1) Mariah Dillard Kills Cottonmouth
In a single, brutal move, Alfre Woodard’s conniving Mariah Dillard murders Cottonmouth after he spits a cruel remark about the sexual abuse she endured as a child. It’s a tide-turning act of unimaginable violence, one that will subsequently unite the councilwoman and the enigmatic Shades Alvarez.
In the moments following the murder, Shades beats Cottonmouth’s body beyond recognition, cementing the ex-con as a criminal with the smarts to do what’s required and cover his tracks afterwards. Mariah later shows remorse for her actions, fighting back tears over Cornell’s covered corpse before Shades walks in and reminds her of her new responsibilities.
Together, the two villains frame Luke Cage for the murder and watch as public support for the heroic hunk transforms into unbridled hatred. Not only does this establish Shades and Mariah as two formidable opponents for Cage, but it also makes way for a much more dangerous villain in the form of Diamondback.