Jessica Jones – television review

I’m starting to lose track of all the Marvel characters. I mean, it was easy when it was just Iron Man, Thor and Captain America (yeah, I know the X-Men and Spider-Man were in there too, but they somehow didn’t count as much). Then came all manner of other superheroes; and on top of that, Marvel Television started off, initially with the Avengers spin-off Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Now we have Marvel’s Jessica Jones, a series aligned somewhat to yet another Marvel TV property, Daredevil.

Jessica Jones, like many of its stablemates is set in New York City, specifically in Hell’s Kitchen (as is Daredevil). There are a few references to other characters and events in the so-called Marvel Cinematic Universe (™ – I have no rights), but it tends to sit pretty much on its own. That said, Marvel have announced a separate series for the character Luke Cage, who appears in this series; making that new series (slated for later this year) technically yet another spin-off.

Enough then about spin-offs. Jessica Jones follows the adventures – although travails might be a better word – of the titular character, played by Krysten Ritter. Although it takes a while to get there, we eventually discover that Jones was once a superhero, but gave it up to become a private detective. The reasons for this are also pretty shadowy at first, but they have something to do with a man named Kilgrave (David Tennant), a Brit with the frightening power to control minds and force people to do his bidding.

In the pilot episode, Jones is hired to find a missing girl, Hope Shlottman (Erin Moriarty). She’s an all-American sweet kid who has mysteriously vanished from her university dorm. Her distraught parents hire Jones to track her down. Long story short, she eventually finds Hope; but it doesn’t end well for anyone. Jones quickly realises Kilgrave is behind it; and sets out to track down the psychopath. Along the way she acquires a sidekick of sorts in Luke Cage (Mike Colter), a local bar owner who also has “special abilities” and who is connected to Jones in a way neither of them can expect.

What sets Jessica Jones apart from other Marvel adventures is the distinct lack of super-heroics. Jones doesn’t wear a costume, a cape or even a a mask. Mostly she wears the same jacket-and-jeans ensemble, just like a regular person. She drinks too much, keeps insane hours and doesn’t mind letting fly with the odd expletive. In fact, it took a while to realise she even has super powers, although hers are kind of limited (basically a combo of enhanced strength and the ability to leap great distances). The appearances of superpowers – whether those of Jones, Clay or Kilgrave – are limited to the point of being restrained. The series therefore is far closer in tone to a crime story with touches of noir than a superhero adventure.

One other thing I like about this show is that it neatly straddles the line between the dark and gritty superhero genre (a la Gotham) and the bright and breezy (like Supergirl). The underlying material is quite dark, but many scenes happen in daylight and in locales around New York. It’s not all grimy alleyways at night; which I think also adds to its relateability.

Krysten Ritter (Breaking Bad) is note-perfect as the wise-cracking but deeply troubled protagonist. She makes the role her own, and delivers in every single episode. David Tennant (Dr Who) is her polar opposite as the suave but clearly psychotic Kilgrave. Australian Rachael Taylor (Grey’s Anatomy) also does an excellent job as Jones’ best friend, TV reporter Trish Walker; and gets a lot more to do as the series goes on. The same can be said for another Aussie, Eka Darville, who plays Jones’ junkie neighbour Malcolm with just the right nervous energy. Mike Colter (The Good Wife) packed on the muscle to play Clay but his restrained performance belies the brawn. Carrie-Anne Moss (best known for the role of Trinity in The Matrix, though she has an impressive CV) makes the most of limited opportunities as Jeri Hogarth, a lawyer who employs Jones’ services.

I possibly enjoyed Jessica Jones more for what it isn’t than what it is. Expectations of superhero shows can be thrown out the door with this one. Those who appreciate a good crime drama are far better suited to this series than comic book fanboys – and the show is all the better for that.

Jessica Jones is available in Australia on Netflix.

David Edwards