Author: Eva Ceja

Once again, GHG will be reviewing all 13-episodes of your favorite Marvel Netflix show.. 13 days in a row (ala “13 Days of Daredevil“). The only difference? This space is for the Holy Covenant of our Geek Sisters only, so expect a different Nerdy Nun to break down a different episode of Marvel’s Jessica Jones each day.

Book it!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3UYWK2jeX0

Episode 11 & 12: “AKA I’ve Got the Blues / AKA Take A Bloody Number” – 12/3 & 4

Recently, a friend told me that Jessica Jones may be pressing the “woman power” thing too strongly with the mentioning of JJ’s strength far more often than they should… but really… I don’t give a fuck. She is badass and the fucking anti-hero, dude. It’s nice to have a little woman power displayed once in a while. And I think this series does JJ justice.

Jessica Jones is back in action with episodes 11/12. AKA and I’ve got the Blues and AKA and take a bloody Number.

So far in this series we find that whomever Jessica loves, well she might end up losing…

I’m basically going to assume most of you Netflix binge watchers have already seen the whole season through….but I’ll try not to give spoilers, cause I hate that shit.

The episodes starts with flashbacks between JJ and Trish. We find out what kindled their sisterly connection. The love and protective nature that JJ has for Trish spawned from an early age. She ends up confronting crazy blondie, Simpson, whom she catches in a lie about the en fuego detective… that’s Spanish for “on fire”, much like my mouth right now after eating this spicy gordita burrito. Trish saves the day by consuming the pills Simpson has also been taking…. which leads to her not being able to breathe…. and eventually to her…

Well…watch the episode to find out what happens….

Cage is back in JJ’s life… as much as many of us would like that smooth-talking man in ours. **WINK **WINK Kilgave mind-controls Cage into confessing that he and JJ were once lovers; in which Kilgrave sticks Cage into the bar and blows it up…. not knowing Cage’s skin cannot be harmed due to him being all Power Man and such. Meanwhile, Kilgrave captures his father and uses him to create a virus to make him increase his mind control powers to further distances and victims. Cage tells Jessica he forgives her for the death of his wife. They continue to search for Kilgrave. Finally they find Kilgrave and Jones realizes that Cage was under his control the whole time!!!!!!!! WHAAAAAAAAA…….. Cage and JJ are forced to fight each other when Jessica shoots Cage in the head….

…But does he survive?

Well, I better you best get to watching there now.

In the great words of JJ her self: “What does’t kill you, makes you stranger…”…till next time.

These eps contain the most significant scenes so far in the unraveling of the tangled mind of Kilgrave and developing the characters of others in the Jessica Jones universe. But, they are also the sloppiest terms of writing. Many of the stories told about Kilgrave’s past seem to have a forced delivery, like the parents declaring that their experiments were to save their son or their search for a vaccine. It was nice to know in some ways, that Kilgrave’s perspective on the events were as gnarled and twisted as he was presently.

Any sympathy felt for Kilgrave’s rough childhood and condition in previous episodes is ripped away as he attempts to murder his parents and successfully does so (at least with one) after a convenient “break” in Jessica’s plan to obtain evidence. As all the significant characters on the show (minus one Luke Cage) look on as one of Kilgrave’s parents is compelled to commit suicide, chaos ensues with Hogarth–the only person able to have cause the mishap flees.

What is fascinating about Eps 9 & 10 is the importance of perspective. Trish is given the command “Put a bullet in your head” and must follow through. First she attempts to shoot herself with the gun she was given by Simpson (which we learn will become the Daredevil/Captain America villain, Nuke) until it jams. She grabs the bullet and tries to cram it into her temple to get it in her head. She only stops once Jessica placed the bullet In her mouth to help Trish complete the Kilgrave command. This idea of how Kilgrave’s commands, if not specific, can be open to interpretation just like when Jessica was given the command “Take care of her.”

But, the openness of a command is even more interesting because of what happens between Hogarth, Pam, and Wendy. Pam asked Hogarth to get the divorce in a previous episode which she completes in “AKA 1,000 Cuts.” But, Pam certainly doesn’t like the manner in which Hogarth carries out the command which included manipulating her and teaming up with Kilgrave. So, when given an task without specifics, does one’s nature determine the outcome a bit? What does one’s manner in carrying out the choice say about one’s character? Certainly, this is one soul searching test no one wants to take — though preferred than a direct command with no wiggle room at all.

