Netflix/Marvel's Jessica Jones Returns for Season 2!!!

Among the Netflix/Marvel superhero shows, "Jessica Jones" was the hardest for me to identify with. I guess that's because I'm a guy, and I'm more likely to identify with (aspire to be) Daredevil, Iron Fist, the Punisher...Power Man. What can I say? I'm not going to apologize for it. It simply is what it is.

In the same vein, Marvel's printed version of Jessica Jones never wowed me (too damn pedestrian), but at least the Netflix interpretation has a dark edge to it, which I do like, and of course, there's Krysten Ritter.

Ritter, to put it bluntly, is a looker. I thought so when she played Jane on "Breaking Bad", and I might add, she holds more than a fleeting resemblance to Barbara Steele. There's something about the long, black hair and those big, dark eyes that makes these stunning thespians comparable.

I only wish that, for the sake of Season 2, we might see Ritter/Jones in more fetching attire from time to time. I realize that the character's sloven semblance fits the downtrodden, detective mode, but a scene or two requiring her to don an evening gown or bathing suit would be nice. I mean, most women do sport such garments, and since the character does go undercover, doesn't it make sense to change her look on occasion? Also, I've a hunch that the writers (and the women assigned to direct the episodes) would have no objections in giving Jones varied disguises if the plots justified such, but hey, maybe I'm delusional, or at the very least, old fashioned. 

Also, it would be neat to learn more about Jones' superhero background. For example, what kind of flamboyant suit did she wear, what villains did she clobber, and why don't we ever see such in flashback? What's there to be ashamed of? Matt Murdock ain't ashamed to sport a superhero suit and kick ass; why should Jones be? Then again, many do find her unorthodox stance unique and as such, a major draw. 

As with other Netflix/Marvel series, there's lots of secrecy surrounding this new season. Will Mike Colter's courageous Luke Cage make an appearance somewhere within the 13-episode stretch? What about those rumors of David Tennant's mind-crushing Killgrave returning? Who, indeed, is the big baddie this time out? 

Ah, so many questions; so few answers...

But I suppose that's part of why I'll be watching. Curiosity lures me. It probably lures you, too.

"Jessica Jones" returns March 8...

THE DEFENDERS: NETFLIX DELIVERS JUSTICE FOR ALL!!!

Our Harlem/Hell's Kitchen heroes are back--Charlie Cox as Matt Murdock/Daredevil; Mike Colter as Luke Cage/Power Man; Krysten Ritter as Jessica Jones; and Finn Jones as Danny Rand/Iron Fist--all assembled and equipped to kick some villainous ass and of course, bring justice to NY's meek and downtrodden.

The highly anticipated “The Defenders”, based on the popular Marvel comic-book series, is Netflix’s reply to Disney’s "Avengers" and WB’s "Justice League". The tone here is of its own variation: vicious, brooding and (chances are) woeful. (Jon Bernthal’s Frank Castle/Punisher would fit right in, if not for his loner disposition, but give it time…)

For the sake of this series, our heroic collective faces a baddie named Alexandra. Folks are wondering if she's a disguised element of Marvel's vast lineage, but whether she holds a historic link (let alone rubs elbows with the opposing force, the Hand) shouldn't matter to fans of "Alien", "Avatar" and "Galaxy Quest", for she's played by none other than Sigourney Weaver. Evidently, Weaver's character wields lots of big-city influence, but has any officious, self-serving opponent ever halted our defenders? Then again, who knows what devilish plan Alexandra may be hatching? (Say, wouldn't it be cool if it connects to a character otherwise thought defunct...one perhaps played by Elodie Yung? Hint, hint...ha, ha.)

Though Weaver's enigmatic "queen-pin" and her resulting actions aren't to be taken lightly, advanced footage for the show does present some wry banter for our admirable quartet, so though doom and gloom may predominate, we might at least anticipate some sporadic levity.

For superhero/comic-book fans, this is a golden age, with live-action adaptations riding an all-time high. Some, however, would take delight in seeing the trend end, but I emphatically say to hell with them. “Defenders” is another welcome chunk of good-vs-evil escapism and another reason why Netflix is fast becoming one of the most reliable entertainment sources around. Hey highbrow HBO—ya payin' attention?

All eight episodes of “Defenders” will be queued for viewing on Aug 18. Engage, enjoy...defend!!!

Marvel/Netflix's Luke Cage Kicks Butt--Solo Style!!!

For me, Netflix's "Jessica Jones" seemed a backward way of introducing Marvel's kick-ass hero, Luke Cage: that is, I thought Cage (damn it) should have had a series first. However, Michael Colter's presence in Jones' re-imagined world proved influential enough to grant him his own series, which Netflix premieres this Friday (9/30). Its arrival has many fans rejoicing, and I dare say, I'm now included in that avid crowd.

As with other Netflix shows, "Luke Cage'"s cast is most impressive. In addition to Colter, there's Mahershala Ali as nightclub-owner/villain, Cornell "Cottonmouth" Stokes; Alfre Woodard as Cottonmouth's politician cousin, Mariah Dillard; Theo Rossi as slick baddie "Shades" Alvarez; Simone Missick as Misty Knight, a moral-based detective partnered with Frank Whaley's tough and cynical Rafael Scarfe. (Also, "Daredevil'"s Rosario Dawson will be visiting for a significant chunk of episodes.)

All thirteen episodes will be available for viewing on the first day of release, and as we witnessed in "Jessica Jones", Cage will be devoid of his '70s blaxploitation trimmings. However, the show's tone will still be action-oriented, though more in the atmospheric vein of M. Night Shyamalan's "Unbreakable": a formula also established in "Jessica Jones". Additionally, we're promised insight on how Cage's impenetrable skin came to be and watch him rise as a Harlem guardian. 

The Cage series demonstrates how serious Netflix is in presenting a Marvel equivalent to CW's DC universe. There seems little doubt that "Luke Cage" will capture the same successful essence of Netflix's preceding superhero shows and somewhere down the line, cross permanently into them. (Let's not forget that "Jessica Jones: Season 2" and "Daredevil: Season 3"; as well as the "Punisher" and "Iron Fist" series are yet on the way, just itchin' for some two-fisted visitors.)

Netflix Introduces Jessica Jones...

Gotta be honest; I'm not terribly familiar with Marvel's Jessica Jones, but that Netflix has branched out again with another comic-based series is just fine by me.

The alluring Krysten "Breaking Bad" Ritter plays Jones, a young woman with super powers, who's tossed flamboyant heroics to the side (at least for the most part) to play private eye. 

What makes "Marvel's Jessica Jones" all the more enticing is that tough guy Luke "Power Man" Cage (Mike Colter) is Jessica's spouse--well, at least in comic lore--and his presence, even as only a potential love interest, at least guarantees some serious two-fisted action. (Hope I'm not wrong.) 

Will definitely check this one out and offer my two-cents worth (and probably then some) accordingly...