Jessica Jones Review: AKA Top Shelf Perverts (Season 1 Episode 7)

Tell me, Jessica Jones: If I close my eyes and wish really, really hard for Kilgrave to stop being so creepy, will I get my wish?

Yeah, I didn’t think so either.

What if I close my eyes and wish for Jessica to handle her issues like an adult who actually has people who care for her instead of a drunk, angry shell? What if I just want her to use her brain instead of falling into a pit of despair and trying out the first stupid plan that comes to mind?

No, I get it. Where’s the fun in that?

This episode feels like the beginning of the end. And when I say the beginning of the end, I mean, the end of Kilgrave. Or, at least, I hope so. I’ve always been one to subscribe to the it’s always darkest before the dawn theory. And boy, is it dark right now. It’s pitch black.

We always knew a confrontation between Jessica and Kilgrave was coming. That was the whole point of the show, right? We just didn’t expect it to come in episode seven. Not only because it’s too soon, but, also because, if the confrontation is not the worst part of it ….then what is?

Sadly, I’m pretty sure we’re about to find out.

The good news? Simpson is outside the house, and he knows Jessica is there. He’ll presumably tell Trish. Malcolm can probably help. So can Hogarth, if she gets over being mad at Jessica. Luke is sure to come back. Not that all of them mean much in the grand scheme of things, not right now. Because, while it was scary to think that Kilgrave just wanted to control Jessica, to use her powers, it’s about twenty times worse to realize that no, he doesn’t really want to control her.

He just wants her.

Evil super villains in love are really and truly the worst.

Particularly when they’re this oblivious. The worst part about Kilgrave is not that he’s you know, evil, but that he really and truly doesn’t seem to realize he is. He’s so used to getting what he wants that he can’t even conceive of the fact that what he wants might not be right. He wants it, therefore, he gets it. There’s no inherent morality attached to it, because it’s not like he gets to hear no and learn lessons. That’s left to lesser mortals.

If you want to get to the heart of Kilgrave – and perhaps, the heart of evil itself – look no further than his slip while in the police station. Jessica is the first thing; excuse me, person he’s ever wanted that’s walked away. He corrects himself, but he doesn’t really need to. It’s clear he doesn’t see Jessica as a person. She’s just another toy to play with. The world is just his playground.

See? Scary. Real world scary.

Brace yourselves, people. We’re in for a world of hurt, starting next episode. But we’re only a little past the midpoint of this story. There’s still plenty of time to make it right.

Other things to note:

• I don’t really care about Hogarth’s failed marriage, but I realize the importance of this arc being given to her right now. I also love Carrie-Ann Moss.
• Who would have though I’d like Malcolm more than Simpson at this point? I mean, not that I hate the cop, he’s just ….well, boring.
• Trish is still my fave.

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Jessica Jones Season 1 is available on Netflix right now.