Top 30 villains in television history

Photo Credit: Netflix

15. Cottonmouth

In the beginning of Luke Cage, the series started off with an explosive bang. A major reason so many people were drawn to the show was because Mahershala Ali gave such a dynamic performance as the gangster, Cottonmouth. Of course, don’t call him by that nickname because he will show zero mercy to anyone who would disrespect him that way and not call him by his real name: Cornell Stokes.

Yes, he’s a gangster but Stokes abides by a set of rules that keeps the streets fro ever getting too messy. Unfortunately, he gets dragged into a war for Harlem when one of his men shoots up Pop’s Barber Shop which was supposed to be a neutral zone.

His backstory is sad to analyze, as a gifted musician, he’s never given a real shot at crime-free life because he’s expected to take over the gang. He consistently looks back at what his life could have been and harbors a bit of resentment for his cousin, Mariah. Yet, his death is what single-handedly destroys Luke Cage as the show is left without a strong antagonist. Marvel has had problems crafting compelling villains, and it’s a shame that they killed off one of the few characters who fit the bill.

During his time on the series, he left a lasting impact as a villain who was desperate to hold onto the only thing he knew. However, with Mahershala Ali’s fame rising since his time on the series it might make sense for Cottonmouth to make a return from the grave somehow.