Cloak & Dagger spends considerable screen time highlighting the leads’ racial and class differences, focusing more on identity and social commentary than tight superhero storytelling. The characters' arcs sometimes feel dictated by topical societal themes, which can overshadow organic character growth or plot logic. It leans heavily into representation, potentially at the expense of compelling narrative structure or balanced skill progression.

The show frequently questions traditional family structures and authority, and often frames masculinity and institutions as problematic. While it tries to offer a nuanced take, the modern moral lens dominates, with traditional values rarely allowed any meaningful presence or defense. Themes around religion or community are often portrayed with skepticism or as sources of conflict.

Alternative viewpoints (such as authority figures or traditional perspectives) are usually portrayed as corrupt, clueless, or antagonistic. The overall moral framework is remarkably uniform, giving little space for diverging or genuinely traditional voices. Dissent is quickly pathologized or portrayed as a sign of ignorance.