Harry Bosch
Contributor
Jessica Jones - 8/10
This is not your typical superhero fare. Without giving away too much, it is about a former budding superhero who quickly got in way over her head, and paid a very steep price for it. After getting free from the villain who made her pay that price, she then descended into alcoholism and self loathing. The series picks up at that point, and she is now a private detective, who begins to realize that the villain is still alive, and actively pursuing her again.
It is all very well done, as is expected from the current Marvel films and television, especially the Netflix series'. Though I was vaguely aware of Jessica Jones, mainly from her brief appearances in the Avengers comics, and her relationship with Luke Cage, I had never read the comics that delved into her back story. The plot never goes exactly where you think it will, at least not as of half way through the first season (only season so far). It is very dark, and obviously inspired by film noir. It's not dark humor, like Deadpool, and in no way can it be called a 'fun' series. The tones are very serious and depressing, though not without the occasional laugh here and there.
I delayed watching this for a while, as Jessica Jones is the one Defenders character that I never had that much interest in before. I really just wanted to watch it before Luke Cage is released later this month, as I knew he appeared in the series, and there would be a connection there. I was surprised by how much Luke Cage does appear in this series, it isn't just the occasional cameo that I had expected, he is really integral to the story and Jones' self loathing aspect.
Some may be turned off by the very mature themes presented. One of my co-workers certainly was. He is not quite as much of a comic book geek as I am, but we do tend to geek out together a lot. He is a bit more straight-laced than I, however, and tends to watch TV with his two teen-aged girls, so I can understand where he is coming from. Be warned, if you don't want to be confronted with themes of addiction, mind control, rape, lesbianism, and just sex in general, stay away. Otherwise, this is a great series, and highly recommended.
Totally agreed. Great show. Loved it.