Hell's Kitchen has another hero. Marvel's Jessica Jones has arrived, with its first season available to stream right now on Netflix. Watching 13 hours of anything is always a tough slag, but I've finally finished the series. So, what's to be said about Marvel's latest heroine? Read on to find out if Jessica Jones is worth your time.
'As you could probably expect, there will be serious spoilers for Jessica Jones. If you haven't finished watching all thirteen episodes, finish doing that first.
Done that? We good? Alright.
Based on the Alias comic by Brian Michael Bendis, Marvel's Jessica Jones finds the titular character operating her private investigation firm, 'Alias Investigations', in Hell's Kitchen in the heart of New York, the same stomping ground of Charlie Cox's Matt Murdock (Daredevil). From the get-go, Jones struggles with PTSD, alcoholism and some sort of social outcast syndrome, with hints of a troubling past bubbling underneath a vitriolic, sarcastic exterior. All of these problems flare up, when a British man named Kilgrave comes back to haunt her. Surrounded by her few close friends, radio host Trish 'Patsy' Walker, bartender Luke Cage, driven cop Will Simpson, junkie Malcolm and hard-ass attorney Jeri Hogarth, Jones is forced to face her past when people around her begin to die at a rapid pace.
So, let's get into detail.
Done that? We good? Alright.
Based on the Alias comic by Brian Michael Bendis, Marvel's Jessica Jones finds the titular character operating her private investigation firm, 'Alias Investigations', in Hell's Kitchen in the heart of New York, the same stomping ground of Charlie Cox's Matt Murdock (Daredevil). From the get-go, Jones struggles with PTSD, alcoholism and some sort of social outcast syndrome, with hints of a troubling past bubbling underneath a vitriolic, sarcastic exterior. All of these problems flare up, when a British man named Kilgrave comes back to haunt her. Surrounded by her few close friends, radio host Trish 'Patsy' Walker, bartender Luke Cage, driven cop Will Simpson, junkie Malcolm and hard-ass attorney Jeri Hogarth, Jones is forced to face her past when people around her begin to die at a rapid pace.
So, let's get into detail.
Jonesing for Jones
Krysten Ritter (Breaking Bad) plays a wonderful interpretation of Jessica Jones. Ritter's Jones is pretty much a one-for-one translation of her characterisation in Alias, and I could not be happier that this is the case. Jones is a whiskey swigging, foul mouthed, mentally troubled woman, who uses her intense physical strength as a façade for her missing inner strength. And yet, there way more to it than that. If you've seen Breaking Bad, you know that Ritter previously played a character with a few mental problems. Imagine that, but with super strength, and you're still only half way there. Ritter shows why Marvel should continue to operate on their own judgements. I can't name a bad hero they've cast, and Ritter is another name on that list that I just can't fault.
Image Credit: marvel.com
Despite what we know in the MCU movies, these Netflix series have been far better at showcasing what Marvel's comics are known for: heroes with pathos and problems. Jones is no different. Over the series, we see Jones battle for her own sanity multiple times. We see her have near full-on mental breakdowns at least twice, when all hope is dwindling in the face of the threat Kilgrave puts on her. The bits I enjoyed most, however, is where the moral lines bleed, and I do think these moments showcased exactly why Ritter is a perfect fit for Jones. In the ninth episode "Sin Bin", Jones tortures a captive Kilgrave to within an inch of his life, whilst reuniting him with his estranged parents in an attempt to psychosocially break him. This is something we just haven't seen in the MCU yet. We've seen Daredevil beat people half to death, sure, but when Jones steps over the line between heroism and villainy, it's a wonderfully fresh take on the darker aspects of the troubled hero.
Purple Is The Darkest Colour
If you asked me to sum up David Tennant (Doctor Who) and his take on Kilgrave, I'd use this one: Terrifying. Tennant's Kilgrave is easily one of the most fully fleshed out, psychologically troubling and downright scary villains we've ever gotten from a Marvel venture. Unlike Vincent D'Onofrio's Kingpin from Daredevil, of which I'm sure multiple comparisons will be made, Kilgrave is an instant and foreboding threat. Whereas Kingpin evolved into an evil man, Kilgrave is a complete and utter monster from beat one. And yet, somehow, you do find yourself finding some sympathy for him, so full credit to Tennant for yet another great and memorable performance. His obsession with Jessica is full on spine-tingling, and as the slow reveal of his lack of morals takes place, he only gets scarier. It's when he's at his most calm and charming that he's somehow at his most chilling. I loved to hate him, but I kind of loved to love him as well. He was that good. Loki, Kingpin, Kilgrave: These are Marvel's best villains.
