The chemistry between the two actors was plentiful, and Cathey got along with more than just Mike Colter.
Luke gets to call James out for a lifetime of absentee fatherhood and judgmental guidance, and for not believing that Luke was innocent of the crimes that landed him behind bars.
And Reg E. Cathey does a fantastic job of lowering James’ guard just enough to accept responsibility for his failures, although not low enough to stop railing on Luke for many of his other choices.
Superheroes have never been free from dealing with parental problems, from the Wayne family murders to Matt Murdock’s troublesome childhood, but Luke Cage thankfully doesn’t ever get overly maudlin or operatic with its father-and-son relationship, putting both men in the crosshairs for their respective stubbornness.