Luke and Diamondback in “Blowin' Up the Spot”

Stryker? Stryker!

You left me to rot, Carl.

We can work this out.

Work what out? My life? [loads bullets into his gun] My mother destroying herself? Being away for so long? Nah, there's nothing left to work out. "I did not come to bring peace, but a sword." Ain't that what the great Reverend James Lucas used to scream at us? Preached peace and prosperity, every Sunday on the pulpit, but come Friday night on the sideline? Nothing but fire and brimstone. Guess he saved the sin for Saturday night like everybody else. And everybody else caught hell but you. All the world's a stage for the preacher's son, and I was a quarterback. And no matter how many passes I threw, he was all about running the ball. Because he wanted the game in your hands. [Luke steps out into the orchestra section, right below Diamondback, up in the balcony] Hello, Carl.

Willis.

I prefer "Diamondback".

Because you're a snake. Just like Cottonmouth.

I am a snake! I shed my skin for something better. Stronger. You left me to rot, Carl, in a gutter. But I changed that sewer into a garden.

I wasn't a good friend. I should've stood tall, but I didn't. And you paid the price.

I've been watching you. Harlem doesn't realize they're worshiping a false idol.

False idol?

You, Carl! You! You're the golden calf! But I've got commandments for your ass. I'm gonna bring the pain. Reva's death?

Keep her name out of your mouth!

The crimes you went to jail for? The torture you endured once you were inside? All me! I'm afraid. Well, not Reva's death. I just like saying her name just to watch you squirm.

You ruined my life!

I gave you wings! [voice breaking] I sent you to hell, and you come back with superpowers! [inhales deeply] Ain't that a bitch?