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Everything Thing You Need To Know About ‘Jessica Jones’

Jessica Jones, Krysten Ritter
Netflix

Jessica Jones is the best addition to Hell’s Kitchen since Gordon Ramsay. Earlier this year, Daredevil introduced us to a darker breed of superhero shows and this fall’s Netflix addition to the Marvel universe only upped the stakes. Before you start binge-watching, here’s everything you need to know about Netflix’s Jessica Jones.

1. Jessica Jones is even darker than Daredevil

Daredevil received praise for its dark tone (thanks to its theme and visual style), but Jessica Jones pushes the envelope. In fact, Jessica Jones takes the envelope, throws in the garbage, douses it with cheap liquor, and lights in on fire. While Daredevil was more of a traditional action adventure superhero show, Jessica Jones is more film noir with a greater focus on the mystery which lends itself to a creepier show. The pilot establishes the tone quickly and clearly and Jessica Jones doesn’t slow down from there.

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2. Jessica Jones is the anti-hero we’ve all been waiting for

First appearing in the comic book Alias #1, Jessica Jones (Krysten Ritter) masqueraded as a costumed superhero named Jewel until she encountered Zebediah Killgrave (more on him in a second). At the start of the Netflix series, Jones runs the private investigation service, Alias Investigations.

Jones posses traditional superpowers like super strength and flight (or as Jones describes it “jumping and then falling”), but what sets Jones apart from other heroes is her sarcasm, tortured past, and understanding of her own limitations as a hero, “They say everyone’s born a hero. But if you let it, life will push you over the line until you’re the villain. Problem is, you don’t always know that you’ve crossed that line. Maybe it’s enough that the world thinks I’m a hero.”

3. Zebediah Killgrave is the most complete villain Marvel has ever produced

david tennant, jessica jones
Marvel/Netflix

Originally appearing in the comics as a Daredevil villain, Zebediah Killgrave (David Tennant) has the ability to bend people to his will with almost limitless power. For example, while eating at a diner in the comics, Killgrave commands everyone to stop breathing so he can eat in silence. While under the Killgrave’s control, Jessica Jones would be forced to watch as he would rape college girls that he had kidnapped. Killgrave would then force Jones to beg to join in.

Daredevil introduced us to a new breed of Marvel villains with complicated backstories and Killgrave continues this trend. The show’s exploration of Killgrave’s past and David Tennant’s performance (which is both hilarious and horrifying) lends a human element to this monstrous character.

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4. Luke Cage is a boss

mike colter, jessica jones
Marvel/Netflix

Jessica Jones features cross-overs with other Marvel properties including reference to the “Battle of New York” from The Avengers, but the greatest gift to the Marvel universe was the introduction of Luke Cage (Mike Colter).

Describing Cage, actor Mike Colter said, “He’s a neighborhood hero, very much linked to New York and Jessica Jones. It’s all part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe but Luke Cage is a darker, grittier, more tangible character than Iron Man or Thor. He likes to keep things close to his chest, operate on the hush-hush. He has these abilities but he’s not sure how and when to use them. He’s a very nuanced character.

Netflix’s stand alone show featuring Luke Cage will premiere Spring 2016 and will lead up to the Defenders mini-series starring Luke Cage, Jessica Jones, and Daredevil.

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