Marvel Netflix: Now featuring Loras Tyrell

So I have had a bit of time to reflect, and contrary to the general opinion, I actually enjoyed the latter half of the season more than the first half. I do agree that Cottonmouth was the better villain than Diamondback, by far, but I feel like Mariah and Shades made up for that, as I found both very well acted and very well rounded characters. 
Reiterating once again that Misty Knight and Claire Temple were highlights of this series. Such wonderful actresses (Misty had some cringey lines but the actress made them work) and both had great chemistry, not just with Luke but with the entire cast. 
I also enjoyed something shown rarely on mainstream TV and film - a show with a primarily black cast, dealing with a range of social issues that are relevant today. In particular, I liked the showdown in Harlem's Paradise, and how that episode demonstrated the Us v Them, retribution mentality behind police brutality, and the whole mob mentality Mariah played off to rile up Harlem against Luke.
I also wish Jessica had shown up. I appreciated the references to her (Trish Talks, Mariah mentioning her in her hate-campaign) but it would have been nice to see her. I actually can't wait to see Defenders, because the Marvel Netflix shows have been wonderful, their casts have been very strong, and I can't wait to see how they all interact with each other. 
Disappointing aspects of Luke Cage: Diamondback, who was rather bland as a villain, and I didn't find his motivations all that convincing either. I would much rather have had some kind of hocus pip us of comic book explanation to bring Cottonmouth back. I did appreciate him being killed off though, because of what it did with Mariah. I also thought the first half of the season was too slow paced. I do like a show that takes its time, but there is a line between plodding and gently paced. There could have been a lot of condensing of the first few episodes I think, or more time spent with Cottonmouth, or some more substantial build up and explanation of Diamondback to make me care more about him.

But overall I still liked it, Current rankings would be:

JJ1>DD2=LC1>DD1

I have to agree that Cottonmouth is better antagonist then Diamondback. Basically he hates Luke because their father loved Luke more? I also agree that Mariah and Shades work well as villains. Theo Rossi and Viola Davis work well together. I thought Misty Knight and Claire Temple were terrific characters. I am guessing either Matt or Foggy will get Luke out. I am guessing too that the doctor will be giving Stryker-Diamondback the same powers as Luke?

I agree that the music was spot on and a character in it's own right. I think the second half was weaker due to Cottonmouth's death and the emergence of Diamondback. It would have made more sense to have Mariah and Shades step into that role and to see her transition into another Mama Mabel. I wholeheartedly agree about the casting and the fact that Claire and Misty were both so important to the overall plot. I also think bringing the African American experience with law enforcement and crime was a good touch as well. I just wish Diamondback was either a rival drug dealer who knew Luke from prison and acquired some of his abilities...and he was jockeying to take Cottonmouth's place, rather then the motivation of "Daddy did not love me as much as you!!!"

Claire; Misty Knight; Trish; Stick; Karen

I also think it's a safe bet we will get Foggy and Hogarth too.
Possible returning characters; Madame Gao? (Though I heard she would be a villain in Iron Fist so maybe not). Kingpin/Fisk? That guy from JJ who took the meds? Electra? (Likely if the Hand is going to be involved.)
Iirc it's only six episodes, so I will be curious how they proceed.
Friggin psyched for Sigourney Weaver though!