But, choice is important, when you have it on this show. Humans are funny creatures and susceptible to manipulation. This was made clear in the episode when the support group was easily turned into a mob against Jessica. They made a choice to listen to the words of a stranger instead of the woman who brought them all together with a few sentences. As fickle as humans can be, the show also shows that humans are capable of making choices greater than themselves. Hope makes a choice to free Jessica from the burdens of freeing Hope by exposing Kilgrave’s powers to the world. The end of Kilgrave was that important to her.

So even though these two episodes did an amazing job of addressing some very thoughtful themes, the execution was a bit rushed and contrived.

Episodes 11 & 12 review of Jessica Jones coming tomorrow.

Episode 8: “AKA WWJD?” – 11/30

This might be the most screwed-up episodes of a season’s worth of screwed-up episodes, as Kilgrave (only known as Kevin Thompson on the show, not in the Alias comic) invites Jessica back home, back where she grew up — where memories are not all that much better than her current lifestyle. Luke Cage must not have been doing the digging that his on/off love-bunny has, because a man of that much power and raw emotion would have certainly put an end to this nightmare suburbia far before its episodic end.

Oh, yeah. He isn’t quite a superhero yet, now, is he? Well, Purple Man is certainly a villain; how super at that, I do not know. His powers seem pretty limited in the grand scheme of things (he’s far too nice, man!), but considering that Jessica isn’t quite a superheroine yet, either, the certainly almost near-freezing of time makes for a very thrilling, fucked-up Netflix series.

I’m not sure dedicating an entire episode to his/her seemingly unhinged intimacy was the best idea, as I’m starting to LIKE Kilgrave a bit too much. He’s becoming the most likeable character on a show of psychopaths, and he’s supposed to be THE psychopath! He shows a boatload of his already charismatically obsessive, albeit sensitive, touchy side, and, if you watched Daredevil — hell, I have not #sadlife — you’ll know that sensitive, touchy villains are the trend (Thanks boyfriend).

Can’t wait to see Diamondback throw a fit in Luke’s series when he misses out on all of those Black Friday deals!

Episode 8 is also the turning point where Jessica Jones goes from semi-deliberate noir to more “open” superhero drama, as even the setting is full daylight, in a surburban household. The contrast of bright setting and scary script is quite nice, and works wonders for all the flashbacks involving both Jessica and Kevin’s origins. They’re both creepy and certainly humane. Jessica also shows her wits about her, and why she’s a far better detective than Bruce Wayne in the recent Batfilms (but not on Gotham! Love that kid!). What she does to on her second trip back to her old crib was brilliant.

You go, Jess.

Episode 9 review of Jessica Jones coming tonight.

Episode 7: “AKA Top Shelf Perverts” – 11/28

Ah, David Tennant. The big bad of season One Jessica Jones has made his play for the titular character, and no one is safe.

In Episode 7, Killgrave makes his intentions known, and Jessica does her best to stop him. The whole season has been building up to a climactic showdown between Jessica and Kilgrave, and this episode shows what lengths each will do to have their way.

Kilgrave, as we have already seen, won’t hesitate to murder to get what he wants, and Jessica is willing to turn herself into a “top shelf pervert” and get locked up to stay out of his clutches. Of course, nothing is ever that easy, especially when you’re dealing with a master of mind control.

Not everyone is going to make it out alive.

Will Simpson (Once Upon A Time‘s Wil Traval) continues to be an irritating distraction. I get that Trish needs some comforting, but hasn’t he learned yet that Kilgrave is not for mere mortals to handle? Malcolm continues his development as the most likable character on the show, and the not-so-friendly lawyer and her ex provide Jessica with a distraction.

While not my favorite episode, “Top Shelf Perverts” moves the story along towards what promises to be a riveting conclusion.

Episode 6: “AKA You’re A Winner” – 11/27

Who is Jessica Jones? Thanks to Netflix, the clever writers, director and team we want to know more. Episode 6 begins to peel back the layers and reveal insight on the lighter, more caring and vulnerable Jessica. Her relationship ties get stronger and they begin to expose her vulnerability and desire to be of service to others.

