*almost spoiler-free*
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| Every desk should have one |
Following the same lines as this year's very well-received Daredevil Jessica Jones is set in the same borough of New York, and follows a similar anti-superhero line, which will eventually link up to give rise to The Defenders.
The opening episode shows our eponymous hero in a bad place. Suffering from the fall-out of previous ordeals, she's a functioning alcoholic private investigator, living under the radar, not revealing her powers. These powers (super-strength, and some enhanced healing) are used casually, but only occasionally. She's sullen, unfriendly, and practically alone in her seedy, gumshoe, world. The 'pilot' episode is a confusing mish-mash of hints and asides, which wouldn't naturally lead one to further watching, apart from some clarification in the final third. What is clear, however, is that Jessica is deeply damaged by abuse she's previously suffered. She jumps at shadows; seeks to flee as soon as her previous abuser is mentioned; and cannot face life without a bottle of whiskey. It's an unattractive proposition - life as Jessica isn't something you'd court. She keeps people at arms' length, and stumbles from day to day in an unfeeling haze, keeping herself away from personal relationships.
As the episodes progress, we learn more of her back-story. The source of her abuse; how she came to be where she is; who else matters to her; and most importantly, the weight of guilt she harbours. The story of this first season is essentially one of her and how she is forced into dealing with her former abuser, the mind-controller, Kilgrave. There's mention of both the mental and physical abuse she's suffered, and Kilgrave's influence seeps like a cancer into the lives of all around her, making her feel guilty for the pain and suffering she's not responsible for. Many of the exchanges between her and Kilgrave focus around this central issue - him feeding her guilt for actions she performs whilst under his control; or blaming her for the abuse he unleashes on others due to his fixation on her. The ideas of victim guilt, retribution, anger, revenge are at the heart of the show; these are difficult themes to address, and the show is quite explicit in dealing with them - specifically in their fall-out, and the victim impact.
Overall, I'd say it's less successful than Daredevil. The story is simple enough, but some of the plotting is overly contrived, and the practicalities aren't always consistent (Jessica's lack of invulnerability is at odds with several of the fight sequences; sometimes she's cut with a knife; at others times she can be punched through a wall without being knocked out). It's smaller, and more personal than Daredevil. The focus remains on the single story, there's little filler, and Kilgrave's attention lies purely on further abuse of Jessica, rather than on anything else.
This isn't a particularly easy watch. There's physical violence, but the mental and emotional toll is greater. It's this which lingers, and leaves the biggest scars on all concerned. Don't get me wrong; this is good, possibly very good, but not particularly pleasant. Anyone viewing the show should be made aware of the strong themes of abuse presented within.
Mike Colter as Luke Cage is physically imposing, and covers the lesser role (in this show) with a steady calmness. The early Luke Cage perhaps better than the later one. Again, they seem to be somewhat inconsistent in the representation of his powers, and I hope this is tidied up if/when the Luke Cage show arrives.
David Tennant as Kilgrave works well on his fairly formulaic bad guy; he works best as the psychotic mind-controller; less well as the abused child who's out for revenge against his parents. There are hints at his own inner turmoil which might have been nice to explore, and the scenes with his parents are well portrayed.
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| Ferne Cotton in a wig |
Krysten Ritter is excellent in the title role. She brings many physical elements to the portrayal, as well as delivering on the harsh, emotional, content. When she says she's a "piece of shit" you believe she thinks it. It's a dark reflection of a nicer, warmer Jessica Jones that's been stripped away by Kilgrave. Although hardly any different in appearance to her part in Breaking Bad, she's completely unrecognisable. Her performance is possibly better than the story she's in. As the biggest asset on the show, it's a good choice to fit her in as many scenes as possible. She displays Jessica's obvious self-loathing at the start, but brings enough character depth, so that you're rooting for her, and for her eventual redemption.
Addendum
I'll admit that to start with I couldn't get past how much Ritter both looked and acted like Eliza Dushku in Dollhouse; nor how the opening notes of the theme tune remind me of Dexter; nor how the plot smacks a little of Heroes Season 2. I had lots of echoes(!) to deal with, before it final started to strike its own chords. If you are similarly affected, don't let these things put you off - it finds its own voice.
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