The great thing about the Netflix run of Marvel series is that they are much more rooted in reality than their movie counterparts. They are still Marvel properties and characters with superpowers, but it is a look into what life would really be like if powered people lived amongst us. Daredevil and The Defenders are the most fantastical series, with both its heroes and antagonists utilizing powers front and center. Luke Cage is next because of its title character. We’re not even going to mention that other show. Jessica Jones has always been the series that is the most grounded, even with a villain like Kilgrave in the first season. The second season continues this trend, but also follows a recent trend that the MCU has been utilizing to great success. Their movies no longer are cookie cutter comic-book movies. They are genre films that happen to have comic book characters within them. Season 2 of Jessica Jones is an HBO-style family drama that could almost feel welcome in Shonda Rhimes’ TGIT.
This season is going to be extremely divisive for Marvel fans. Some will find the mixture of Jessica’s investigations with the dramatic plotline to be a refreshing inclusion to the Netflix Universe. Others will see it as too far a stray from the action and sci-fi/fantasy tropes that comic book fans are used to. Going from a storyline of trying to stop a terrifyingly amazing villain to the themes highlighted in this season is the a complete 180 degree turn. This season focuses heavily on the ideas of depression, post-traumatic stress, forgiveness of oneself and of others, and the aftermath of all the ills people deal with in their lives. Marvel deftly interweaves these ideas within the investigative storyline by juxtaposing Jessica's physical strength to the mental/emotional demons she deals with daily. Whether or not you see it as a worthy addition to Marvel’s catalog, the pros and cons that made you love or hate season 1 carry over into season 2.
Krysten Ritter is still in all her sarcastic, self-destructive glory. Carrie-Anne Moss is as savage as ever. Eka Darville’s Malcolm is even more charming and magnetic with the twice the weight on him (aka sober). Every other character (new or old) in the show is as take them or leave them as before, especially Rachael Taylor as Jessica’s adopted sister Trish. The show still drags on at times, but the writing is intelligent, and the story keeps you enthralled if you enjoy a slow burn. The “twist” midseason was pretty easy to catch, but the characters are ones you want to follow and care about. There are ups and downs of this series, and depending on your tastes you will stay through until the end or bail out early. There may not be an in between. If you enjoyed season 1, then you will most likely enjoy season 2. If you were lukewarm on Jessica's introduction, then you probably will not like what they offer you this time. Personally, I still watch 2 out of the 3 TGIT shows and am an avid Marvel fanatic. So, I enjoyed learning more about the mysteries behind Jessica and her powers. I give season 2 of Jessica Jones 7/10 shots of any alcohol you can get your hands on.