: We can puncture his mucus membrane.

Claire: Exactly.

Burstein: I like the way you think.

Luke: I don't.

Luke: Just so we're clear…what could go wrong?

Burstein: Well, your skin could peel off, like wax paper, and, uh, after about ten seconds, you'd beg me to put a bullet in your head because the pain would be so bad, but your head looks fine, so I guess the bullet would ricochet off your skull.

Luke: Sweet Christmas.

Take it Personal [1.10]

[Diamondback is showing Mariah his arsenal of Judas bullets]

Diamondback: You wouldn't believe how expensive these things are. Untraceable, alien metal, explosive.

Mariah: You hit Luke Cage with one of these. He's still alive. If it didn't work, what's the big deal?

Diamondback: Well, you don't need to kill God with one shot to sell a weapon. You just need to make Him bleed.

[Diamondback has killed a police officer and pinned it on Luke]

Mariah: YOU KILLED A COP! I know you did it! Now kids are getting jacked up by the police! WHAT are you doing to my city?

Diamondback: It's not yours, never was.

Mariah: Harlem is my birthright. It's mine! City council or not.

Diamondback: "When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous, but terror to evil doers."

Mariah: [disgusted] You quote the Bible like you actually believe in God.

Diamondback: And you speak to me as if you're not actually in the presence of death. Your way was taking too long. I killed two birds with one stone by sticking a body on Luke Cage. He's hiding somewhere in the blessed aquarium, so I turned the heat up. [gets up from his chair] Old Carl. He's either going to stand up and defend his name, or he's gonna run and hide like a bitch. Either way, it doesn't matter. I've got the gun to take him out.

Mariah: You're completely out of control.

Diamondback: And you're not a real politician because, if you were, you'd flip this.

Luke: Reva lied to me.

Claire: She helped you to disappear, 'cause she was protecting you. Couldn't have all been a lie.

Luke: You don't understand. That woman, the idea of her, her smell. That was the only thing that kept me sane at Seagate. That's what's eating me up inside. I don't think I really knew her at all.

Claire: You still love her.

Luke: I love the idea of Reva, but not her specifically. Not anymore.

Misty: Domingo

Domingo Colon: Do I know you?

Misty: No, [pushes aside jacket to reveal police badge] but I know you. I've seen your rap sheet. How do you have time to commit crimes and train boxers?

Domingo: I guess you must have to be good at multitasking.

[chants of "This stops now" from the crowd]

Mariah: [motioning for the crowd to quiet down] Yes it does, yes it does. Oh, it warms my heart to see you here this evening. My cousin, Cornell Stokes, was murdered right where you're standing. And it pains me to even be here, but it's necessary. Luke Cage murdered my cousin, and I am not afraid to speak out about it. The man is a liar, he is a menace, and as long as he is running around loose, hiding amongst us, no one is safe. Now, I know what brought us here tonight: the police putting their hands on yet another young black man. It's wrong! It is wrong! [crowd cheers] No doubt about that! But, we can not lose focus here. A cop was killed by this super-powered menace, and our young brother was hurt during their witch hunt. Brothers and sisters, our world has changed. We have new threats, new terrorists. That woman over in Hell's Kitchen snapped a man's neck 'cause he was mind-controlling her. We've got a bullet-proof murderer on the loose in Harlem, with his own twisted sense of justice, putting us all in harm's way. Do I trust the cops? [cries of "no" from the crowd] Not blindly. [crowd cheers] We need protection! From Luke Cage, we need protection from the other powered people like Luke Cage. These are real threats! [crowd cheers and Mariah motions for quiet once more] We need to arm our men and women in blue, so that they can protect us. Truly protect us and never confuse us with those who are the real threat. You stay strong!

Now You're Mine [1.11]

Shades: Forget Cage. The cops are gonna flood this place in a minute.

Diamondback: No. We're staying. Nobody leaves. Not until we have them.

Shades: What you talkin' about, Willis?

Diamondback: You got jokes?

[Diamondback is directing his men to move the hostages]

Diamondback: Take Diet Obama upstairs, Ty! Keep a gun on him till I get up there.

Damon Boone: Take your hands off me! You can't do this!

Diamondback: Yes, we can!

Diamondback: Ah. Nothing like an aged Scotch. You know there was a time you'd cross a Scotsman and he wouldn't think twice about cutting your head off with a sword. I like a drink that encourages such decisiveness.

Diamondback: I wish you could have met Dana, my mother.

[Diamondback shows Boone a picture]

Boone: She's beautiful.

Diamondback: Yes. She was a secretary for a big-time preacher. A bold, charismatic man who loved to talk loud and dress fancy.

Boone: Like you.

Diamondback: Exactly. They worked long, stressful hours and... Well, they had a lot of laughter in that back office. Something was bound to happen and it did. I was born. But he was married. And everything was good until the preacher's wife, two years later, had a baby boy. A miracle child. And everything changed. The great Reverend Lucas wasn't man enough to give his first son his last name. You see, I was still Willis Stryker. But his real son was Carl Lucas. But here's the crazy thing. Nobody said nothing. And Carl and I we grew up best friends, but there was all this tension. You could just feel it like a draft coming in from under a door. I just wanted him to see me. I was a good boy. I did well in school. But he always loved Carl more.

