Warning: This is a recap, and as such, contains spoilers for the sixth Luke Cage episode, “Suckas Need Bodyguards.” Get out of dodge if you haven’t watched the episode yet.

When you’re on Cottonmouth’s payroll, it doesn’t pay to get overly ambitious. We saw how he reacted when Tone struck out on his own in the second episode. So, when Scarfe tries to get more dollar bills from the crime lord, it doesn’t end well. “Suckas Need Bodyguards” showed what Cornell does when he’s pushed into a corner.

For someone who knows who Cornell is and what he does, Scarfe was too greedy. He thought being a cop protected him from Cornell’s outbursts, and that might have been the case before Cornell was stretched so thin by dealing with Luke. But the man is on edge and he’s getting sloppy, as evidenced by him shooting Scarfe. Dirty or not, Scarfe’s still a police officer, and killing a cop is one crime Cornell can’t escape.

Scarfe didn’t have the sense to die from his wounds and crawled off the scene. His going missing raised a red flag. Misty learned her partner was dirty, and much of the episode was carried by her disbelief, confusion, and desire to help her partner. I couldn’t imagine being in those shoes. She not only had to deal with the truth about Scarfe and what he’s been doing behind her back–this was someone she was incredibly close with–she had to face suspicion. Since they were partners, Misty was put under the magnifying glass. Though the captain trusted her (and the captain is kick-ass, by the way), other members of the force believed she worked alongside Scarfe for Cottonmouth.

I know Misty’s reeling from the discovery about her partner, but becoming a suspect had to sting just as much. She doesn’t have Luke’s muscles or invulnerability, but she’s been putting herself on the streets in the thick of things trying to clean up. She hasn’t had to go through “the Hero’s Journey” to realize she wanted to protect Harlem; she’s known it for a long time and she’s been doing it without the benefit of being bulletproof. In short, this is one tough-as-nails, determined, admirable person. She should be beyond suspicion in situation like this.

Scarfe didn’t turn to her for help; he went to Pop’s to see Luke Cage. He was likely afraid of endangering Misty, but the dude was also aware of Luke’s strength. He’s heard stories. He knows Cottonmouth is unnerved by Luke. Who better to go to for protection? Especially considering Luke is ready to serve justice to Cornell. But it can’t go smooth. Cottonmouth had men going after Scarfe in no time.

Cue Claire Temple. She has a knack for being the right place at the right time, and that’s one of the most telling parts of her character–most people would call running into the troubles of superheroes the worst times, but not Claire. She’s realized those gifted and burdened with abilities need assistance like everyone else. She’s treated injuries, yes, but she provides help in another way as well: she’s willing to slap the extraordinary down, tell the truth, and push where others would consider the subjects immovable. She’s bold enough to step in where others would back down.

Claire didn’t hesitate to treat the profusely bleeding Scarfe. She saw someone was hurt, and she did what she does best. Through it all, Luke learned Scarfe had information to implicate Cornell–because if you’re going to be dirty, you should keep thorough records–and went after it. They had to move fast because Cottonmouth’s men were on their trail and so was Misty.

Misty, in particular, was scrambling. She didn’t have the easiest of days. She found out Scarfe was dirty. Her intense profiler skills didn’t help her. She was paired with a temporary partner who also turned out to be dirty. She was almost killed. Yeah, not the best day. At least she had a small win with Cottonmouth being brought into the precinct?

You know who else didn’t have a good day? Mariah. After she spouted her usual lines about preserving Harlem and keeping it black, she got torn to shreds in a TV interview. She’s used to getting her way. She wasn’t thrilled they wanted material she hadn’t already said a million times because she was afraid of letting her true self show to the public. When the interviewer ventured into territory touching on the tarnished Stokes family rep, Mariah acted in a very unbecoming fashion. And then she found out about Cornell. Oh dear.

And a complete tangent: How about the Trish Talk nod? I like any pieces that tie Marvel series together.

Were you surprised to see Scarfe do the right thing by giving up his info on Cornell? What do you think Mariah will do to recover? Head to the comments and tell me your thoughts.

Images: Netflix