Here we are, one final time. The Marvel/Netflix experiment that began with so much excitement and anticipation comes to an end, here, with Jessica Jones Season 3. While the ride we went on with Matt, Jessica, Luke, Danny, and Frank wasn’t perfect, it was absolutely enjoyable! My only wish going into this final season of Jessica Jones was that of a satisfying conclusion to Jessica’s journey. At least so that the Marvel/Netflix series could go out on a high note, as to ask any further would only place a burden it could never live up to.
So does Season 3 deliver on that wish? Let’s move on with spoilers ahead…
BEST CHARACTER
This is the easiest section of the bunch. Jessica. No Doubt. While Trish, Malcolm, Dorothy, Salinger, and Hogarth all have standout moments, Jessica Jones is one of the most complex and interesting characters throughout the Marvel/Netflix experiment, falling only behind Matt Murdock and Wilson Fisk for me.
That complexity continues in Season 3, as Jessica Jones (Krysten Ritter) consistently faces increasingly difficult choices and sacrifices to make — particularly in her relationship with Trish (the last person remaining she considers family). Here, Jessica faces a situation akin to S02 with her mother, except that Trish actually becomes what she feared what her mother was: a murderer with no real sense of right or wrong. All of this creates the most fascinating relationship outside of Daredevil‘s characters, adding another layer of tragedy to Jessica that she uses to become stronger.
I wonder what Luke is doing…
WORST CHARACTER
This one is not so clear-cut as last season. Everyone in Season 3, for whatever flaws they have, serves a purpose. The weakest characters of the bunch, however, were all of the ones involved in Jeri Hogarth’s (Carrie-Anne Moss) storyline, from Malcolm’s girlfriend to Hogarth’s old flame and her now dead husband to Hogarth herself. While Hogarth’s story was by no means bad, it was the least interesting all of the interweaving threads. So there’s your answer.
I wonder what Neo is doing…
BEST SCENE
This has to be, without a doubt, the final fight between Jessica and Trish. It isn’t as violent or intense as many other fights this season, but it’s as personal as a fight can get.
Perhaps the biggest strength of Jessica Jones as a show is that Jess’s fights always feel so personal and nerve-wracking. And this was up there with the best of them, despite not being all that much physically. Jessica refuses to fight and shows Trish Walker (Rachael Taylor) just how far she’d fallen when her bestie finally does the unthinkable and attempts to kill her. The level of acting was so good it was genuinely difficult to watch that moment of realization for Trish– and the absolute sadness in Jessica’s face.
Memba the Defenders? ..Yeah, I memba.
FINAL THOUGHTS
This was the second best season of Jessica Jones. It still doesn’t match up the truly fantastic first season, but S03 even goes some way towards making S02 better by dealing with the consequences of everything that happened. It’s by no means perfect, as it does become almost agonizingly slow at times– a fairly consistent problem with all of the Marvel/Netflix shows.
This being the final season of that experiment leaves so many questions up in the air, yet certainly serves the purpose of closing out Jessica’s journey that began in Season 1. While there are more stories to be told here with this character — and I would absolutely love to see those — Season 3 does provide a satisfying conclusion to this specific story. 4/5 Hellcat Claws.
“Pastor” KEVIN PALMA: Here we go again: Netflix. Marvel. Phase 2. Jessica Jones kicks off the post-Defenders party with her second season, though to call a season of Jessica Jones a party is analogous to calling Jessica a well-adjusted, social person with healthy coping mechanisms for the stresses of her life. This season hammers that point, exposing the seemingly endless layers of trauma that Jessica has had to and continues to deal with. With all that said, Belser, let’s get straight to it…
[Fair Warning, geeks: There will be spoilers.]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSvnepZS26s
BEST SCENE
JaDarrell “The Belser” @TheBelser
JADARREL “The” BELSER: I really enjoyed the first season of Jessica Jones, Kev, seeing how it got into subject matter that Marvel (or most comic properties) has never touched in live action before. It was a smash hit and the character created a huge feminist following. That stated, my favorite moment of Season 2 takes place in the episode “AKA PORK CHOP”, when Trish (Rachael Taylor) visits Jessica’s mother (Janet McTeer) in prison — who completely (and correctly) savagely calls Trish out. Mother Jones makes it known that all the tragic events of the season (i.e. murders, Jessica’s arrests, her own arrest, Trish’s failing career and new addiction) are all Trish’s own fault for her obsession with IGH. “You won’t stop your bullshit quest because Jessica has powers and you don’t and you can’t stand it. That’s why you won’t let go of this investigation. YOU are the reason I did everything I did!” I actually applauded when I saw this scene. I was like, “Finally! Somebody said it!”
