Netflix/Marvel superhero drama Luke Cage dropped its first season, the third piece of larger puzzle The Defenders.

The Defenders assembled for the first time last week at NYCC 2016.

Rottentomatoes: 96%

Metacritic: 79

IMDb: 8.2

***SPOILERS AHEAD***

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Mike Ehrmantraut

Johnny Rayburn

Ray Donovan

Elizabeth Jennings

Betty Draper

Sansa Stark

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Carl Lucas

Carl Lucas provides janitorial services under the alias Luke Cage at a local barbershop Pop’s in Harlem, New York.  He also washes dishes, cleans the kitchens, and fills in bartending at Harlem’s Paradise nightclub.

Luke, as it turns out, is indestructible.

Luke’s co-worker Chico stole some money that wasn’t his.  As a result the barbershop is filled with gunfire by a local thug Cornell ‘Cottonmouth’ Stokes’ men.

Luke instinctively shields a kid that was patroning the establishment, Lonnie, with his bulletproof torso.  One of the ricocheting bullets catches Luke’s boss Henry ‘Pop’ Hunter in the neck and kills him.  This infraction breaches Luke’s delicate sensibilities.

Carl was a cop, got framed for a crime he didn’t commit, and was processed into Seagate Correctional Facility.

He was forced to participate in bare knuckle boxing matches under a prison guard Albert Rackham.  Attempting to forgo this arrangement, he is beaten to critical condition.  

Prison staff perform an experimental CRISPR medical procedure  on him, which is disrupted by Rackham and goes awry.  He wakes up with impenetrable skin, breaks free, and flees to Harlem.

Luke starts intercepting some of Cottonmouth’s cash flow.  Most of it is detained by the police but he uses some to fix up and refurbish Pop’s barbershop.

He then puts his efforts towards dismantling the entirety of Cottonmouth’s business ventures in recompense for Pop’s death.

Luke is braced by his nemesis, brother, and Cornell’s boss Willis Stryker a.k.a. Diamondback, a deranged firearms specialist who’s developed an incendiary shrapnel bullet strong enough to pierce Luke’s skin.

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“‘Cause the Knicks played like men when Pat Riley was head coach.  Oakley and Ewing went hard in the paint.  Plus Anthony Mason and John Starks?  Drive the lane, you might go home in a body bag.” — Luke Cage

“Later with all that instagramming, ‘let’s all max contract on the same team together’ bullcrap passing as competition nowadays.” — Luke Cage

“Maybe.  But King James is the truth.  LeBron can ball.” — Luke Cage

“Bullcrap ain’t a curse man, I don’t curse.” — Luke Cage

I sweep hair, Shameek. — Luke Cage

I also mop, I wash the towels, and I make sure that plate glass window stays spotless.  It’s called work.  Something you would never understand. — Luke Cage

I got another job I go to right after I leave this one. — Luke Cage

“Reva always.” — Luke Cage

“Reva used to say the same thing.” — Luke Cage

What if my ambition is to sweep hair… wash dishes… and be left the hell alone? — Luke Cage

“You think I asked for any of this?” — Luke Cage

“I was framed, beaten… and put in some tank like an exotic fish.  Came out with… abilities.  Reva’s dead.  I’m a fugitive.” — Luke Cage

“I’m just living my life… day to day.” — Luke Cage

I gotta do what I gotta do.  Always forward. — Luke Cage

“Let me go to work and get the rest.” — Luke Cage

“You got the cash you promised me?” — Luke Cage

“Dumb men like little girls.  Me?  I ponder a woman.” — Luke Cage

“Dante’s out sick, you ok?” — Luke Cage

“I’m right behind you.  Give me a second.” — Luke Cage

“No.  You just look cold.” — Luke Cage

“Impossible.  You stand out in any room you’re in.” — Luke Cage

You live and die by your choices. — Luke Cage

“I’m clear.  I’m focused.  I promise, baby… I’m ready.” — Luke Cage

“I don’t like your tone.” — Luke Cage

You’re being disrespectful.  It’s unnecessary. — Luke Cage

“I’m not for hire.  But you have my word, ma’am.  I’ve got you.” — Luke Cage

“Young man… I’ve had a long day.  I’m tired.  But I’m not tired enough… to ever let nobody call me that word.  You see a nigga standin’ in front of you?  Across the street from a building named after one of our greatest heroes?” — Luke Cage

