Jessica Jones A/K/A My Hero
Jessica Jones season 2 drops today on Netflix! We’re currently working on a full Jessica Jones Fandom Forward toolkit, which will be released this summer (we have to watch season 2 first, obviously), but I personally can’t contain my excitement!
Before binging the new season, I want to go over some of the reasons why I loved the first season and am SO excited for season 2.
- Badass women!
Jessica Jones (Krysten Ritter) is a badass private detective with super powers. Her best friend and foster sister Trish Walker (Rachael Taylor) is a successful radio host. Jessica occasionally works for Jeri Hogarth (Carrie-Anne Moss), a powerful lawyer. The show is full of women who are interesting, flawed, complex, caring — women who are more than side characters and love interests.
2. Women behind the camera!
There aren’t enough women in TV production — and it’s not due to lack of trying. According to Women and Hollywood, “Women comprised 28% of all creators, directors, writers, producers, executive producers, editors, and directors of photography working on broadcast network, cable, and streaming programs [in the 2016–2017 season].” Only 28%!
Thankfully, Melissa Rosenberg is the showrunner for Jessica Jones. And every episode of season 2 will be directed by women! This is huge progress — progress that was possibly inspired by Ava DuVernay’s decision to hire only female directors for Queen Sugar.
Directors of Jessica Jones Season 2: Anna Foerster, Minkie Spiro, Mairzee Almas, Deborah Chow, Millicent Shelton, Jet Wilkinson, Jennifer Getzinger, Zetna Fuentes, Rosemary Rodriguez, Neasa Hardiman, Jennifer Lynch, Liz Friedlander, and Uta Briesewitz
3. Thoughtful portrayal of trauma
Jessica Jones has one of the best depictions of trauma that I’ve ever seen. We meet Jessica after she’s left her abuser (Killgrave) but we see her dealing with the lasting effects of trauma. However — there are no sexual assault scenes (even in flashbacks), the villain (Killgrave) doesn’t receive redemption, and Jessica doesn’t allow her abuser to gaslight her into saying she was to blame.
Like many survivors of abuse, Jessica is suffering from PTSD. There is no quick fix or correct way to process trauma. I am tired of seeing sexual violence used as a quick plot point or as negative consequences for a character’s actions. Jessica Jones gives audiences a story about a strong, badass woman who (like many others) is living life after trauma.
Talk It Out
What is your favorite show? How many women write or direct for it? How many people of color? How do you think the effects the show?
Why is representation in TV important to you?
How have other shows portrayed domestic violence and/or sexual assault?How have they been different or similar to Jessica Jones?
Take Action
Donate time, money, or resources to local domestic violence organizations
Volunteer with or fundraise for organizations like RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), National Domestic Violence Hotline, or End Rape on Campus
Contact your representatives and urge them to end the rape kit backlog
Resources
Women and Hollywood TV Statistics via Women and Hollywood
MARVEL SHOW “JESSICA JONES” NAMES A MOST EVIL VILLAIN: ABUSE via Bitch Media
Women’s Media Center Reports via Women’s Media Center
What Is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder? via National Institute of Mental Health
Gaslighting Is a Common Victim-Blaming Abuse Tactic — Here Are 4 Ways to Recognize It in Your Life via Everyday Feminism
Why Ava DuVernay hired only female directors for her new TV show ‘Queen Sugar’ via Washington Post
Fandom Forward is a program of the Harry Potter Alliance. We help you bring fan activism to your favorite fandoms with free toolkits and activities to use in your chapters, with your friends, in your classrooms, at your libraries, on your own. Find full toolkits at thehpalliance.org/fandomforward.
For more info, email us at fandomforward@thehpalliance.org