Diamondback: Pressure brings the best out of certain people. So where was I? Together we were bold. We stole a red Corvette, just like the song. Just for a joyride. You see, I was a Prince fan, and Carl was all about Michael. We were so busy arguing, we didn't even see the cop. But Carl was a Lucas. I was a Stryker. It was over before it even began. When it came time for sentencing, the preacher convinced the judge to let his golden boy join the Marines. Me? Juvie. Got jumped two days in. Boy drew a shank and I killed him in self-defense. So I got sent away to hard time. And sweet Dana? Oh, her cancer ate her alive and she died alone in a shelter without a friend in the world. You see, the good Reverend Lucas…well, he stopped caring for her after I was gone. He was free of her and I was powerless. But she, oh…oh, she still loved him and well, she wanted me to have something of my father's. God had me at hello with Genesis. The story of Cain and Abel. When God asked Cain where Abel was after he killed him Cain asked, "Am I my brother's keeper?" See I thought that was some cool shit Wesley Snipes made up in New Jack City. Turns out it's real. So after I kill Luke Cage I'm gonna stand over him and say, "Yes, I am."

Boone: Why are you telling me all this?

Diamondback: Because you're about to meet my mother, Damon. Tell her I love her. [punches Boone in the chest with his powered glove, killing him instantly]

Soliloquy of Chaos [1.12]

Inspector Priscilla Ridley: [Interrogating Shades] You should be at Rikers right now, but I held you because I think you have something to say.

Shades: Lawyer.

Priscilla: I know your record Mr. Alvarez. Came up in Harlem, rode around with Cottonmouth in the late '90s, spent some time at Spofford, Sing Sing, then you made it to the big time. Went to Seagate.

Shades: Lawyer.

Priscilla: Cornell Stokes is dead, yet you're still alive. And I've never seen an arraignment happen so quickly. Two million dollar bail? And someone paid it in cash. Who's your new sponsor? [beat] Is it Willis Stryker?

Shades: Law. Yer.

Priscilla: You were part of a hostage situation, Hernan. Even if your lawyer does get you out, you won't be walking away from that. That's multiple kidnapping with weapon charges. How does 25 years to life sound to you? Minimum.

Shades: Are you serious?

Priscilla: Yep.

Shades: [sighs] Okay. Okay, I was in the club. I saw what happened. I know who did it.

Priscilla: Okay, we can protect you, but I need a name to verify. Who was it? Was it Stryker?

Shades: He goes by....."lawyer". [beat] You need me to spell it?

[Priscilla angrily marches out of the interrogation room and Shades laughs]

[The cops search for Luke at Pop's barbershop]

Bobby: That was a close shave.

Luke: Bad pun.

Bobby: What the hell did you even come back for man?

Luke: I had to. For Harlem. Take care of Diamondback before he made it bad for everyone.

Bobby: Well, forget Harlem. Forget your brother. You're on the road in a brand new car and a woman that fine? And you're bullet-proof! You'd have never seen my black ass again. I'd rob the occasional bank and never look back.

Mariah: [Answering her phone] What do you want?

Diamondback: That's no way to speak to a business partner.

Mariah: After what you did to my club, do you really think I'm gonna shuck and jive with you?

Diamondback: You might want to check your attitude. If you're not any use to me, then you're not any use to anyone. Shades would tell you, if he was still alive.

Mariah: What the hell are you talking about?

Diamondback: I had to let him go. So now, I'm giving you the chance to tell me where you stand. I've taken Shades and Damon Boone off the table so you can grow. I'd hate for us to part, too.

Mariah: I wasn't particularly fond of Shades. And the death of Damon Boone, although unnecessary, was appreciated. [stands up] But you need to know this: I'm out of the political game. I'm focusing on Harlem's Paradise; using it for, uh, a power base for community relations. [Diamondback enters the room from behind Mariah]

Diamondback: That's a smart move. But you've made some dumb ones, also. You should never talk about murder on an open line.

[Mariah and Shades enter Pop's barbershop]

Bobby: I should've kept my coat on, hell just froze over.

[Diamondback enters Pop's barbershop, wearing an armored suit]

Bobby: What kind of Jean-Paul Gaultier shit is this? What are you, a pimp storm trooper?

Diamondback: No, I'm the angel of death.

You Know My Steez [1.13]

Aisha Axton: All these people were talking bad about Luke Cage. But they didn't stop for one minute to look at the good he had done. Cleaning up Crispus Attucks by himself, lookin' out for people. Most of these guys wear spandex. Who would have thought a black man in a hoodie would be a hero?

Luke: I couldn't just lay in the gutter anymore. Pop knew about my abilities, so I put them to good use. I shut down Crispus Attucks personally.

Misty: That wasn't your job.

