Here’s why you should be binge-watching Jessica Jones.
Marvel’s newest addition to their cinematic universe came in the form of a new Netflix show, Jessica Jones. Following in the steps of Daredevil, Marvel’s previous Netflix show, Jessica Jones follows an unconventional superhero with her own set of very human problems. Based on the Alias comic book, the show tells the story of Jessica Jones, a former superhero and current private detective who owns her own agency. However, after taking on a new case, Jessica finds herself confronting an abusive ex-boyfriend with mind control powers who wants to get her back. Luckily, she’ll be able to fight him off with the help of best friend Trish Walker and fellow superpowered human, Luke Cage. It’s a mix of reality and fiction that has caught the attention of Netflix subscribers and praise from critics.
If for some reason you are still not convinced enough to watch Jessica Jones, then find out why you should be binge-watching the show right now:
Krysten Ritter as Jessica Jones
Best known for her role as Jane in Breaking Bad, Krysten Ritter is at the center of Jessica Jones and completely encompasses the character that she is playing. She blends a sarcastic attitude while still showing that she cares about the important people in her life. She might be a mess of a person and a drunk, but Ritter sells both her humanity and her superhuman side with her powerful performance. The way Ritter brings the comic book character to life, it’s almost if she was born to play Jessica Jones. We’re all the more grateful that a powerful actress has been able to play a complex and interesting character.
Kilgrave is Marvel’s Best Villain
David Tennant, best known for his work in Doctor Who, brings the creepiness and the stalker qualities to his performance as Jessica Jones’ main villain, Kilgrave. With the ability to control other people’s actions through the power of his voice, Kilgrave’s terrifying powers have manipulated the most powerful of heroes, such as Jessica. With their previous history and Kilgrave’s selfishness as a villain, the show portrays this character as the worst version of an angry ex-boyfriend. It’s an entirely relatable villain that has us watching Kilgrave’s every move.
Superhero, but Still Human
While Jessica Jones has superpowers, she still deals with real issues that women everywhere can relate to. Jessica’s previous history with Kilgrave was full of abuse and manipulation and it’s the return of this ugly ex that haunts Jessica. Full of self-loathing and plenty of whiskey drinking, Jessica finds ways to cope, even if it’s not always in the most responsible way. It’s Jessica’s flaws that are so appealing to the viewer because you see someone with such powerful abilities deal with problems that would affect anyone, and the fact that she overcomes her problems makes her the hero we need. It’s a powerful statement to women everywhere to have a hero like Jessica Jones out in the world.
Superpowered Luke Cage
Jessica Jones is not the only superpowered human being on the show, Luke Cage (played by Mike Colter) is another hero who is literally indestructible. While Luke Cage has powerful abilities, it’s Mike Colter’s performance as Luke Cage that really makes the character human. Still grieving over the death of his wife, Luke shows a sensitivity and human aspect to this superhero that’s often lacking in other superhero movies and TV shows. If that wasn’t enough, Mike Colter is extremely easy on the eyes and you’ll be seeing more of him in his own Netflix show.
The Marvel Universe
For fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), it’s always fun to see references to other Marvel films and TV shows. Jessica Jones is firmly planted in the universe with various references to superhumans and how the events of The Avengers have drastically changed the residents of New York City.
As their second television show on Netflix, Marvel is slowly beginning to create a world of superheroes in New York City that’s more grim and realistic than what we see on the big screen. It’s set-up purposefully to create Netflix’s own version of The Avengers, but this team will be called The Defenders. Composed of Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist, the team will be your street-level heroes fighting off crime and corruption in New York City. Jessica Jones has been able to introduce Luke Cage and show that Daredevil and Jessica have an acquaintance in common (no spoilers here!). It’s exciting to see that Jessica Jones is taking us further into the world of superheroes.
Your New Best Friend: Trish Walker
While Trish Walker does not have any superpowers to speak of, it’s clear that Jessica’s best friends are not people to mess with. The talk show host may look just like a pretty blonde celebrity, but there’s more to Trish than we realize. With her Krav Maga training and a fortress of an apartment, Trish Walker is ready for any fight and will refuse to be the victim. While her strength and tenacity are empowering, it’s her relationship with Jessica that really solidifies Trish as a great character and even better friend. As adopted sisters, Trish and Jessica have always had each other’s backs even through the worst times.
Showrunner, Melissa Rosenberg
While we have grown to love all the superheroes in the MCU, it’s quite obvious that it’s a male dominated world. Thankfully, Marvel trusted Melissa Rosenberg with Jessica Jones to create a distinctive show from a female perspective. It’s clear to see that Rosenberg understands the character of the comic books and can easily translate her to modern life. By taking inspiration from shows like The Sopranos and Breaking Bad, the showrunner has elevated the superhero genre into something we’ve never seen before.
We also applaud Melissa for taking the subject of abusive relationships and rape with respect and never once exploiting her characters or the serious subject at hand. It’s difficult to portray these types of subjects on television, but she’s successful at letting Jessica’s perspective shine through and let her be the hero of her own story.
We’re so glad to see more shows portray women in a light that is representative of their resiliency and strength. We have a feeling that Jessica Jones will be the first of many women-centric show.
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