Ultimate Movie Marathon: Marvel Cinematic Universe Edition

This week Spider-Man Homecoming releases in theaters. And with it, comes the next installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. But the MCU is a complicated mess of movies, TV shows, and tons of overlapping story arcs and characters. Where should you begin? In what order should everything be watched? And how the frick-frack, paddy-whack can you keep everything straight?

In dramatic Tony Stark fashion, I present to the best way to watch the entirety of the current Marvel Cinematic Universe (aka the Chronological Order of the Universe*, not release date). So grab your snacks (blueberry?), your shield/hammer/armor/cape, and your best friends, and get ready for the most awesome movie (and TV show) marathon ever! (Other than watching The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings film trilogies back-to-back in one sitting, obviously.**)

*This is a rough order because technically there are prologues, flashbacks, and the like that take place before other parts, and there are also tons of overlapping scenes within the movies and shows, which would require pausing a film after five minutes to watch a different 5 minute clip to stop that and watch something else. Until someone puts together a montage of the MCU in chronological order, check out the full chronology list here for every moment in order.
**I say this only because I'm pretty sure it's impossible to watch the entire MCU in one sitting because there are 15 feature films, six TV series, and several other shorts and mini-series. And that's only what's already been released.

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Captain America: The First Avenger

MY FAVE FINALLY GOT A MOVIE. Not crying, not crying. Okay, I was crying about this like 5 years before it was made when all I had to go on was rumors!

Marvel One-Shot: Agent Carter

Apparently this is no longer canon because of the TV show. Since it's the reason we have two seasons of the TV show, you should probably watch it anyways.

Agent Carter Season 1 and 2

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Agent Carter takes on aliens, Hydra, and misogyny in the 1950s, while in heels and taking coffee orders. Honestly, I'm still angry this is canceled. There is no wrong with this show. Plus, Jarvis is just a precious cinnamon roll.

Iron Man

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Welcome to the world of Stark Industries. In which we are all introduced to Tony Stark and his love for himself. (It's kind of strange, but this is the only MCU film I didn't see in theaters.)

Iron Man 2

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Wait, this movie exists? I only remember Tony lounging in the giant donut. The rest is a blur from all the whiplash.

The Incredible Hulk

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Bruce Banner (and the Hulk) before his facelift. Learning to control the Hulk really changed him, eh?

Marvel One-Shot: The Consultant

The greatest crossover before The Avengers movie. (Also, A+ consistency, people.)

Marvel One-Shot: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Thor

Coulson is the best. (Also, this takes place, technically, before the end credits of Iron Man 2. But hey, it's hard to keep track of everything.)

Thor

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I haven't always liked the Thor movie, but then someone told me it's basically a Shakespearean play and then I had to rethink my life decisions. (Also: are we going to ignore that Tom Hiddleston played Loki or what? Because how. How is that the same man?)

The AVENGERS

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I WAS SHAKING WHEN I WENT TO SEE THIS IN THEATERS ON OPENING NIGHT. SERIOUSLY I ALMOST CRIED. THE GREATEST MOMENT OF MY SUPERHERO CAREER.

Marvel One-Shot: Item 47

No one remembers this because it's boring and had nothing to do with anything. Right? I mean, I don't... remember.

Iron Man 3

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This is my favorite Iron Man film. Except for the Mandarin plot line. That was terrible. But Tony and Rhodey and Pepper were great. It was all great. So many feels.

Marvel One-Shot: All Hail the King

I think this is the reason they stopped making Marvel One-Shots.

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: Season 1, Episodes 1-7

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The show we didn't know we wanted, but we are definitely glad we have. #CoulsonLives

Thor: The Dark World

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All I remember is the Ninth Doctor was a Dark Elf, and I just... okay then. And Loki. Gosh, Loki. (It's all about Loki. They should just rename all the films after Loki. Loki, Loki: The Dark World, Loki: Ragnarok. I mean, it makes sense, right?)

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: Season 1, Episodes 8-16

Man, season one was so tame. They just had to deal with things like hackers, alien technology, and Tahiti. Nothing crazy or creepy or soul-ripping. Well, except...

Captain America: The Winter Soldier

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Get ready for the Sebastian Stan meltdown of 2K14. Because it happened. "Til the end of the line, pal." *sobs*

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: Season 1, Episodes 17-22

THIS IS WHEN STUFF GOES DOWN, YO (and I officially sold my soul to this show). Seriously, don't watch these episodes until you've watched The Winter Soldier. Because things just got real!

