The final series of Jessica Jones answers the biggest question that spanned the Netflix Marvel Universe: What is a hero?
Over three seasons, JJ has been a show that expertly explores duality. Season three leans into this theme even further, incorporating the modern political landscape. Not only does the writing weigh Jones (Krysten Ritter) and her best friend, Trish (Rachael Taylor) as two sides of the same coin, it expands the narrative. The final 13 episodes look at cheaters vs. those who play by the rules, mothers and daughters, and humans vs. superhumans.
Is Jessica Jones a Hero?
Jessica has been labeled a hero on and off again throughout the series. It’s a title she is reluctant to embrace, but her actions have brought on several times. While she shuns the idea, Trish leans fully into her new powers, desperate to become a superhero and to overcome the child star persona that has followed her for years. Jessica tries to avoid the spotlight but finds out exactly why other supers like Daredevil go to great lengths to hide their identities.
Is Jessica Jones a Villain?
JJ has heavily explored the concept of mind games, perhaps never better than in Season One. David Tennant’s version of Kilgrave. Season Three introduces Gregory Sallinger (dig deep and you’ll find him as one of the villains taking on the moniker of Foolkiller in the comics.) Sallinger is a human purist who frames supers as the enemies of humanity. Through manipulation, he makes Jessica look like the villain to the public. Sallinger himself is a serial killer who sees his work as righteous. (Showrunner Melissa Rosenberg was a producer on Showtime’s Dexter for several years.)
What is Jessica Jones’ Mission?
This is a question that Jessica herself has to answer. From a day to day perspective, it’s to get drunk and use her private investigation agency to help the little guys. Season three sees her continue her attempt to discover where she fits in the bigger picture. Jessica gets an actual end to her series, unlike the other Marvel Netflix shows that were canceled without notice. The finale’ will leave some viewers dissatisfied but it is an ending for Jessica Jones, Ritter, Rosenberg and all of the characters.
Conclusion
Jessica Jones’ was a show that debuted out of nowhere and really surprised audiences with its first season. It was heavy material, centered around a broken antihero coming from a defeated mindset. Season Three is a well written wrapup to the series that completes character arcs for most of the supporting cast. It’s an above average conclusion to a very fine series that will be missed.
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