KEVIN: Haha, that’s a great one. “Best Scene” was a difficult one for me. As the season moved forward every tense, emotional scene led to a scene that only increased the tension and emotional stakes (especially the back half). Also, this is a season of a superhero show that doesn’t have much — if any — superhero action. With that, while any scene involving Jeri Hogarth (Carrie-Anne Moss) was on fire, I ultimately have to go with the scene at Playland with Jessica and her mother, Alisa. I legitimately could not hold back tears when she told Jess, “Maybe I don’t have to be amazing. Maybe I just made you,” which makes the following moment that much more emotional. Krysten Ritter and McTeer had possibly the most emotional conversation of any Marvel Netflix show and the way that scene ended was as heart-wrenching as it was infuriating.
What do you mean you’re “skipping WonderCon”???
BEST CHARACTER
BELSER:Malcolm has made incredible progress since he was a heroin addict in the first season. He’s made an ‘associate’ P.I. for Alias Investigations and shows a natural aptitude for the work involved; he’s hitting the street, looking up clues and making cases on his own. It did seem that he was switching out drug addiction for a lot of meaningless sex on a Tinder-like app. His one drawback was his inexperience, which leads to a series of events that threatens his sobriety and his relationship with Jessica. However, that strained relationship looks like it may lead him to his own calling as a private eye.
KEVIN: Malcolm was definitely a strong character this year, although he had a fair share of baffling scenes with questionable decision making. Jessica still shines. The way she deals with one thing after another that would cripple the average person physically, emotionally, and psychologically is exhilirating to watch.
BELSER: Oh, no doubt. I especially adored JJ in “AKA I Want Your Cray Cray”, which goes into Jessica’s life prior to Kilgrave. It was cool to discover that part of her misanthropic attitude is due to fear of those who get close to her.. die. As far as the character development, Jessica makes some leaps and bounds. She asks for help, she says “thank you”, and even attempts a romantic relationship. This might not seem like much to most people but, if you know Jessica, this is a big deal.
I.. I just made ‘The List’.
WORST CHARACTER
BELSER: No character got my blood boiling more this season than Trish Walker. I was cool with “Patsy” being the over eager friend/sidekick in the first season. This season, however, she goes WAY too far over the deep end to be forgiven. Her obsession with IGH goes overboard and she completely screws up Jessica’s already screwed up life. First, she baits Jessica into the investigation by guilt-tripping her that uncovering IGH will help Jessica ‘move on’. The worst part is that she brings out Jessica’s dead family’s ashes to illustrate that point. Dirty!!
Hellcat is right.
(continued…) That’s just the beginning of her offenses: 1. This IGH obsession has been back in contact with her obviously no-good mother (Rebecca De Mornay) again behind Jessica’ s back, 2. She gets addicted to an illegal performance enhancing inhaler despite her own previous addiction recovery (that, of course, makes her dangerous and irratic). 3. She tricks poor Malcolm (Eka Darville) by sleeping with him, nearly gets him off the wagon, knocks him out and kidnaps him, 4. She kidnaps Dr. Malus (Callum Keith Rennie) solely for the purpose of giving herself powers permanently, 5. Worst of all, SHE KILLS JESSICA’S MAMA! In the end, we discover Trish’s quest “to help people” is really a quest to fulfill her greatest ambition: to gain super powers by any means necessary and revive her lame career. While that notion destroys all sympathy I have for her, you gotta love the irony: Trish wanted to be a hero so bad that she became the true villain of the season.
KEVIN: It was very tempted to say Trish, too, since nobody had a bigger fall from grace than she, going so far beyond infuriating. However, based on how Jessica and Trish interact at the end, I believe that’s fully intentional and makes her a success this season, regardless of how much she angered me. I hated Griffin (Hal Ozsan) even more. Be honest, JD; without looking it up, do you remember this character off the top of your head? If any single person said yes, that would be an actual miracle. This guy is a bigger example of a walking archetype than even Pryce (Terry Chen). Griffin is just the love interest Trish leaves behind on her quest for self-discovery (although, it’s pretty interesting to see a gender reversal of that archetype). The biggest problem I have with the guy, however, is the fact that he’s presented as a major character for 5 episodes! Almost half of the season was wasted on this clown and that’s one of the biggest disappointments of the entire season.