Guardians of the Galaxy

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I can't believe this movie exists. I love it so much.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

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I can't believe two movies like this exist. Amazing. (And yes, GOTG Vol. 2 takes place in 2014. *waves fingers around* MATH.)

Netflix's Daredevil Season 1*

I HAVE FOUND MY SOUL. MATTHEW MICHAEL MURDOCK IS MY FREAKING SOUL.

*Note: Daredevil takes place sometime after The Avengers but before Age of Ultron, so you could technically watch it alongside Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., as it overlaps. But it's easier to just watch the whole season together.

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: Season 2, Episodes 1-19

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Okay, but this season was pretty dope. Things start shaking up when the Terrigen Mist goes off. They did good.

Avengers: Age of Ultron

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You were either super angry with this film or you loved it. There is no in-between.

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: Season 2, Episodes 20-22

"I see dead people. I mean, an army of metal men (aka AI robots)." And that's the extent of the S.H.I.E.L.D.-Avengers movie crossover. #Disappointing

Ant-Man

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Seriously, Marvel made a movie about a guy who interacts with ants. I mean, how does this movie even exist? It makes less sense than Guardians of the Galaxy.

Netflix's Jessica Jones Season 1*

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If you want to be creeped out by the 10th Doctor or you want to relish in your feminist power, watch this show, yo.

*Just like Daredevil, Jessica Jones takes place at the same time as the movies. It's hard to pinpoint without exact dates, though it can be concluded it takes place after Daredevil season one and before Captain America: Civil War.

Netflix's Daredevil Season 2

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Aka: I never expected to care so much about The Punisher. #Oops

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: Season 3, Episodes 1-19

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Inumans are e v e r y w h e r e and we realized Fitzsimmons will never be happy again. Never.

Captain America: Civil War

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Aka Captain America: A Small Skirmish. Still sobbing, though.

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: Season 3, Episodes 20-22

There was no repercussions from the whole Civil War deal. So you know, this is the moment when Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. breaks from following the movies because the movies didn't care about Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Jerks.

Luke Cage season 1*

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This show is empowering. You should watch. Plus, Luke Cage is smoking hot. *finger guns*

*Again, Luke Cage takes place as the same time as other installments of MCU but definitely after Daredevil and Jessica Jones and before Iron Fist.

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: Slingshot

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Apparently, this is a spin-off mini-series of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. I didn't know this existed before I made this list. Sooooo...

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: Season 4, Episodes 1-4

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When Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. gets even better. Who knew? I mean, really, though. Who knew this show would last this long and be this interesting? They dove deep in comic lore, which is fantastic. (Two words: Ghost Rider.)

Doctor Strange

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Prepare to be amazed. *waves hands around like the Sorcerer Supreme* Also the beginning of this takes place BEFORE Civil War, but the ending is after, so you know. Watch after.

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: Season 4, Episodes 5-15

Are you ready to be creeped out? And to lose your soul? Because: here you go!

Iron Fist Season 1*

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While I watched this show, I realized The Defenders was happening, and I internally screamed for 2734924 hours. Also, Danny Rand is a precious cinnamon roll that I want to protect at all costs. (No, no. It's not because he has a dragon tattoo on his chest. Why ever would you think that?)

*Iron Fist can be watched alongside season four of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., but for funsies sake, I put it here in the middle of season four. Gotta break it up. Just make sure you watch Iron Fist after Luke Cage and before The Defenders.

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: Season 4, Episodes 16-22

I haven't watched yet because Marvel has too many things to keep track of and I can't deal. But my sources say a lot of freaking crazy stuff happens, and it's good.

Spider-Man Homecoming

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Gosh, I'm so glad Tom Holland is our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.

Coming up next for the MCU:

The Defenders: August 18 on Netflix
*internally screaming for 347927538 years*

Inhumans: September 1 in IMAX, followed by the rest of the season on ABC in October.
I'm excited, but I hate how Medusa looks. Her hair... no. I'm worried.

Thor: Ragnarok: November 3, in theaters
I never thought I'd be so excited for a Thor movie. But dang son!

