"My greatest weakness? Occasionally, I give a damn."
This is not the expected attitude of any traditional protagonist, but main character Jessica in the Netflix original, "Jessica Jones," is anything but your average heroine or Disney princess.
The series follows an intricate game of cat and mouse, as Jessica tries to stop past abuser and current stalker Kilgrave from murdering others before he finds her. Unapologetic, ruthless and armed with an unhealthy affinity for alcohol, Jessica enters the Marvel scene with one hell of an attitude, a burdened past and a bleak future.
Her story is one of my absolute favorites on Netflix, TV, movies and even among some books. I'm a bit late to the party, but this is one topic I can't not write about and you can't afford to miss.
1. It'll snatch your to do list, hold your attention and won't let you go until it's done with you.
Sassy one-liners, twisting plot lines, scheming characters and gruelling cliffhangers are all dovetailed to create a show that is the image of a stay-up-til-3AM binge-watch. One of the most impressive aspects of the series is its strong characterizations. Each character is given his or her own personality and is fleshed out to produce conflicting motivations and dueling goals. Nonstop action and intrigue will have you racing towards the season finale and anxious for the second season.
2. The show has something everybody can love.
Characters and plot are the heart of any story, and "Jessica Jones" has perfected a mix of both. What more could any viewer ask for? Its name brings in the Marvel fans; film noir undertones will attract any old movie lover; mystery and suspense draws in the thrill seekers; beautiful filming techniques and underlying meaning will satisfy film critics. Because the series relies so little on supernatural aspects and well-known Marvel story lines, even those who don't like or have never seen the franchise will find themselves enjoying it.
3. No punches are pulled. No controversial issue is ignored; no sensitive topic is retouched.
Throughout the season, "Jessica Jones" does an excellent job at placing sensitive topics like racism, violence, abortion, sexual assault and addiction front and center. These topics affect all of the main cast, giving them the attention they deserve. Minorities of all types are showcased and given a voice on screen with portrayals that are more honest than 98 percent of other shows. Because of its in-depth issues, I have been able to write two amazing papers for school about the show on ideology and filming techniques.
4. It nails the popular anti-hero theme.
There is the growing trend of having morally ambiguous characters who could pass as a villain from another character's perspective. By now, we all know and appreciate that people aren't only good or bad - they're both. The series highlights this aspect as much as possible. Jessica could not be further from the unwavering and guiltless protagonist, but this ends up being a large reason viewers love her. It's her struggle to do the right thing that has everyone rooting for her to succeed.
5. Female empowerment.
"Jessica Jones" trail blazes how women should be portrayed, as they are only the second Marvel series to feature a female protagonist. Despite a bus load of unresolved issues and surmounting challenges, Jessica remains a persistently independent woman, who makes it a point not to apologize unless she feels it necessary. She adopts and maintains a dominant role from episode one through thirteen, despite every challenge Kilgrave throws her way. Because she agrees that "being a hero just puts a target on your back," she can focus on saving herself, a piece of advice more heroines need to learn.
If these reasons still haven't convinced you, realize that this show has received universal claim from critics and viewers alike. Unless you enjoy movies with wildly unrealistic characters, goody two-shoe main characters, and no plot twists, "Jessica Jones" is a must watch before the end of the summer.