- "I apply foot to ass. And match lead for lead. I put murderers in handcuffs. I don't just seek justice. I stalk it. And that much should go in my record."
"With your resume you could have been downtown years ago. Hell, you could've been a Fed! You chose to stay in Harlem."
"I know this place, I know the players, and I can make a difference here." - ―Misty Knight and Gabe Krasner[src]
Mercedes Kelly "Misty" Knight is a police detective in the New York City Police Department, stationed at the 29th Precinct Police Station within Harlem. During her investigation into the criminal activities of the notorious Cottonmouth, Knight encountered the mysterious Luke Cage, who seemed to be involved in every aspect of her current investigation. Once her partner Rafael Scarfe and Cottonmouth were both murdered, Knight became determined to discover the truth, putting her into conflict with Mariah Dillard and Diamondback while her superiors encouraged her to find and arrest Cage. However Knight attempted to arrest Diamondback, leading to her being saved by Cage and then informing the world of his innocence until she could use Candace Miller to convict Dillard, but before Miller could testify, she was murdered by Shades under Dillard's orders. Dillard went free but Knight remained determined to finally bring her to justice one day soon.
Biography
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Early Life
Given A Reason
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During the summer of 1995 Misty Knight, was hanging out with her cousin Cassandra. While they were out, Cassandra started talking with a cute boy. Even though Knight's mother had warned them to never walk around the neighborhood alone, Knight, who got thirsty, decided to go to Ruiz Bodega alone and get a lemonade. Upon returning, Cassandra was gone. It took the cops two weeks to find her disfigured and beaten body. Since the perpetrators did not snitch on each other, and the cops did not care about a girl like Cassandra, they got away unpunished. Cassandra's murder gave Knight the motivation to become a homicide detective.[1]
Shooting Hoops
In 1996 Knight, who played basketball at the Saint Nick Playground basketball court, became one of its legends. Just like those before her, her initials were painted on the ground next to the court.[3]
Meeting Luke Cage
Knight is served a drink by Luke Cage
Knight met Luke Cage in Harlem's Paradise. Cage, who was bartending that night, started up a conversation and flirted with her. So they met again in the street and Cage told her about where the bus station is, noting that she was about to call an Uber. She asked him to get a cup of coffee with her, and Cage agreed. They then went to Cage's apartment and had sex.
Knight meets Luke Cage in the street again.
They slept until Cage was woken by a nightmare about his past in Seagate Prison. He said that he saw Knight was taking a call. And Knight also stated that Cage was talking in his sleep. She'd heard him talk about Shades and Comanche. She got dressed and left his apartment, Cage watching from the window as she went.[4]
Awkward Reunion
Knight encounters Cage again
Knight and her partner, Rafael Scarfe, were assigned to the Dante Chapman murder case. Knight questioned some teenagers on her old basketball court, who she knew had connections to Chapman. The teenagers were reluctant to talk, and she made a deal with one of them; if she beat them in a game of basketball, he had to tell her everything he knew. Knight, who'd played basketball for most of her adolescence, easily beat him.
Their investigation led them to Pop's Barber Shop. Before they entered, Knight encountered Turk Barrett on the sidewalk. She threatened him, and then joined Scarfe inside the shop. Knight greeted Pop, while Cage recognized the voice. When Cage came out from the back, Knight pretended that they hadn't met before. The four of them spoke about Dante Chapman, Shameek Smith, and Chico Diaz[4]. Scarfe and Knight urged them to give them a call if they saw Diaz was leaving. They then left the barber shop.[3]
Pop's Death
Knight comforts and interrogates Luke Cage
Tone shot up Pop's Barber Shop, killing Pop and injuring Diaz; Luke Cage and Lonnie Wilson both survived unharmed. When the New York City Police Department came to investigate the crime scene, Knight approached Cage and asked if he was alright. She questioned Cage about how he survived the bullets, but Cage refused to answer. All he would say was that he'd acted on instinct and shielded Wilson. Knight then asked him how long he'd been working at Pop's, and if Diaz had been hiding at the shop the whole time. Cage did not answer the latter question. Knight then left him alone.[3]
Cottonmouth's Robbery
Scarfe and Knight visited Diaz in the hospital to question him about his involvement in Chapman's murder. Diaz refused to talk, and Knight encouraged him to give them a call.
As they left Diaz's room, they bumped into Luke Cage in the hallway. She then stopped him and told him he couldn't go any further. He was the only suspect to be seen in both Pop's Barber Shop and Harlem's Paradise, connecting him to the murders of Dante Chapman, Shameek Smith, and Pop. Cage then asked her to find the real killer instead of bothering him, but she replied that their business is the same. Cage then walked past her to get to Diaz's room. Later, Knight and Scarfe were called to the scene of a break-in, where Cage had infiltrated one of Cottonmouth's house. Only one woman had witnessed Cage. When Knight and Scarfe asked her about the "mysterious hooded man", she simply replied that he looked fine.
