This week I finally caught up with the show Jessica Jones.
The main reason was because I had been told by so many people that I need to watch it in order to understand some of the other Marvel shows I watch, mainly Daredevil.
After watching all 13 episodes of the first season, I have come to the conclusion that Jessica Jones is practically a modern Shakespeare tragedy. Okay, it is not the same quality as a Shakespeare play, but definitely good in it's own right.
Now I will be honest and say that, at first, I was not too impressed with the story line and thought it a bit bleak. But, like many other shows after a few episodes, it grew on me.
After the first three episodes, I started noticing how miserable Jessica, the protagonist, is.
She never gets a break.
I also started noticing the tragic undertone that surrounded the entire show, and it was at that moment that I started thinking about the typical Shakespearian tragedy.
The tragic hero that undergoes a traumatic journey, pushing their limits physically and emotionally; the faithful companion, the forbidden love and the trademark manipulative villain.
Maybe that is why the show has been such a success. It's the embodiment of a classic, but with a modern twist.
While Shakespeare didn't have nor choose not to indulge in the magical world of superheroes and superpowers, the Jessica Jones Marvel creators had more to work with. They took the generic Shakespearian tragedy plot and applied it to their comics and show. By doing that, they ensured themselves some degree of success as well because almost everyone knows who Shakespeare is.
Jessica Jones provides the audience with something that not many "superhero" shows and movies have, and that is regret and remorse.
Jessica is a particular character, only because she has the characteristics of both a hero and a villain, and it is that constant inner battle that makes her such a compelling character.
The teeter totter of self-loathing and virtue mirrors a similar battle that is relatable on behalf of the audience.
Jessica's character is more than a superhuman in a tight costume, she is confused, insecure, angry and hopeful, all at the same time.
She's basically every 20 some year old out there, which is exactly what makes her so appealing to the audience, partly because we want to see if the universe decided to screw her over or if she actually defeats both her demons and those of the world.
Like Shakespeare, the season ends with a lot of people dying and the protagonist left to lick her wounds and move on with her life, and that is what makes it a modern classic.