We see after Malcolm chooses to get off drugs, Jessica carries his burden by reporting selfie’s of herself to Kilgrave every morning in order to keep Malcolm out of harms way. We also discover Hope’s (True Detective‘s Erin Moriarty) risky attempts to abort her unbearable pregnancy from Kilgrave’s rape, to be physically harmful. Therefore, Jessica comes to the rescue with a safer pill method. However, once aborted, Jeri secretly asks the nurse for the remains of the unborn child; is this a tactic to win the case or whose team is she really on?

Jessica’s biggest relationship — with her “lover” Luke Cage — appears to go badly whenever the two stop having superhero sex and talk. Luke asks for her aid in finding a guy, who’s his key to getting classified files that explain how his wife really died. Jessica grudgingly accepts the case to help him, but secretly wants to find the information first so Luke won’t find out her deep dark secret. To her demise the information sends Luke to avenge his wife’s death.

In the knick of time, Jessica exposes her secret to save the bus driver’s life. Luke responds to his betrayal with shock saying, “You let me be inside you” and “You touched me with the hands that killed my wife”, summing up his disgust, and distrust. Although the burden of her secret has finally been lifted off her shoulders, she is left shattered in her guilt. Furthermore, the flashbacks leaves us curious to know what’s in the USB drive that caused for his wife’s murder?

Lastly, the episode wouldn’t be complete without her “tormentor” Kilgrave, becoming an even bigger and overbearing creep, when he purchases the house Jessica grew up in. What exactly does he want with her old house? And what street name mantra will she now use to help her sanity?

Episode 7 review of Jessica Jones coming tomorrow.

Episode 5: “AKA The Sandwich That Saved Me” – 11/24

For the last four episodes, we have gotten to know the post-Kilgrave Jessica Jones — a shaken, emotionally battered woman who is trying her best to keep her shit together. In episode five, “AKA The Sandwich that saved me”, we are introduced to another Jessica- a pre- Kilgrave version that bounces from job to job without a care, spends time grabbing drinks and chatting with Trish in bars, and laughs. The laughter is the most surprising thing about this Jessica. While ours is a badass, and ready to snark at a moment’s notice, this Jessica has fun. Her lighthearted interaction with Trish as the latter tries to convince her to rock a spandex suit is a refreshing moment.

This episode, which bounces between flashbacks and Jessica’s attempt to take down Kilgrave, strengthens the connections between the main characters and brings to light another side of every character. Especially surprising is the continued character arc of Malcolm (Eka Darville), who is emerging as a standout character. A victim and pawn, he finds the hero within himself as Jessica begs him to save her. Malcolm has finally found himself.

As Kilgrave stays one step ahead of Jessica, her commitment to taking him down grows. The slow build to a face to face confrontation feels almost at an end, and it’s a journey that’s worth taking…to what is bound to be a violent and climactic conclusion.

Episode 6 review of Jessica Jones coming tonight.

Episode 3 & 4: “AKA It’s Called Whiskey / AKA 99 Friends” – 11/22 & 23

Fucking Jessica Jones, man.

Not only has Netflix brought us a new series to drewl over, but Krysten Ritter has perfected the female badass superhero, with a sassy attitude and the effortless ability to chug Evan Williams like a champ. Further more, Jessica Jones is a hero’s journey. She is constantly refusing to be the hero in her own story, but eventually accepts her fate as the anti hero.

“AKA It’s Called Whiskey” really sets the whole series into a whirl when we finally get to see and meet the infamous limey Kilgrave. Oh, what a name. Without giving away too much (because I fucking hate spoilers–although I know you won’t read this without watching first *sigh*) we dive deeper into Ms. Jones’ world and Kilgrave’s reason for his obsession with her. The Purple Man uses his powers of mind control to hurt the people that Jessica loves; but exactly WHY is drawn out a little further than you’d want. Tennant is drugging us too.