“Don’t start, Pop.” — Luke Cage

“They ever come at you sideways?” — Luke Cage

“Twelve feet.  Two guns.  Four seconds.” — Luke Cage

“Pop.  I’ve got some fresh towels right here.  You’ve got some dirty ones.  I could take ’em out if you want.” — Luke Cage

“You’re forgetting something, Mr. Stokes.  Unless your last name is Corleone, Shaft or Riley… you owe my man $25.” — Luke Cage

“I’m sorry, Pop.” — Luke Cage

“Pop, stay out of it.  Some people you just gotta let go.” — Luke Cage

“I don’t think so, man.  I’m sorry, Pop.  I can’t do it.” — Luke Cage

“That, I owed you one.” — Luke Cage

“You ain’t gonna fire that.”  — Luke Cage

“Pop thinks he has a way to clear this mess up.  I know you didn’t kill Dante… or Shameek.  All you guys wanted was the cash.  It was an inside job.  Dante’s safe idea.  Look… I found you in four hours for free.  Imagine how fast someone Cottonmouth pays will find you.  The only chance you have at survival is if you come with me right now.” — Luke Cage

He deserves better. — Luke Cage

“Fork will kill you quicker than any bullet.” — Luke Cage

“I found Chico.  He ain’t coming.  You can’t save everybody.” — Luke Cage

“I ain’t guilty.  But… I ain’t innocent either.” — Luke Cage

I’m done running. — Luke Cage

“I am who I am.  Or… maybe I have a chance to find out who I could really be.” — Luke Cage

“Five-O!” — Luke Cage

“Pertinent information?  Like, someone saying who they really are?” — Luke Cage

“I need to see your man.” — Luke Cage

I’m here for Pop. — Luke Cage

“He said you wouldn’t want to hear this over the phone.  So he sent me.” — Luke Cage

“Pop wants to set up a Parlay for Chico.  He doesn’t want him to end up like Shameek.” — Luke Cage

“All I’m saying is that if you want to talk to Pop about Chico, that can be arranged.  All of your goods will be returned.  The only thing our mutual friend wants is safe passage.  He’ll never come back to New York, ever.” — Luke Cage

There’s history.  Pop understands your trouble.  He’s just asking you to remember your history. — Luke Cage

They started firing.  The kid, Lonnie, was in the middle of the room.  So, once I saw the flash… instincts kicked in.  I grabbed him… and I shielded him. — Luke Cage

“I said I’m good.” — Luke Cage

“You even know who Crispus Attucks was?  A free black man.  The first man to die for what became America.  He could’ve acted scared when those Brits raised their guns.  Blended in, in the crowd.  But he stepped up!  He paid with his life.  But he started something.  That’s what Pop did… Not me.  I laid in the cut until he stepped up!  And it cost him his life, too.  I ain’t laying back no more!  You wanna shoot me?  Do it.  Pull the trigger, nigga!  I ain’t got all night.  Do it.  What, you scared?  Fine.  I’ll do it for you.” — Luke Cage

Always forward, Pop.  Forward… always. — Luke Cage

“Look, Mr. Hunter… Pop… was like a father to me.  He’s my wife’s people… and she’s gone now, too.  It’s just me.  I’m all he has.  I just want to make sure he’s taken care of until I can get the cash to pay for this.” — Luke Cage

The service should match the man’s integrity. — Luke Cage

“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.” — Luke Cage

“Doesn’t matter.  Pop’s death is still on you.” — Luke Cage

You know where I live. — Luke Cage

“Swear jar.  You cursed.” — Luke Cage

“I will.  You should know that about me by now.  I like to get things done.” — Luke Cage

I just wanted to make things right. — Luke Cage

“I don’t need to, want to or have to get to know anybody.” — Luke Cage

“I ain’t the first cop to do time.  And I ain’t ever sent nobody to Seagate, so I ain’t got that problem.” — Luke Cage

Not if you stay strong. — Luke Cage

“Slavery was always a good offer… to a master.” — Luke Cage

“Ok, Connie.  The best way I can put this is, I’m kinda strong.” — Luke Cage

Trust has to be earned. — Luke Cage

“I’m guilty of a lot of things that people will never know about.  I guess its karma’s way of reminding me… that she can be a bitch.” — Luke Cage

You know how I caught that bad break?  Talking to people.  Trusting them. — Luke Cage

“Because you provide hope.” — Luke Cage

“Sometimes… survival costs.” — Luke Cage

“Because you give me hope.” — Luke Cage

“Sweet Christmas.” — Luke Cage

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me… because I have been anpinted 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.  Luke 4:18.” — Luke Cage

