I can’t believe it’s been almost two years since the first season of Jessica Jones. Not counting her appearance in the Defenders, I had no idea how much I was “Jonesing” (get it?) for new episodes about my favorite brooding noir Marvel heroine. It’s really hard to believe that I didn’t even warm up to her for a full season. That is perhaps the true charm of Jessica Jones as a series. You may have to develop an acquired taste for it, but once you do, you are hooked. But does the second season leave me craving even more?
The season picks up seemingly not too long after the last one left off, despite the events of The Defenders taking place at some point between seasons. Trust me, you really don’t have to have watched the Defenders to watch this season, as they make very few references to it. Jessica (Krysten Ritter) is back to business as usual with Alias Investigations, her private investigation company. This time around, she has the help of her faithful assistant Malcom Ducasse (Eka Darville), the former junkie neighbor she saved in the last season. Things get a little more complicated for her when a string of violent deaths related to IGH, the lab that saved her life as a teenager and gave her powers, force Jessica to stop running from her mysterious past. Of course Trish “Patsy” Walker (Rachael Taylor), Jessica’s best friend, is still present and all too eager to help Jessica solve the case…as well as provide interesting stories for her radio show. I’m also glad to see the return of Jeri Hogarth (Carrie-Anne Moss), the shrewd lawyer from the last season, who seems to have one of the more important side plots in this season.
It’s hard to say much more about the plot or new characters without some extreme spoiling, (there are definitely some awesome twists), but I can say it is both weaker and stronger than the last season in different ways. This time around, there was not a strong villain present, unlike the charmingly evil Kilgrave in season one. The conflict is much more internal as the characters have to face a lot more of their inner demons. Almost all of the characters have major issues with self-control and decision making. I’m surprised to say that Jessica, while being as prickly, crass, and alcoholic as ever, is one of the most likable characters this season. Jeri, also has some of the best character development, probably as a result of her learning from her idiotic actions last season. Unfortunately, Trish, who was the most relatable character in the last season, really takes a nosedive in my character rankings. For some reason, she becomes obsessive, selfish, and downright stupid this season.
On the plus side, this season has a much truer “noir” feel to it, focusing more on solving a mystery rather than fighting a villain. I would like to see just a few more day to day investigations that Jessica solves, but the series is once again very determined to dive head-first into the over-arching plot. I am very happy that we get to find out a bit more about Jessica’s past. Probably my favorite episode this season, “AKA I Want Your Cray Cray” is almost entirely flashback focusing on a slightly less jaded Jessica in her early 20’s and a drugged out, party idol Trish. This episode is a prime example of what really endears me to Jessica as a character. Underneath the thick layer of surly meanness, Jessica is sensitive, lonely, and vulnerable. Ritter is once again amazing at portraying the duality of her character.
I would say that overall, this season doesn’t pick up until halfway through, but that was my same complaint about the last season as well. I think both are better upon a second viewing. While I don’t feel like it’s a huge flaw that this season doesn’t have a strong villain, I hope that next season comes back with a Kilgrave level nemesis for Jessica just to balance it out. I also hope that Jessica’s friends and allies step it up next season because by at this point, poor Jessica needs all of the support she can get. At the very least, season two of Jessica Jones has kept me intrigued enough with the show that I will definitely catch the third as soon as it comes out…whenever that will be.