The Punisher: 2017, Netflix
Ben Barnes. That's all I care about. But also the Punisher because... well, see Daredevil season two.

Black Panther: February 16, in theaters
SO COOL. MUCH AWESOME.

Avengers: Infinity War: May 4, in theaters
Is this even real life?

...and more!

So far, we know a handful of other projects are in the works, including the Captain Marvel film, Jessica Jones season 2, Daredevil season 3, Luke Cage season 2, another Avengers film (Infinity War Part Two?), the Ant-Man and the Wasp film, Cloak and Dagger series, The Runaways series, and the New Warriors series. I've also heard they're already planning Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and a sequel to Spider-Man Homecoming.

Whew! That's a lot of pieces to the MCU puzzle. By my calculations, it would take about 173.2 hours, or a little over seven days straight, to watch everything, so if you're behind, you better get started. Phase four is coming, and you want to be ready.

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Five Reasons Thor Is My Favorite Avenger

I've been watching the Marvel Cinematic Universe ever since Iron Man was released on DVD. I loved them, but it wasn't until I first watched Thor that I really became an MCU fangirl. I loved the story and the characters, and I also discovered my favorite superhero.

Here are five reasons Thor is my favorite superhero and favorite Avenger:

1) His character arc.

I love story lines about fallen characters finding redemption, so that was already a reason I loved the first Thor movie. After being cast out from his home for actions which could have restarted an ancient war, Thor was faced with the dilemma of being in unfamiliar territory without his familiar weapon or companions and trying to rediscover who he is. The lessons and experiences stick with him throughout the rest of his series and the Avengers films.

2) His sense of humor.

Saving and protecting the realms is serious business.

But even heroes need a laugh now and then. Thor's sense of humor serves to make him even more lovable than he already is. He isn't afraid to playfully taunt his friends (or his enemies) or make a sarcastic remark. He's not afraid to laugh at himself either.

3) His heart.

Thor cares deeply about his family, friends, and people in general. It's part of what makes him a good candidate for leadership.

Also, unlike most of his teammates, Thor doesn't often hide what he's feeling (even though sometimes his enemies use this against him). Thor is a very open person. What I love about this, though, is the depth it brings to the character. It makes him real.

4) His sense of justice.

Thor has a distinct code regarding what is fair, especially after he regains Mjolnir. He has a new understanding of his responsibilities, as both a prince and future king and as a person. Before he acts, he now weighs the possible outcomes and what it will mean for others as well as himself.

5) His sense of wonder.

Asgardians are a very advanced race of beings, and while Thor is primarily occupied in protecting his people and the realms, he also has a strong curiosity about the worlds around him.

Even when he is on Earth, where much of the technology and knowledge is primitive compared to Asgard's, Thor is curious. If he doesn't understand something, he works toward learning to understand it. His curiosity also makes him a good teacher, willing to share what he knows with others.

Who is your favorite Avenger?

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What's So Great About the Marvel Cinematic Universe?

For nearly ten years, Marvel movies have given fans many things to love—including multidimensional characters, fantastic worlds, and gripping storylines. The Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to grow with this week's release of the highly-anticipated Captain America: Civil War. While this movie is the third entry in the Captain America series, it kicks off a new section of the MCU: Phase Three!

If you're not yet a fan of the MCU, now is a perfect time to find out what all the hype is about. Here are five things that make the MCU great.

1.) It's unique.

The MCU is one of the biggest crossovers in film and television. With the release of Iron Man in 2008, Marvel opened up a new door in cinematic storytelling. With the spinoff/crossover style usually only seen in television shows, Marvel's movies introduced individual heroes with their own stories and carefully wove each storyline together into what is one of the coolest crossover events ever: The Avengers.

The MCU isn't limited to just movies either. With four current television shows and more in the works, along with the growing list of movies, the MCU showcases multiple styles and avenues of storytelling.

2.) It's interactive.

Leading up to Captain America: Civil War, fans have been encouraged to choose their side and show their support for either Team Iron Man or Team Cap, just like the characters in the movie. It's so much fun to see which sides people are choosing and to discuss why they chose each side.

3.) Everything is connected.

The group of heroes who comprise the Avengers is an eclectic one—secret agents, a billionaire-genius-inventor, and a figure from Norse mythology to name a few—and at first glance, it's not easy to see what brings them all together. But every movie builds to the next, opening up storylines and revealing details that weave each story thread together.