No one can cage a man if he truly wants to be free. — Luke Cage

I’ll earn my keep somehow. — Luke Cage

“I will.  I’ll leave.  But first I got to do right by Pop.” — Luke Cage

“You can’t kill me.” — Luke Cage

“Keep my name out your mouth.” — Luke Cage

I ain’t no hero. — Luke Cage

“She’s safe with me, I promise.” — Luke Cage

“We can work this out.” — Luke Cage

“I wasn’t a good friend.  I should’ve stood tall.  But I didn’t.  And you payed the price.” — Luke Cage

I am my brother’s keeper… whether I like it or not.  It’s on me. — Luke Cage

Stalwart, sentient, humble, knowing that actions speak louder than words Luke Cage is a Guardian.

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Cornell ‘Cottonmouth’ Stokes

Cornell Stokes owns Harlem’s Paradise nightclub, but has several illicit ventures running on the side, most notably selling high-grade arms and weapons.

Cornell is upset when some thugs on his payroll squeeze off on Pop’s barbershop in order to reacquire some capital that had been stolen from him.  He throws the transgressor off the roof of his nightclub.

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“So you’re not impressed by all this?” — Cornell Stokes

“This place was a roach trap by the time Mama Mabal died.  Now look at it.  Harlem’s paradise.  May as well be the new Cotton Club.” — Cornell Stokes

“Colon’s Gym is ready to make a sizable donation to my pocket… and your real estate project.  Sometimes you need a face-to-face.” — Cornell Stokes

My noise keeps you flush. — Cornell Stokes

“All that ‘keep Harlem black’ rack-a-bully-ack might get you re-elected.” — Cornell Stokes

“But when the smoke clears… it’s niggas like me that let you hold on to what you got.” — Cornell Stokes

“I know.  It’s easy to underestimate a nigga.  They never see you coming.” — Cornell Stokes

“Success.” — Cornell Stokes

“Partnership that should have happened a long time ago, had… my uncle and your brother had their way.” — Cornell Stokes

“But you’re here anyway.  Something must be right about it.  Otherwise, you wouldn’t have fronted me if you didn’t agree.” — Cornell Stokes

“What’s illegal about it?  Our product is protected by the Constitution.” — Cornell Stokes

In your business, people need my product like a fish needs water. — Cornell Stokes

“What I sell is pure.  This the kind of shit that could blow a hole in a battleship.  But it’s light enough to hold in your hand.  Trust me, Domingo.  You can brighten someone’s day permanently with this shit.  Top of the line.  The crème de la crème.  This that grade A, military, Justin Hammer-level shit.  A hundred large per case.  Ten cases, a cool mill.  Wholesale.  Brand spanking new.  No serial numbers… because my connect is nice like that.” — Cornell Stokes

He’s real.  And his inventory runs deep. — Cornell Stokes

“That’s it.  Easy-peasy.” — Cornell Stokes

Everyone walks away happy. — Cornell Stokes

UPS ain’t the only brown that delivers. — Cornell Stokes

“My man.” — Cornell Stokes

“You want a job?  I can find something more suitable for a man your size.  Better paying, too.  You ever carried a gun?” — Cornell Stokes

“Of course it wasn’t an inside job.  We had people die, too.  Look… I don’t have the stuff.  We need to talk about this in person.  My word is still my bond.” — Cornell Stokes

It’s above your pay grade. — Cornell Stokes

I’m his number one seller. — Cornell Stokes

“You need them for security.”

“They pass out flyers, get contributions, tributes.”

“Why?  You ashamed of me?  That hurts, Mariah.”

“Now you need the money?”

“Either you want the details, cuz, or you don’t.”

“What’s the word?”

Double down.  Twenty large to find those fools. — Cornell Stokes

‘Cause everybody wants to be the king. — Cornell Stokes

“Where’s my money?” — Cornell Stokes

“Only thing worse than a thief is a damn liar.” — Cornell Stokes

“Get his ass out of here.  And go fetch my money.” — Cornell Stokes

“That’s what’s missing these days, Pop.  Attention to detail.  Everything wants things fast, quick.  Me?  I like to take my time.” — Cornell Stokes

“Time is precious.  Shouldn’t be wasted.” — Cornell Stokes

“Exactly.  That’s the problem with these youngsters.  They want it all.  But they don’t want to put in the work.  They’ll rob, lie, cheat, steal, just to get what they want.  Damn shame if you ask me.” — Cornell Stokes

“Big man, you work here too?  This brother got more jobs than a Jamaican.  What’s you name again?  Old school.  Biblical.  I’m all about that 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.” — Cornell Stokes

