Jessica Jones

Jessica Jones is a private eye story with superhero undertones, and the world of the title character—a retired superhero-turned-private investigator—is one of manipulation, loose morals and hard drinking. Far from being an Avenger, Jones (Krysten Ritter) is wonderfully standoffish and grimly honest. The opening episodes gradually introduce Jones’ enemy and source of her crippling PTSD, Kilgrave (played by David Tennant). Kilgrave’s slow reveal—much as in Halloween, Jaws or Psycho—builds great anticipatory tension topped only by the villain’s horrific violations of humanity. As stylistic as Agent Carter, Jones’ world is an ugly, cynical one surrounded by screwed up people who complicate her life with their guilt or innocence. However, the people in the PI’s life are more than minor characters to move Jones’ plot along. This is the series’ greatest strength—expertly cast characters across the gender, racial and sexual-orientation spectra growing and forming (or betraying) emotional connections with one another. Easily, one of the most humanistic superhero stories filmed in recent years.