4.) There are multiple genres.

Are you a fan of movies set in space featuring battles for planets and mysterious intergalactic treasures? How about a WWII action movie? A heist comedy where ants are heroes?

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has all of these and more. And with the growing lineup of movies and television shows, who knows what kinds of stories we'll see next? Genres, assemble!

5.) The characters are great.

The characters of the MCU are not perfect people but they are believable. The heroes have strengths and flaws. Some have a hero's background while others have less-than-heroic pasts; all want to change the world. They share a common goal, even if they have differing viewpoints and experiences. All of these details show us what each character is fighting for and why.

And this multidimensional characterization isn't limited to the heroes: Even the villains have won over the hearts of fans.

(Looking at you, Loki.)

Are you a fan of the MCU? Tell me about your favorite movies and heroes (or villains)!

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Essential Comics to Read Before Watching Captain America: Civil War

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Last summer, I took it upon myself to read through all the comics related to the Civil War story arc in preparation for this summer's upcoming Marvel film Captain America: Civil War. I like to know the original story of something before I watch the movie, whether or not it will have the same plot, characters, or ending. When it comes to comic book adaptations, it's hard for the movies to be exact every time. (I mean, look at Captain America's movies. Bucky is his lifelong best friend in the movies, but in the comics, he was his younger sidekick. It works both ways.) However, I still enjoy both formats, and I think reading and watching gives the superhero experience so much more meaning.

Thus, I've compiled a list of the Civil War comic collections that I think are essential to read before embarking to the theater for Captain America: Civil War. (I've even included publication date and the ISBN number so you can easily look it up through a library or on sites like Amazon.) While I would recommend reading through every comic related to the Civil War event, you should at least give these titles a shot! (No pun intended...)

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Civil War: The Road to Civil War (collection)
Published: February 21, 2007
ISBN: 9780785119746
The comics under the title Road to Civil War show the beginnings of the Marvel event. The build-up to the registration act and Tony Stark's support of registering superheroes unfold within this volume. Issues from the New Avengers, the Amazing Spider-Man, and the Fantastic Four draw the lines for the Civil War. While the movie will surely differ from these comics, it's interesting to see how the comic book Civil War fell into place. When all the greatest minds come together in one place... something will happen. That thing became the Civil War.

Civil War (#1-7 collection)
Published: April 11, 2007
ISBN: 9780785121794
This collection is a no-brainer. It's the heart of the Civil War arc as these are the actual issues titled Civil War. This seven-part series goes through the story line of the Civil War from start to finish. It hits the main points and wraps up the resolution. While it doesn't focus on any one character too heavily, it gives the overall story of the event and introduces the many different characters involved. And it will probably leave you a little sad since after finishing my only thoughts were: "Oh, this was painful."

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Civil War: Front Line (Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 collections)
Published: May 2, 2007 and May 23, 2007
ISBN: 9780785123125 and 9780785124696
Civil War: Front Line follows two reporters, Sally Floyd and Ben Urich, as they try to keep up with the Civil War. Coming from the news reporter perspective, these two volumes are definitely crucial to grasping just how far the Civil War event expanded. In addition, the issues follow the story of the only survivor of the crisis that caused the Registration Act. While he won't be in the movie, this collection dives into multiple perspectives on support and opposition for the Registration Act.

Civil War: The Amazing Spider-Man (collection)
Published: May 2, 2007
ISBN: 9780785122371
This collection branches from the main story to follow Peter Parker--the Amazing Spider-Man--as he chooses sides for the Civil War. The protege of Mr. Stark, Peter Parker is witness to the Registration Act's passage and his own decision regarding the act. However, the Civil War event digs deep into the complications of both supporting and opposing the Registration Act, and Peter Parker finds himself in the middle of the mess. This collection spotlights Peter Parker's personal struggles over the Registration Act, and it might reveal hints about the upcoming appearance of our Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, who will make his debut (once more) in Captain America: Civil War.

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Civil War Iron Man (collection)
Published: June 20, 2007
ISBN: 9780785123149
Civil War wouldn't be Civil War without Tony Stark. As one of the lead characters in the event, his story matters. This collection goes through his experience supporting the Registration Act and fighting against the heroes who have gone rogue. One of the greatest things about the Civil War event is that neither side is more correct or better than the other. Both sides have valid reasons for why they fight; both sides are right, and both sides are wrong. This is Tony Stark's side, and the entire thing is heartbreaking. Don't forget, Tony and Steve were best friends long before the Registration Act.