Jesus saves.  I don’t. — Cornell Stokes

Not today.  Gotta keep it movin’.  I’m a working man, too. — Cornell Stokes

“Thanks for the shave, Henry.  I’m loyal to my people.” — Cornell Stokes

“You don’t give me orders.  We’re partners.  You’re not my boss.” — Cornell Stokes

“Don’t worry about him.  You worry about the politics, I worry about my job.” — Cornell Stokes

“And your job is to turn my water into wine.” — Cornell Stokes

“Family first, right?” — Cornell Stokes

It’s getting resolved.  You best believe that. — Cornell Stokes

“Pop is a grown-ass man.  Why ain’t he here?” — Cornell Stokes

“I don’t speak Chinese.  ‘Cause that’s what this conversation is to me.” — Cornell Stokes

“If I got somethin’ to say to Pop, I say it to him my damn self, you dig?” — Cornell Stokes

“By the way, you’re fired.” — Cornell Stokes

“If he’s out in the streets slippin’, handle it.  But if he’s not moving around, I’ll deal with it, all right?” — Cornell Stokes

This is exactly what they died for.  Self-determination, control, power. — Cornell Stokes

“You know what people remember besides black martyrdom?  Black money.” — Cornell Stokes

“Money outlasts respect.  Respect will put your name on the side of a building… but the money that put your name up there comes from someplace.” — Cornell Stokes

The money’s still green. — Cornell Stokes

“You should get outta here.  You shouldn’t be seen associating with known criminals… Councilwoman.  Take the side exit.  I got some garbage to clean up downstairs.” — Cornell Stokes

“Believe it or not, there’s supposed to be rules to this shit.” — Cornell Stokes

“Don’t worry about it now, brother.  It’s already taken care of.  Flourish is a silent way of us treasuring the dearly departed.” — Cornell Stokes

“Me and Henry didn’t see eye to eye.  But I always had his back.  He wouldn’t want any drama.  Especially here.” — Cornell Stokes

“It is.  A former associate of mine was feelin’ himself.  He’s not feelin’ much of anything right now.” — Cornell Stokes

“Step off.  Before you get hurt.” — Cornell Stokes

Pop was a friend.  He deserves the best. — Cornell Stokes

“Tone… I had to let him go.  Nothing humbles a man like gravity.” — Cornell Stokes

“We got hit today.  We need to take precautions.” — Cornell Stokes

“Four of my stash houses got hit today.” — Cornell Stokes

Let me worry about the street shit.  You’re just a laundromat for the money. — Cornell Stokes

“There ain’t no return policy.  This ain’t L.L. Bean.” — Cornell Stokes

You hit the boulevard and squeeze them, hard. — Cornell Stokes

This place is my reputation.  My blood.  My legacy. — Cornell Stokes

“Costs to be a savior.  Ask Jesus.” — Cornell Stokes

You want to go to war?  Hmm?  I’ll take you to war. — Cornell Stokes

“Uncle Pete was the only one who ever had my back.” — Cornell Stokes

Opportunistic, cold, calculating, and vehement Cornell Stokes is an Artisan.

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Detective Mercedes Knight

Misty Knight runs into Luke serving drinks at Harlem’s Paradise.  They exchange banter and Misty tells him that she’s an auditor.  They conjugate.

She shows up at his work as a detective investigating Chico, a co-worker of his.  Pop is slain later that evening, Misty and her partner start investigating the murder.

Misty is dedicated to protecting her community and believes in the judicial system.

Her co-workers tease her for having ‘Misty Vision,’ a moniker that refers to her eye for a crime scene, or ability to spot the critical clue and deduce what transpired.

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“It’s a cosmo.” — Misty Knight

You ain’t no spring chicken neither, sucker. — Misty Knight

“Yeah, you’re definitely not getting a tip tonight.” — Misty Knight

Why don’t you ponder me another cosmo? — Misty Knight

“What are you, a cop?” — Misty Knight

The job is calling me in. — Misty Knight

“I’m an auditor.” — Misty Knight

“Basically, I look at the financial books.  Make sure everything’s on the up and up.” — Misty Knight

“Sometimes you got to be blend in.” — Misty Knight

“Don’t you start singing show tunes on me.” — Misty Knight

“Mmm.  They definitely dumped him here.  They got him somewhere else.” — Misty Knight

“Yeah.  A truck with two fists.” — Misty Knight

“You know, Benjamin Franklin said, ‘The only way that three people can keep a secret is if two of ’em are dead.'” — Misty Knight