Later, as Knight stared at a photo of Cage breaking into Crispus Attucks, she envisioned him doing so in great detail.[5]
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Pop's Funeral
Knight attends Pop's funeral
Knight attended Pop's funeral. When Luke Cage came in, everyone stared as he sat down beside Aisha Axton. She listened as Cottonmouth and Cage each made a speech.
Knight and Cage talk after the funeral.
After the funeral, Knight approached Cage. She said that Harlem was involved with heroism, and that she wanted to legally take down Cottonmouth, but Luke refused. She then told that Harlem was vulnerable and he needed to leave. Cage replied that he had nowhere to go.[6]
Rafael Scarfe's death
Knight watches Rafael Scarfe's death
Knight arrived on the scene of Luke Cage, Claire Temple and Rafael Scarfe. She almost crashed into them, but Cage blocked her car. The car was wrecked, but Knight was alright. Knight got out of her car and rushed to Scarfe's side, comforting him. Scarfe apologized to her and died, with Knight mourning her lost partner.[7]
Arrest and Release of Cottonmouth
Cottonmouth is confronted by Knight
Cottonmouth was arrested on the basis of Scarfe's confessions. But he called his lawyer, Benjamin Donovan and he did his work to defend Cottonmouth. After Donovan's effort, Cottonmouth was released from holding. Knight confronted them as they left. She stood face to face with Cottonmouth; he compared her to a dog. Knight replied with a promise to put him in the prison where he belonged.[8]
Threatened by Diamondback
Knight is kidnapped by Diamondback
Luke Cage, badly wounded by Diamondback's Judas Bullet was in a women's clinic with Claire Temple when he received a phone call from Knight. She informed him that he was wanted for murder. Temple then told Knight that he physically could not have murdered anyone; they had been with each other for the past day. Temple also told Knight where they were. Knight soon arrived at the clinic. She expressed surprise at Cage's injury, and questioned them about their actions over the past day.
As they spoke, Temple noticed a red laser on Cage's head. She yelled a warning, allowing Cage to dodge the shot, which came from Diamondback. Knight pulled out her gun and took a few shots at Diamondback, all of which missed. Cage attempted to fight Diamondback, but he was still weakened from the Judas Bullet; Diamondback easily took him down. He then grabbed hold of Knight and dragged her outside. He took her gun and taunted her, saying that Cage liked woman with dark skin and frizzy hair, like her and Reva Connors. Diamondback then pointed the gun at her head, hoping that she'd beg for mercy. Instead, Knight told him that if he wanted to shoot, then just do it. Diamondback forced her onto her knees and placed the gun behind her head, but he did not shoot her. He explained that he would continue hurting her to make Cage suffer. He then he knocked her out and escaped.[9]
Accuse of Luke Cage
Luke Cage was accused of murdering Cottonmouth by Mariah Dillard. Knight took Claire Temple to the precinct to interview her. However, Temple was less than cooperative, and asked to see a lawyer. Knight, stressed out from the incident with Diamondback, lost control and slammed Temple against a wall. Seeing this, Priscilla Ridley entered the room and ordered Knight to let Temple go, telling her that she'd lost control. Ridley asked Temple if she wanted to press charges, but Temple simply scoffed and left. Knight then explained to Ridley what was really happening.[1]
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Shot in the Arm
Knight recovers with Claire Temple
There was a chaos in Harlem's Paradise which was caused by Diamondback. So then Knight arrived and began making her way towards his direction. When she stepped into his office, he greeted her with a cruel smile while she claimed that he was under arrest. But Diamondback denied this and shot her arm. Before he could kill her, Luke Cage arrived and saved her by blocking the bullets with his own body. And Diamondback was running out of bullets.[10][11]
Confession of Candace Miller
Candace Miller knew the truth about the murder of Cottonmouth, so she decided to talk to Knight and made an appointment in a park. In the park, Miller started to talk with Knight. She said that Mariah Dillard was the person who actually murdered Cottonmouth, not Luke Cage. She revealed that Dillard and Shades payed her so that she wouldn't tell the truth and accuse Cage for doing it. She also seemed to regret for what she did. Hearing this, Knight believed her. Knight told her not to tell anyone about this.[12]
Duel at Malcolm X Boulevard
Mariah Dillard and Shades entered Pop's Barber Shop. They were trying to recruit Luke Cage on their side. But soon they were interrupted by the arrival of Knight who attempted to arrest Dillard for the death of Cottonmouth. Instead of letting this happen, Shades pulled his gun to Knight, while Cage trying to make this situation in peace. But Knight accused Cage of working with criminals. Cage then spotted a grenade being dropped outside the shop and shielded Shades and the rest from the blast. It was revealed that Diamondback has come with his Specialized Battle Suit while Shades took this opportunity to steal Knight's phone. Diamondback then insulted that he was shooting his former ally, only to discover the suit was bulletproof, forcing him and the rest to get out while Cage and Diamondback were fighting each other. During the battle, Knight had a talk with some polices. And Claire Temple asked her if Cage can win this and she answer it with confident that Luke can win it.[13]