Civil War Captain America (collection)
Published: May 16, 2007
ISBN: 9781616878993
The other side of the Civil War deals with those in opposition to the Registration Act, aka Team Cap. Steve Rogers opposes the act and goes rogue, which leads other heroes to do the same. They form an underground team that works to help heroes who want to flee from the government agency. This collection follows Captain America's experience during the Civil War event. It's not always easy or happy, but it's just as important as Tony Stark's perspective. Both of their stories cross in the end, which concludes the Civil War.

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Fallen Son: The Death of Captain America (collection)
Published: October 24, 2007
ISBN: 9780785127994
It's no secret that the Civil War ends with the death of Steve Rogers. After several events, Steve turns himself over to the government, essentially calling a truce to the war. However, as he is escorted to the courthouse for his trial, he is shot and killed. This collection reveals the events leading up to Steve's death, the actual moment he is shot, and what happens after (including who actually shot him). Several issues also focus on reactions of heroes upon hearing of Captain America's death, which were both wonderful and heartbreaking to experience. In the end, this collection concludes the Civil War arc. Will the movie end in the same way? Only time will tell...

Honorable mentions:

Civil War: Fantastic Four--I left this out of the essential list because the MCU won't feature the Fantastic Four. However, their story arc was interesting because the team is split in different directions as a result of the Registration Act. This shows that even strong bonds were broken because of this event.

Civil War: X-Men--Again, the X-Men won't be featured in the upcoming movie, but it's still interesting to see how the mutants dealt with the issue. For the most part, they tried to stay out of it, which wasn't always the best option either. I suppose in every war there are two sides, or possibly three.

Civil War: Black Panther--While Black Panther will be introduced in the upcoming film, this story arc of Black Panther is vastly different than the one we'll get in Captain America: Civil War. For one thing, he's married to Ororo Munroe (aka Storm from the X-Men) in the comics. However, it's a solid story about how Black Panther works for his own interests. He didn't choose a side specifically (or at least not at first), which might just match the Black Panther of the MCU. (Again, time will tell.)

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There are many other stories that make up the Civil War event. It makes me a little sad that the MCU has decided to go toward the Civil War arc so soon, since there aren't that many established characters  yet (in comparison to the comics). Virtually every single running comic book character at the time dealt with the Registration Act in some manner. It was an interesting turn in the Marvel Universe when the Civil War erupted--everybody was affected.

Each comic series--whether the Punisher, She-Hulk, the Fantastic Four, the X-Men, the criminals of the Underworld, and more--gives a personal perspective of how the Civil War unfolded for individual and group of superheroes. Which side did they choose? What actions did they take? The Civil War event expanded across the entire Marvel comics, and it affected the universe permanently. I suspect the movie will do much the same.

(If you're looking for a complete list of individual issues and the best order to read them chronologically, check out this list.)

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What comics do you recommend reading before watching Civil War on the silver screen? What are you most looking forward to seeing in the movie?

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The Four People You'll Meet in Hell's Kitchen (Why You Should Drop Everything And Watch Jessica Jones)

For those of you who have been avoiding the internet to meditate on your own lack of super powers, Netflix released the much anticipated season one of Jessica Jones on November 20th. Who is Jessica Jones? She's the latest heroine in the MCU and an all around badass to the tune of "I'm a big tough girl, I tie my own sandals and everything." You may not have heard of her, but you'll not soon forget her.

Much like Daredevil, Marvel's first Netflix series, Jessica Jones takes place in Hell's Kitchen, New York and displays a similarly gritty tone. Hell's Kitchen is where more mature viewers flock when the bright costumes and dazzling CGI of the silver screen films aren't quite sating their thirst. Netflix is a safe haven for the darker side of the MCU but still possesses the good snark and sense of humor that make it unique from other superhero film franchises. The cast of Jessica Jones is in fact what makes it so wonderful, like the rest of the MCU. Here are four characters that will convince you that you need to give this series your time (binge watching it or otherwise).

And here we have the promotional image that's been haunting us for weeks

1. Luke Cage, AKA Don't worry about breaking him in half.

The hero we didn't know we needed...we still might not deserve him. 