“They are talkin’ and movin’.  You just have to be still enough to hear what they’re sayin’.” — Misty Knight

“This was deeply personal.” — Misty Knight

“There’s nothing in Chico’s jacket to suggest he was capable of that type of violence.  I don’t think he has the stomach for it.” — Misty Knight

“There was vomit found at the junkyard.  Inside it were fibers consistent with that of a winter mask.  One of the robbers didn’t have the heart to go through with it.  My guess. it was babyface Chico.” — Misty Knight

“Well, in this case, it was all about the Benjamins either way.  Somebody got jacked, and somebody got pissed… This ain’t over yet.” — Misty Knight

“Come on, let’s play H-O-R-S-E.  Shot for shot.  And if I win… you tell me everything I need to know about Wilfred Chico Diaz.” — Misty Knight

“A get out of jail free card for any non-violent felony.” — Misty Knight

“Of course not, but… Pop will tell us the truth about who Chico really is.” — Misty Knight

“Ah, he’s a little bit of everything.” — Misty Knight

He’s got a big heart.  We should fault him for that? — Misty Knight

“Yeah, your rap sheet got so many hits, your record could put out a record.” — Misty Knight

“Well, you need to fall your ass back downtown, ’cause if I catch you around here again… it’s gonna be a checkmate.  Understood?  Mr. Barrett?” — Misty Knight

“It’s Misty now, Pop.  You know that.” — Misty Knight

“We’re looking for someone who works for you.  Wilfredo Chico Diaz.” — Misty Knight

“There was a shootout.  Looks like a gun deal that was robbed.  Turned into a bloodbath.” — Misty Knight

“Detective Misty Knight.” — Misty Knight

“Understood, but Chico is a person of interest who might have pertinent information.” — Misty Knight

“If you see him, tell him to call me.” — Misty Knight

Call me anyway.  He may not be safe otherwise. — Misty Knight

“Nice meeting you, Luke.” — Misty Knight

Luke.  Luke?  Are you okay? — Misty Knight

“Have the paramedics seen you yet?” — Misty Knight

“Did Chico reach out to Pop since we were in here earlier?  Was he hiding out here the whole time?” — Misty Knight

“So we don’t have shit?” — Misty Knight

“He must have gotten hit.  Luke… Cage.  He shielded the kid.  He had bullet holes in his shirt.  Blood everywhere, none of it his?  How did he not get hit?” — Misty Knight

“The hits looked precise.” — Misty Knight

Testify.  Do something good for somebody for once. — Misty Knight

Talk to us.  Talk go a grand jury.  You can save lives, Wilfredo.  Step up. — Misty Knight

“There’s only one person who worked for both Pop and Cottonmouth, and that’s you.” — Misty Knight

“Your business and our investigation are one and the same.” — Misty Knight

“I’m sorry.  I can’t stop thinking about Pop.” — Misty Knight

“Since I was nine.  He was the reason I played basketball.” — Misty Knight

“The most progressive team in NBA history.” — Misty Knight

“The first black head coach with Bill Russell.  K.C. Jones as head coach during the height of the ’80s with Bird and McHale.  Come on.” — Misty Knight

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. — Misty Knight

“They have no training.  No responsibility.  You have to know what you’re doing.  They don’t have the right to just start meting out justice.  Come on.” — Misty Knight

“Wow.  You are a credit to the badge, Scarfe.” — Misty Knight

“Don’t you get tired of being near crime scenes?” — Misty Knight

Chaos rolls off you like water off a duck.  But it’s gotta stop.  Innocent people are getting hurt.  Either be a part of the solution or leave. — Misty Knight

You remember Where’s Waldo? That was me as a kid.  And I could find Waldo faster than anybody. — Misty Knight

I’m glad to see chivalry isn’t dead. — Misty Knight

“If he’s clean or not… I wanna be the one to bring him in, ask him his side of the story.  I owe him that much.” — Misty Knight

“Cottonmouth needs to be in handcuffs.” — Misty Knight

“No more lies and no more deception.” — Misty Knight

“But he wasn’t who I thought he was.” — Misty Knight

‘Cause seeing is my thing, right? — Misty Knight

“The whole just doesn’t smell right.” — Misty Knight

Righteous, vigilant, amiable, and perceptive with a strong moral compass Misty Knight is an Idealist.

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Mariah Dillard

Mariah Dillard is an elected City Council official and local Harlem enthusiast.