“AKA 99 Friends” (“And A Bitch IS One!”) furthers the cat-and-mouse game Doctor Whograve has created for JJ to keep her on her toes. Jessica finds more people who had been hurt by her arch-nemesis and helps to set up a group, much like AA, to talk about what the Devil made them do. Just something to point out — and this Priestess could be wrong — but I love when I get to have a protagonist balanced by other characters. With Trish she is the bad girl, wild child that her fascade clearly displays; but when she is in relation to Kilgrave, her inner superhero takes new shape and is called to arms.

Not only is it brilliant writing, but the storylines are seamless. I forget that I am watching episode after episode, which is what a great TV show should do. Thank you, Netflix, for creating great content, building up the hype, and DELIVERING THE HYPE.

In the words go Helen Mirren “We’ve got to stop being polite. If I ever had children the first thing I’d teach a girl of mine is the words ‘fuck off’.” Because…well-behaved women seldom make history.

Episode 5 review of Jessica Jones coming tomorrow.

Episode 2: “AKA Crush Syndrome” – 11/21

Once again, Netflix showed networks that passing on series starring less mainstream superheroes like Jessica Jones is a big mistake. However, their failure to recognize the potential of JJ is a blessing as it would have been difficult to commercialize the psychology of such a complex female superhero without diluting her into some kind of desperate housewife.

Within two episodes, the creative team captured the anxiety and fear of being trapped by a manipulative, obsessive sadist. However, in this world, the abuser has super powers that will make the victim do anything–including killing loved ones with a smirk on top. After seeing young Hope incarcerated for a murder she unwittingly committed under the influence of Kilgrave a.k.a. The Purple Man (Doctor Who‘s David Tennant) and the trauma that will most likely haunt her forever, Jessica is forced to make a choice.

Despite Jessica’s “fragile” state, she decides to “give a damn.” In doing so, she meets other Kilgrave victims. They give her information that may lead to a potential way to stop him; but, it is clear that Jessica will not be alone in this fight. Marvel fans already know that both Luke (Halo 5‘s “Spartan Locke” a.k.a. Mike Colter) and Patsy/Trish (Transformers‘ Rachael Taylor) are more than just screen eyecandy but heroes with complex stories of their own. But, if seeing Kilgrave through the eyes of his victims doesn’t help establish him as a villain, a glimpse of the depths of his depravity in action will do the trick.

So far, Jessica Jones is the superhero we presently need. Even without superpowers, she has the will to survive, the will to be her own, and the will to care and act when it is easier to just turn the other way.

Episode 1: “AKA Ladies Night” – 11/20

The time is right for a comic book TV series with a strong female protagonist, and Netflix’s Jessica Jones is the perfect show to break through the glass ceiling. Based on Brian Micheal Bendis’ crime noir series Alias, it follows the exploits of a woman named Jessica Jones (played by Breaking Bad‘s Krysten Ritter); a former superhero turned private investigator who uncovers secrets in the seedy underbelly of the Marvel Universe.

The setting is New York City and it’s represented in all its gritty glory. Most of the first episode takes place at night, illuminated with the harsh yellow glare of the streetlights or the soft lights of passing cars. The noir is strong with this show, too, though it channels CSI more than The Big Sleep. Everything has a slick and polished look with excellent cinematography and use of color.

Ritter snarls her way through her Jessica portrayal–equal parts sarcastic and vulnerable. Her duality is what makes her character relatable and somehow more real. She has a filthy mouth and a blunt manner, but it’s made apparent that she has a softer side bubbling underneath all of the bravado. This show wouldn’t work without a resilient lead and Ritter seems to be up to the task.

There were a few Easter eggs hidden for the more astute viewers with the biggest one being the opening credits. The opening scenes feature artwork from David Mack who drew the covers for the original Alias comic. Sean Callery, most famous for scoring the hit series 24, provides an appropriately brooding musical score with cues taken from old detective movies (a whole lot smooth trumpet and sultry saxophone).

Jessica Jones does take some notes from Netflix’s other popular series Daredevil, by keeping with the dark adult themes and stories. It doesn’t shy away from depicting sexuality, violence or foul language which keeps it true to the source material. The first episode drops the viewer straight into the fray and lets them figure out character motivations on their own without too much heavy-handed exposition.

Overall, Episode 1 is a strong start to JJ and continues the tradition of high quality Netflix produced TV series.