Luke: People needed someone who didn't require a warrant or shield to get things done. Call it a vigilante or a superhero, call it what you will. But like it or not, I finally accepted that that someone had to be me.

Misty: Maybe I could've helped you.

Luke: This burden is bigger than you. Or me. People are scared but they can't be paralyzed by that fear. You have to fight for what's right every single day, bulletproof skin or not. You can't just not snitch, or turn away or take money under the table because life has turned you sour. When did people stop caring? Harlem is supposed to represent our hopes and dreams. It's the pinnacle of black art, politics, innovation. It's supposed to be a shining light to the world. It's our responsibility to push forward, so that the next generation will be further along than us. Pop said his mantra aloud twice a day. Kids in the shop were pissed, but they could never unhear it. Never backwards.

Pop: [in flashback] Always forward.

Luke: Forward...

Misty: Always. [pause] You forget I grew up around the man.

Claire: I wish I could've met him.

Misty: In a way you have.

Misty: He was smashed by a heavy circular base. The coroner thought it was maybe the heavy wastebasket, but my vote? It was a mic stand. I went through Harlem's Paradise's inventory records with the stage manager and it turns out there was a mic stand that was unaccounted for.

Mariah: I've been around the music business my whole life, equipment goes missing. You can't trust niggas around equipment.

Claire: We have a lot to talk about though.

Luke: Like... what?

Claire: Your future, your next moves.

Luke: I don't want to talk about that right now. I just want to chill. It's been a long day.

Claire: It can wait. You want to get coffee when we get out of here?

Luke: You accused me of not liking coffee. That's not true, it just depends on the blend. I hear that Cuban coffee is particularly robust.

Claire: That might be the corniest thing you've said yet. It also happens to be true.

Shades: [hands Mariah the gun he used to shoot Candace] It's old-school, has a nice feel.

Mariah: It belonged to Cornell.

Shades: It suits you.

Season 2

Soul Brother #1 [2.01]

Straighten It Out [2.02]

Wig Out [2.03]

I Get Physical [2.04]

All Souled Out [2.05]

The Basement [2.06]

On and On [2.07]

If It Ain't Rough, It Ain't Right [2.08]

For Pete's Sake [2.09]

James: Your strength is from God, Carl. I have no doubt in my mind about that. But with that kind of power comes its share of pain.

Luke: I know, Dad. I work really hard to pull back. [sighs] Even though sometimes I have to smack a fool to get things done.

James: Now, see, that right there, that guilt you carry the weight of that responsibility, it's a burden. I understand it. Believe me, I understand.

Luke: I'm dealing. It hasn't been easy since, uh... since Claire...

James: Claire? The young woman who visited me at the church? What happened?

Luke: [sighs] It's a long story.

James: Boy, when you find someone who's gonna make room for you on the door when the ship goes down, that's a rose you cultivate.

Luke: Dad, there you go again with that movie. It's been years. Let it go, man.

James: I can't let it go. [he and Luke are laughing] I can't let it go. See, what it is and, hell, I know this when you are stressed, you push people away. I do the same thing. I'm not a good example. But here's the thing. When you have a calling, sometimes you need to heal yourself just as much as the person who you're trying to heal. You gotta take care of yourself, or else the whole world is gonna fall apart.

Luke: How's the hand?

James: It's just some cuts and bruises. That little gal healed me. She worked them roots.

Luke: Roots?

James: Mmm-hmm.

Luke: How exactly did she do that?

James: "The Beautiful Lady". Nightshade. She reached into that magic bag of hers and worked them roots. I didn't ask too many questions.

Luke: It's not the first time she worked her magic. Maybe there's a science to it.

James: Science? Magic? God? That power flows from within. From inside. What comes out when that pressure is heaviest... that's the real magic. That's what defines being a man. That's what defines being a hero.

The Main Ingredient [2.10]

The Creator [2.11]

Can't Front On Me [2.12]

They Reminisce Over You [2.13]

Spurlock: I've known your family for years. I've done them all. Do you want the usual bells and whistles? Mahogany and gold?

Tilda: Just cremate her. I don't care about her ashes.

Spurlock: Uh, as you wish, Ms. Stokes.

Tilda: The last Stokes just died. It's Johnson. Tilda Johnson. [leaves]

Spurlock: Sorry, May May. [covers Mariah's dead face with the sheet]

[Last lines]

Sugar: She's here. What do you want me to tell her?

Luke: Tell Claire to go home.

[Sugar leaves and Luke walks to the office and takes a seat]

James: Your strength is from God, Carl. I have no doubt in my mind about that. But with that kind of power comes its share of pain.

Luke: I know, Dad.

James: Science? Magic? God? That power flows from within. From inside. What comes out when that pressure is heaviest... that's the real magic. That's what defines being a man. That's what defines being a hero.

Cast

External links

Wikipedia

Wikipedia has an article about:

Luke Cage (TV series)

Marvel's Luke Cage at TV.com
Marvel's Luke Cage quotes at the Internet Movie Database
Marvel's Luke Cage quotes at the MagicalQuote