Attempting to arrest Mariah Dillard
Mariah Dillard is arrested by Knight
After Diamondback and Luke fought each other, Cage won it. After the battle was over, Knight quickly arrested Mariah Dillard for murdering Cottonmouth, while handcuffing her. So, Knight took her to the police station. There, Dillard was taken some photos in case she needed to be arrested. After that, Dillard was interrogated by some polices. But due to the lacking of proof, they couldn't arrest her. And Dillard can happily be free.[13]
Visiting Harlem's Paradise again
Knight took a look at Harlem's Paradise again
After the death of Cottonmouth, Black Mariah and Shades reopened Harlem's Paradise again. They renew it again under their control. And Shades watched Sharon Jones performing on the stage. Then Dillard kissed him. Then, he later joined Dillard on the balcony to watch the performance and drink champagne. Meanwhile, Misty Knight entered Harlem's Paradise and she seemed to be shocked and sad.[13]
Personality
Misty is a highly skilled and ranked detective with a strong sense of justice. She can imagine a crime scene as if it really happened now just by taking a look in a photo and this is what made Rafael Scarfe tired of her. But she still continues her behavior like this. Misty can also easily feel pressed and stressed. When she's pressed, she can loose control of her anger until she can choke or do physical things to someone who pressed her and she could blame someone easily. But she wouldn't arrest someone easily without evidence. This is proofed when Misty dared to arrest Mariah Dillard after she had evidence from Candace Miller. She is also shown to be easy to cooperate with someone she worked with especially when she wants to arrest Mariah Dillard for murdering Cottonmouth.
Abilities
- "You're doing it again. I hate it when you do that."
"Hate it when I do what?"
"Stare at the photos like they're about to start moving."
"They are talking and moving; you just have to be still enough to hear what they're saying." - ―Rafael Scarfe and Misty Knight[src]
- Master Detective: Misty Knight is a highly skilled, highly ranked detective. She is capable of reconstructing a crime scene in her mind simply looking at the photos taken at the scene; judging by Rafael Scarfe's remarks, Knight getting lost in her reconstructions is a common occurrence. She is also able to notice details that other detectives miss, such as Luke Cage being unharmed despite having bullet holes in his shirt.
Equipment
- Glock 19: a standard-issue NYPD sidearm, which Knight is able to handle with relative proficiency.
Relationships
Family
- Kelly Knight - Father
- Cassandra † - Cousin
Allies
- New York City Police Department
- Rafael Scarfe † - Partner and Close Friend
- Priscilla Ridley - Superior
- Betty Audrey - Former Superior
- Bailey
- Luke Cage - One-Night Stand
- Henry Hunter/Pop † - Childhood Mentor and Friend
- Bobby Fish
- Claire Temple
- Candace Miller †
- Gabe Krasner
Enemies
- Mike Jones - Cousin's Killer
- "Love Bandit" - Pretender
- Cornell Stokes/Cottonmouth †
- Willis Stryker/Diamondback
- Hernan Alvarez/Shades
- Mariah Dillard/Black Mariah
- Perez - Corrupt Colleague
- Turk Barrett
- Benjamin Donovan
Appearances
| Appearances for Misty Knight |
|---|
|
In chronological order: |
Trivia
- In the comics, Misty Knight ended up losing her arm during a terrorist attack and was outfitted with a bionic limb created by Tony Stark. She started her own detective agency Nightwing Restorations Ltd, with her friend Colleen Wing, who had regular dealings with Luke Cage and Iron Fist, and eventually had an on and off again relationship with Iron Fist. She later led her own team of Heroes for Hire and joined an incarnation of the Defenders. There is a reference in the MCU when Diamondback shot her in the arm.
- Her badge number is 30935, as revealed in DWYCK.
Behind the Scenes
- Jeph Loeb has discussed about the possibility of a spinoff to Luke Cage centered on Misty Knight.[14]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Luke Cage: 1.09: DWYCK
- ↑ LUKE CAGE Supporting Character Misty Knight Confirmed To Appear In THE DEFENDERS
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Luke Cage: 1.02: Code of the Streets
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Luke Cage: 1.01: Moment of Truth
- ↑ Luke Cage: 1.03: Who's Gonna Take the Weight?
- ↑ Luke Cage: 1.05: Just to Get a Rep
- ↑ Luke Cage: 1.06: Suckas Need Bodyguards
- ↑ Luke Cage: 1.07: Manifest
- ↑ Luke Cage: 1.08: Blowin' Up the Spot
- ↑ Luke Cage: 1.10: Take It Personal
- ↑ Luke Cage: 1.11: Now You're Mine
- ↑ Luke Cage: 1.12: Soliloquy of Chaos
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 Luke Cage: 1.13: You Know My Steez
- ↑ Could Netflix's 'Luke Cage' Deliver a Misty Knight Spinoff Series?
