Jessica jones

Disclaimer: Can read my previous post on Jessica jones here.  View the series in high regard, writing was excellent. Recommended the series without thinking.  Rare example of dark adult themed marvel TV show.

Browsing Netflix last night, searching for something to watch. Decided to rewatch some Jessica jones.  Jessica female perspective big contrast compared many male superheroes.  She not a traditional superhero or anti-hero.  Series avoids the classic origin story, displaying a broken character.  Suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, trying to lead a normal life.

Does not avoid the subject deals with it head on.  Jessica pain is displayed in an emotional way plus physical level.  Powerful broken strong female suffering with nobody to support her. Unwilling to show any weakness or open up. Conflict with the main antagonist becomes her origin story.  Series avoids revealing the antagonist until later.  The threat from that antagonist is scary, displaying sociopathic tendencies.

Writing does justice to the source material.  Decent twist compared get powers save the world from evil.  Writers display a massive amount of respect for the source material avoiding that cliche. Credit to the writing for dealing with tough subject matters. Overarching theme emotional trauma, rape and mental health. Sensitive handling of these adult themes.  Turning simple concept into one scary idea.

Minor characters play a big role in building the world around her. Jessica moral compass is challenged first hand.  Every character displays major vulnerability.  Jessica vulnerable state makes her feel more normal.  Not an untouchable female lead.  Gay characters in normal relationships. Various backgrounds covered for each character. Jessica’s character is a complex piece of writing.   Deeply flawed character doing the right thing in her eyes,  not respecting the law.

Not being control is a nightmare. Antagonist not caring what lives he ruins just wanting whatever he desires.  Puppet master who is brutal, doing whatever he wants.  The power of mind control becomes a metaphor for rape.  Untouchable monster nobody wants to believe exists. Mismatch group of people seek to take down the antagonist.  Marvel universe is spoken about at arm’s length.  References made to various elements.  Gives the series room to forge its own world.  Unlike some other series don’t see every character.

Spoiler warning

Antagonist ability to use mind control is revealed. Young female athlete, forcing her to recreate Jessica’s relationship with the Antagonist.  Emotional with physical pain Jessica suffered is recreated. Ruthless sociopath antagonist who is addicted to Jessica.  After seeing youth athlete kill her own parents by his orders. Luke cage enters the world becoming a love affair for Jessica.  Scared he going to get hurt she avoids him. The reality she needs his support, emotional anchor.  

 

Closing thoughts would recommend anybody watch it. Unsure how season 2 can top the antagonist. Looking forward to season 2 of Jessica Jones.