Rosario Dawson’s performance in Luke Cage’s second season is Emmy worthy

Rosario Dawson’s work as Claire Temple in the Marvel universe has been inspiring, but none more poignant than in Luke Cage’s second season.

Rosario Dawson exudes power in her scenes. Whether it’s shouting commands to save a life or the quiet, reserve she shows when the moment calls for it.

Her role as Claire Temple can be seen as one that links the Marvel Netflix shows, but she is so much more than that because of Dawson’s amazing acting. While the Emmy Award nominations are announced on July 12, Dawson’s name might not pop up, but they should for next year’s.

In Luke Cage season 3, episode 2, Dawson stole the show. Her love for Luke overrode so much of the episode until the very moment where the love for herself was more important. It was such an important distinction that Dawson showcased effortlessly.

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In the final moments of the episode, Claire confronted Luke on his anger his violence. While he tried to defend his actions, she stood with him for as long as she could. Then, Luke punched a hole in the wall in anger.

While his action of punching a hole in the wall could have defined the moment, it was Dawson that gave it context. Her silence, the look on her face brought the viewer into the heart-racing moment. You could feel her emotions swirling and see the when she chose herself over Luke.

Dawson pulled the viewer in, explaining how she grew up with violence and wouldn’t do it again. Her will, resolve and heartbreak were etched all over her face. What she pulled off is not easy to do. An actor could easily overact or underact the moment. They could strike the wrong tone.

Not Dawson. She played it perfectly, pulling you in, getting you to feel every thing she felt at that moment.

Next: Why Claire Temple holds the Netflix Marvelverse together

It’s no surprise Dawson has stolen scenes throughout the Marvel Netflix shows, and no wonder that Marvel’s Powers That Be keep bringing her back. Dawson has a way of humanizing what’s happening on screen when so much involves people with superpowers. Instead, Dawson’s power is making people care and connect.

When the Emmy Award nominations get read, Dawson’s name should be among them for amazing work, especially in Luke Cage’s second season.

Watch Luke Cage season 2 streaming now on Netflix.