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128 | Ken Derry et al. www.jrfm.eu 2017, 3/1, 123–155 the reasons why harlem needs Luke’s help are laid out in two main story arcs: the first seven episodes of the series focus on local gangster Cornell “Cotton- mouth” stokes and his cousin Mariah Dillard, a corrupt local councilwoman. Together they unsuccessfully attempt to recover first from the betrayal of an underling during a weapons deal with a rival gang, and then from the crippling damage that Luke inflicts on Cornell’s organization. As Luke’s vigilante activities against Harlem’s criminal world gather steam, he finds himself the focus of a police investigation, led by Detective Misty Knight. the second arc of the series begins when Mariah kills Cornell in a rage over his accusation that she “wanted” the sexual abuse she suffered as a young girl. At this point the mysterious “Diamondback” – Cornell’s powerful unseen sup- plier – emerges from the shadows. he reveals himself to be Willis stryker, who is not only Luke’s childhood friend and betrayer but also, it turns out, his half- brother. During the final six episodes Mariah gradually steps into her dead cous- in’s crime-boss shoes, while Diamondback repeatedly tries to kill Luke for what he sees as the unforgiveable sin of being the publically “accepted” son, rather than the one whose origin was a shameful secret. Luke finally defeats a super- suited Diamondback in a street battle, and ends the series by giving himself up to the police as an escaped convict. “DishWAsher LAZArUs” Our consideration of religion and Luke Cage (2016) begins with this question: what kind of a hero is Luke? the second time that we see him use his powers, it is to protect a young boy when one of Cornell’s henchmen, tone, shoots up Pop’s barbershop (E02; fig 4).4 When the shooting is done, Luke does not charge out of the shop to punish the gunman; he instead stays to help the injured and check on Pop, who tragically has been killed. Much of Luke Cage (2016) focuses on the lead character’s transformation from escaped convict to hero, as he is pushed and inspired by circumstances and people (particularly Pop and Claire temple) to emerge from hiding and use his powers to help oth- ers. But even as this emergence takes place, Luke continues to help by shield- ing victims to prevent harm, as much as (if not more than) he hits villains to inflict harm: he stands in front of the injured corrupt police detective, Rafael Scarfe, when Cornell’s men try to run him over (E06); he protects Misty from being shot during the hostage crisis at Harlem’s Paradise (E10–11); and he cov- ers a police officer with his body when that man’s partner starts firing at Luke (fig. 1). 4 All references to Luke Cage are to the first season of the series, which as of this writing is the only season that has aired.