Image Credit: marvel.com
Something which I think needs to be drawn attention to with Kilgrave are some of the changes that have been made to him and his origin. The comic Kilgrave, otherwise known as Zebediah Killgrave or The Purple Man, is a mutant with purple skin that mind controls people with pheromones. Tennant's Kilgrave, however, is the result of horrifying experiments conducted by his own parents, who emits a pheromone-like virus that can be used to control a persons actions to a very literal level. Whilst he lacks the purple skin, his fondness for the colour purple is ever present. It is when you learn of these conditions for Kilgrave's 'birth' that this performance takes off from enjoyable to memorable. And yet, you can never forget the depravity that he is capable of. Mass murder, psychological torture, rape, Kilgrave is a whirlwind of evil who cannot and will not change, despite Jessica's efforts to do so in episode eight "WWJD?". That episode contains my favourite moment of Kilgraves, where he explains that his moral compass is basically non-existent. As I said earlier, truly terrifying.
A Perfect Cage Match
The third and final superhuman in this series is the also the star of Marvel's next TV series, Luke Cage. And from his first appearance in his trademark yellow shirt and blue jeans, Mike Colter (Halo) shows he's capable of making Cage a great hero capable of carrying his own show. Whilst he doesn't get to star in every episode, the few that he does appear contribute to some of the best action in the series. A bar fight in the second episode "Crush Syndrome" actually provides some of the series best laughs, as Colter dispatches a large group of brawlers with ease, in a manner that makes him look utterly bored. The comic potential of Cage is certainly planted, and you believe him as this humorous yet intimidating fighter. Colter does the character some serious justice that makes us want to see more. Lucky for us, he's Hell Kitchen's next Defender.
Image Credit: marvel.com
This seems like an odd thing to pick up on, but his physical relationship with Jessica was probably the bit that sold me on Colter's Cage. The sex scenes the two share in the first three episodes shows what happens when superhumans get frisky, and whilst they are still sex scenes, there was plenty to say about the characters in those moments. The way they are shown to hold back and restrain their own strength to begin with and later get more intense and ferocious actually do a lot to show how these character blend into the greater picture of Hells Kitchen together. it shows how they want to hide, but even moreso how they long to not hold back and just wish to be who they are. It's a wonderful dichotomy that I don't think we've seen in any superhero character study on TV until now. Of course, it helps that these moments build toward Cage and Jones' romance, which will presumably play a greater part in Marvel's Luke Cage or even The Defenders.
Business Affiliates
Not that I think it is fair to directly compare the two series, nevertheless Jessica Jones features a much stronger supporting cast that Daredevil. Rachael Taylor (666 Park Avenue) turns Trish Walker into the perfect counterpart to Jones. Despite her being out of the league of those around her, she holds the inner strength that Jones often lacks and is the true inspiration for Jones turning back to fighting evil (sort of). She also offers the series best easter egg, with her being the original designer of the Jewel costume and identity. Carrie Anne Moss (The Matrix) offers a calculating turn as Jeri Hogarth, who I'm sure we'll see more of come the Iron Fist series. Initially, I considered her to be too pantomime in her coldness and her subplot to be mostly uninteresting, but it ends so explosively that I instantly began caring about her involvement retroactively. I also did find Eka Darville (Power Rangers RPM) is be very enjoyable as Malcolm, with one of the most heart-warming character arcs in the series.
Image Credit: marvel.com
And now I can finally talk about Nuke. Well, Will Simpson, anyway. Wil Traval (Once Upon A Time) plays Simpson as a jarringly effective cop for his first few performances, but as he warms to Trish, we get to see his possessiveness take over. Then, it all changes come episode eleven "I've Got The Blues". Simpson goes insane after taking red pills to up his adrenaline and give him near superhuman strength, to the level where he places Jessica in serious danger. This makes for one of the most entertaining fights in the entire series, thanks to the near insane performance of Traval. In early interviews, Traval was keen to distance his performance from the morally reprehensible Nuke, but I think that heading in that direction could offer some great potential for his character should he return in a later series. I loved the arc of Simpson and seeing him become Nuke in all but name was immensely satisfying.
We've All Got Problems
Jessica Jones should be congratulated for being a great psychological detective noir thriller drama. That's a mouthful, but these themes are beautifully captured in all thirteen episodes. Jessica battles with PTSD and alcoholism, Kilgrave shows vulnerability and moral numbness as a result of emotional trauma, Luke deals with loss and rage, Trish with paranoia and Malcolm with overcoming addiction. And this is just naming five things from a plethora of human drama that this series handles with relative ease and class. Much like how Daredevil battles with morality, faith and physical limitations, Jessica Jones taps into the worst parts of the human psyche, concerning the worst of the worst when it comes to the human condition. To this extent, the downer moments are way, WAY darker than those found in Daredevil, and yet handled with such class that I can't do anything other than applaud them.