Mariah’s cousin Cornell Stokes provides financial and voting support.  Her express goal is to rebuild Harlem into a vibrant and thriving community.

She slays her cousin Cornell in cold blood due to his PR detriment and increasingly erratic behaviors.  Luke Cage emerges as the main suspect in Cornell’s murder investigation.

Mariah colludes with Stryker on the demise of Luke.

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“‘Colon’s Gym?’  Is that what that two-bit drug dealer is puttin’ on his tax returns?” — Mariah Dillard

Why do you even waste time with him?  Politics is where the power is, Cornell.  Forget about all this other noise. — Mariah Dillard

“You know I despise that word.” — Mariah Dillard

“Listen to him.  This is nothing to celebrate.  You saw what happened to Fisk.  You two shouldn’t even be seen together… let alone having me all up in the Kool-Aid.” — Mariah Dillard

I have no illusions about our family’s legacy.  But you are now turning legitimate money illegal all over again. — Mariah Dillard

Nothing’s ever that easy. — Mariah Dillard

“This is Harlem’s garden, that’s what’s happening here.  You are the ones that are gonna keep this community thriving.” — Mariah Dillard

“Now, Harlem is a community that welcomes everyone.  All people.  But at the same time, since the days of Langston Hughes, Malcom X, Zora Neale Hurston, Duke Ellington, Harlem has been the jewel of black America.  It’s a perpetual symbol of… of hope and prosperity and excellence.  For black lives to matter, black history and black ownership must also matter.  Now, my multifaceted plan for the Crispus Attucks Complex is just yet another way to bring hope to a new generation, to incubate the kind of innovation and creativity and progress that Harlem’s famous for.” — Mariah Dillard

“Ya’ll need to fall the hell back.” — Mariah Dillard

“I don’t like the thugs.” — Mariah Dillard

“I need the money you promised me ASAP.” — Mariah Dillard

“I used federal grant and tax-deductible donation money to complete construction on your club and to facilitate that meticulous deal that just fell apart.  I don’t get the money, I’m facing an audit.  We all go to jail.” — Mariah Dillard

“Look… I borrowed from those donations at your request, so you could refurbish your club.  You go and make a gun deal with Domingo.  Then you get jacked and we’re all exposed.  You promised this would be taken care of, but it’s not.” — Mariah Dillard

“We’re family, Cornell.  But think about it.  Do you really want to go to jail?  Do you want to lose your club?” — Mariah Dillard

“Then you need to fix this shit right now.” — Mariah Dillard

“You’re job is to uncomplicate my life.” — Mariah Dillard

I’m going to be on you until this is resolved. — Mariah Dillard

“You’re wasting your gifts, my brother.  This gangster life… not what our ancestors fought for.  Not what our people died for.” — Mariah Dillard

I want something better.  Respect.  It’s all that ever really matters. — Mariah Dillard

“At what cost, Cornell?” — Mariah Dillard

“You ever hear of not putting all your eggs in one basket?” — Mariah Dillard

“They are not projects.  It’s going to be a community as soon as I get the rest of the funding and we start our construction.” — Mariah Dillard

You are a strong asset, whose reckless actions are often a liability. — Mariah Dillard

“Crispus Attucks is real, Cornell.  Nothing I do is a hustle.  I sincerely care about what happens up here.  The only way to save Harlem is to do it legally… and fortify it against the real invaders.” — Mariah Dillard

Well, it has got to be a fantasy before it can become a reality. — Mariah Dillard

“It was all to serve a greater good.  Have you forgotten that?” — Mariah Dillard

“You can always make more money.  I can’t get my name back.  And somebody is gonna start asking questions.” — Mariah Dillard

“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 is about, is restoring that luster.” — Mariah Dillard

“Scotch.  Neat.” — Mariah Dillard

“Don’t be just get that clip up on the website within the hour.  Send the link to all my supports, the donors.  If we play this right….” — Mariah Dillard

“You never really know what anyone is capable of.” — Mariah Dillard

“I want everyone to come to the table so I can discuss a transition.  Maybe even buyout.” — Mariah Dillard

Gather all the bosses.  I have a proposition that will benefit us all. — Mariah Dillard

“My cousin has valuable assets and connections.  I’ll give them to you… for a price.” — Mariah Dillard

You gotta go big pharma on this shit.  You invent the disease, then you sell the cure. — Mariah Dillard

“Harlem is my birthright, it’s mine.  City Council or not.” — Mariah Dillard

Shrewd, prudent, cunning, and masterminding Mariah Dillard is a Rational.

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