Jessica Jones is a Marvel series on Netflix that has made some news lately with it’s decision to use only female directors on the set of Season 2. What could be viewed as a publicity stunt from a cynical perspective was really just about inclusion. The show runner, Melissa Rosenberg initially wanted to include “more” female directors, but was pushed to further use them on all 13 episodes by Netflix’s vice president for original series, Allie Goss. [1]
This makes for an incredibly interesting situation. As a viewer, I’ll admit that it’s both surprising and unsurprising while watching the series. On the one hand, it’s completely unnoticeable. Meaning, the action is hard hitting, with as much punch and innovation as any Marvel show from Daredevil to The Punisher. Blood is spilled and people are flung mercilessly through walls and windows alike.
But something else comes out in this series, that was a surprising realization. I found myself more connected to the relationships throughout the series, and what’s more, saw relationship dynamics that I had never really explored before. The series does an incredible job playing out situations like: plutonic friendship, complicated sisters, mother daughter anger and forgiveness, non-pornographic lesbian sexual pursuit, and males in positions of power respecting and supporting women. It was truly refreshing to see non-stereotypical conclusions to storylines that at first glance seemed like well-trod ground.
I have no intention of revealing any spoilers by giving examples here, so I’ll leave it with this. Go watch this awesome “superhero” series. And enjoy the hell out of the heart that it is infused with by these talented directors (who all happen to be female.)
[1] https://www.themarysue.com/all-female-directors-jessica-jones-s2/