Image Credit: marvel.com
Two of these moments come to mind very vividly. In episode 6 "You're A Winner!", Jones and Erin Moriarty (True Detective) as Hope Shlottman deal with an abortion subplot. With the heavy implication that Hope is carrying Kilgraves rape child, she chooses to abort. That in itself is dark and certainly edgy for an American audience, but it goes a step further. Jeri Hogarth bribes hospital staff to preserve the foetus, which is then later used to enhance Kilgraves powers. It's certainly a powerful story, but it's heightened by the events of episode 8 "WWJD?". In this episode, Jessica willingly exposes herself to Kilgrave, who has purchased and recreated her childhood home. During this, whilst trying to turn Kilgrave into a good man, Jessica realises that this is the same man who raped her and several other women. And in a strong move, after a brutally honest discussion about how Jessica was unable to stop him from raping her, Kilgrave doesn't see the error of his ways and doesn't apologise for his actions. Jessica is then left to deal with this knowledge, that remorse is not felt, that he is still a danger to all women he comes into contact with and that he needs to die. This series does all of that, and yet you aren't disgusted. In fact you're intrigued. Enthralled, even. It's handled with such taste and emotion that it's hard to stomach, but truthful enough to entertain.
Sidenote; the gory action in the vain of Daredevil continues here, although is a far more stunted sense. In general, the fights are smaller and not choreographed well. It fits the street brawling themes, but it just isn't as entertaining as Daredevil's ninja mastery. However, if it's wince-enducing pain you're after, you'll find it in spades here, mainly with the deaths of Kilgraves victims. This includes decapitation, throat-slitting, self-incuded stabbing, arm removal, jumping off buildings and ramming garden shears into one's head. Ouch on several levels.
Sidenote; the gory action in the vain of Daredevil continues here, although is a far more stunted sense. In general, the fights are smaller and not choreographed well. It fits the street brawling themes, but it just isn't as entertaining as Daredevil's ninja mastery. However, if it's wince-enducing pain you're after, you'll find it in spades here, mainly with the deaths of Kilgraves victims. This includes decapitation, throat-slitting, self-incuded stabbing, arm removal, jumping off buildings and ramming garden shears into one's head. Ouch on several levels.
Let's Start... Now
So where does this leave us in reference to the wider MCU? Here's some speculation as to what happens next:
- Marvel's Luke Cage will serve to build upon the relationship between Luke Cage and Jessica Jones. Whilst we may not see them fully pair off, the implication will be very, very strong, perhaps confirmed in The Defenders.
- Jeri Hogarth, now facing disbarment, may find herself working with smaller law firms, such as Nelson and Murdock.
- Trish Walker, having had a brief taste of power from one of Simpson's pills, may continue her self defence training to later become Hellcat.
Image Credit: marvel.com
- Name-dropped by Jessica herself, another P.I called Angela del Toro could find herself answering the call of The Hand and suiting up in some way as White Tiger.
- Jeri Hogath, again still facing disbarment, may have to pool other resources together. This may lead her to one of her partners, Rand-Meachum, Inc., and to the last Defender, Danny Rand/Iron Fist.
- Captain America and Iron Man are set to go to war. Whilst Jessica is only somewhat public, her and Matt Murdock/Daredevil could find themselves on the Civil War radar after the appearance of the next New York superhero, Peter Parker/Spider-Man. And Jessica would probably refuse any offer, should it be made.
The Verdict
Like I said earlier, it is so difficult to compare Daredevil and Jessica Jones. Whilst Daredevil is a martial arts grudge match between two driven but flawed people who want to make Hell's Kitchen better in their own visions, Jessica Jones is a more complex, human story. It's a story of what happens when fear controls your life and feeling powerless even when you're the most powerful person in the room. The emotional stakes are way higher here than in Daredevil, which is reflected in the scale of the action, for better or worse. Sometimes there are inconsistencies in the logic and writing, but the greater themes the show deals with are juggled well enough to overlook the occasional logic holes.
On the hole, Jessica Jones has a more gripping story than what the Blind Guardian offered us earlier this year, but deals better with it's themes and tone than it's action. The main disappointment of the series are the fights and their lack of weight or importance, but that's the only negative I can muster. Even then, the show's main draw was never the action. It is way more focused on the story of these intertwining characters and how people with and without powers are dealing with the fallout of superhuman events. Go in for a compelling story about the psyche of the superhero and you will be blown away. If you just want fights and explosions, Marvel has you covered in other areas.
And just in case you missed it...
On the hole, Jessica Jones has a more gripping story than what the Blind Guardian offered us earlier this year, but deals better with it's themes and tone than it's action. The main disappointment of the series are the fights and their lack of weight or importance, but that's the only negative I can muster. Even then, the show's main draw was never the action. It is way more focused on the story of these intertwining characters and how people with and without powers are dealing with the fallout of superhuman events. Go in for a compelling story about the psyche of the superhero and you will be blown away. If you just want fights and explosions, Marvel has you covered in other areas.
And just in case you missed it...
Image Credit: netflix.com
Good to have you, Stan. Good to have you.
By Mike Owen
@ThatMikeOwen
The Editor in Chief of Foul Entertainment, Mike edits most of what you see on the site. He runs the production of our podcasts, and currently pens Pop Culture Club and The Death of Video Games
@ThatMikeOwen
The Editor in Chief of Foul Entertainment, Mike edits most of what you see on the site. He runs the production of our podcasts, and currently pens Pop Culture Club and The Death of Video Games