Doctor YOU again?
FINAL THOUGHTS
BELSER:Jessica Jones had an overall interesting Season 2. It didn’ t really “wow” me like the previous one, but it kept me wanting to know more. Make sure you peep my Easter Eggs below Kevin’s final summary, ya dig. 3.5/5 Bibles.
KEVIN: It really is weird to call Jessica Jones a superhero show, even though it absolutely is. Unlike most other superhero shows, the superpowers and hero/villain dynamics aren’t the focus, rather they’re vehicles used to explore heavier issues. When it works, JJ’s S02 some of the most compelling storytelling out there, but — because it doesn’t use superheroics as an entertaining crutch — can be a chore when everything else falls flat. That “mixed bag” is maybe the strongest argument for shortening the seasons of these Marvel Netflix shows. That said, the best parts of this season are absolutely excellent. It’s also interesting that while there are multiple antagonists who serve to compound every aspect of Jessica’s life, there really isn’t a true villain. It’s truly compelling to see how JJ will deal with moving forward now that she’s closed the case on her two separate tragic origins. 3.75/5 Jewels.
BELSER‘S COOLEST EASTER EGGS:
• Dr. Maynard Tiboldt, a shrink/hypnosis expert mentioned throughout the season, shares the same name as another classic Marvel villain, The Ringmaster. Debuting in INCREDIBLE HULK #3, The Ringmaster and his Circus of Crime have a certain modus operandi: going from town to town, The Ringmaster hypnotizes his audience and robs them blind. • The superhuman prison, The Raft, is mentioned several times. The Raft was last seen in CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR. • The Rand Corporation, owned by Danny Rand (Iron Fist), is mentioned as Jeri Hogarth’s main client and equates for over 60% of her practice’s revenue. • A few characters from DAREDEVIL make appearances this season including Turk Barrett (a former client of Jeri Hogarth) and Foggy Nelson. Jessica is seen drinking a few times throughout the season at JOSIE’S BAR (also from DAREDEVIL). • Dr. Karl Malus, in the comics, is the primary doctor for the Power Broker (Curtiss Jackson), who specializes in giving paying customers superhuman level strength. • Captain America is mentioned a few times. Luis, the son of Jessica’s landlord, asks Jessica repeatedly if she knows Cap after he learns she has powers. He also has a Cap action figure but he ‘lost the shield’. This is a reference to Cap abandoning his shield at the end of CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR. • Jessica’s ill-fated customer, Robert Coleman, has super speed and goes by the name “The Whizzer”. The Whizzer is a 1940s’ Marvel character who got super speed from an injection of mongoose blood. Coleman even has a pet mongoose at his apartment. Coleman even has the same yellow/blue color scheme of the comic character. • Spider-Man is mentioned a few times. Jessica and Robert Coleman name drop the “With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility” line. The kid Luis asks Jessica if she has ‘Spidey-sense’. Also, after a character says he trusts his balls (or gut instinct), Jessica calls it his ‘ Scroty-sense’. • Jessica’s mom, Alisa, is kept in Cellblock D, which is where The Punisher and Kingpin were kept in DAREDEVIL Season 2.
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
“The Priestess” Eva Ceja – @evaceja
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….
Ahhh…the good old days. A bike. Power Man. You know.
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.
Ep. 11& 12 = 4.5 Bibles.
Episode 9 & 10: “AKA Sin Bin / 1000 Cuts AKA “ – 12/1 & 2
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.
Damn, I hate the mechanic.
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.
Barney’s favorite villain.
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.
Ep. 9 & 10 = 3 Bibles.
Episodes 11 & 12 review of Jessica Jones coming tomorrow.
Bri “Countess” Calderon IG @brisa1115
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.
Cause NO Avenger women have black hair.
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.
4.5 Bibles.
Episode 9 review of Jessica Jones coming tonight.
“Sister” Sarah Obloy @DarthHistory
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.
“This is the closest I’ll ever get to another woman again!”
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.
4 Bibles.
Stephanie “Lady Croft” Panisello @Steph_Panisello
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?
4.5 Bibles.
Episode 7 review of Jessica Jones coming tomorrow.
“Sister” Sarah G @DarthHistory
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.
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.
Ep. 3 + 4 = 4.5 Bibles.
Episode 5 review of Jessica Jones coming tomorrow.
Lisa “The Goddam” Wu @the_goddamn_wu
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.
4 Bibles.
Michelle “Magdalene” Kisner @RobotCookie
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.