I'm going to attempt to discuss these characters with minimal spoilers about the show itself, so sorry if I ruin anything for you. According to both the comics and television show, we know three things about Jessica going in: she is a former superhero, she's gifted with super strength and durability, and the identity of her love interest. We've been blessed with the wonderful being that is Luke Cage.

Luke Cage will be getting his own Netflix series in the presumably near future. If you've done any research at all, you'll know that this man is Jessica's potential future husband, therefore future father of their daughter. Luke and Jessica's relationship in the comics does a lot to demonstrate the true strain that the Civil War Arc has on a tangible level. However, in this incarnation, we get a picture of Luke and his life before Jessica, and it's quite interesting. He's a man that owns a bar in Hell's Kitchen with completely impervious skin and incredible strength. You will be enchanted by Luke Cage.

2. Trish Walker, AKA What's a girl supposed to do without her best friend?

At this point we don't know if Trish will become Hellcat, but she has potential.

In Jessica Jones, Trish is not only Jessica's best friend, she is her adopted sister. This means Marvel is keeping with the original storyline that Jessica is an orphan. Beyond that and despite their problems, even in their worst moments it is obvious how much Jessica and Trish care for one another.

Their friendship isn't overtly stereotypical in any way and it blows the Bechdel Test out of the water entirely. I really do appreciate Trish's complexity; she seems like an easy read, but she can be in fact quite the opposite. She is caring and selfless when it comes to Jess. She's willing to do pretty much anything for her in a way that shows how truly special their friendship is.

Trish's backstory also calls back to her origins in the comics as Patsy Walker. In the show, she is a child star that blossomed though difficulty into a talk show host with a secret Krav Maga hobby. In the comics, she was originally a light hearted Archie comics type character that was later reincarnated as ultra-feminist hero Hellcat. Certain events in this first season have left me wondering, could Hellcat be joining forces with the Defenders when they finally emerge? One thing is for certain, with a friend like Trish watching her back, Jessica is one lucky girl.

3. Kilgrave, AKA What the heck is going on?

I never thought I would be scared of David Tennant.

Imagine the worst ex-boyfriend you've ever had, now imagine that for the entirety of that relationship you were literally being brainwashed. So enters Kilgrave, or as he's sometimes known, the Purple Man. In the comics his powers come from pheromones, but it doesn't quite work that way in the television series. It would be too much of a spoiler for me to explain any further. But anyway, when I heard David Tennant was the villain, I paused. If he hadn't previously been Barty Crouch Jr., I would have fully expected Kilgrave to have been pulling some sick joke the entire time ( just say Allons-y and we're all good, right?).

Kilgrave was absolutely terrifying, obsessive, and twisted through and through. Honestly, this role left me a little worried for Tennant's mental state. Throughout the season, his presence, or even its possibility, was enough to make me jump. There's just something about the amount of cruelty and calculated grotesque action that made Kilgrave one of the best (read: most horrible) villains I've ever seen. His sick behavior makes Jessica's motivation to stop him even more enticing.

4. Jessica Jones, AKA The Lady of the Hour

This series left me wanting to make a million infinity scarves.

Earlier, I mentioned that Jessica was formerly a superhero. In the comics, her name was Jewel. As for the Netflix series, we haven't yet been made aware of her identity or the traumatic event that ended it. In the comics, it was Kilgrave and the atrocities that he made her commit under his mind control that effectively ended her career.

We all can't have purple eyes I guess?

One of the things I loved about this series, and Jessica in particular, is the fact that it realistically depicted mental illness without stigmatizing it. Jessica's PTSD is seen as just one more thing she has to deal with to get through the day. Various characters struggle with addiction, but it is never their whole being. Everything in this series is so meticulously intentional that it takes a bit to wrap your mind around all of it. Even places that Jessica visits early in the season are shown to have significance later on.

Since it takes place in the same neighborhood, there's even a bit of overlap with Daredevil. Yet Jessica holds her own. She is rebuilding her life by becoming a Private Investigator, and she's good at what she does.  Her character is portrayed as strong despite circumstances and a force to be reckoned with indeed--just ask Jeri Hogarth. When I finished the season, I had a feeling of complete pride. I think it must be the feeling guys get when they see Jason Statham do something super impressive on film. Jessica is an important character for so many reasons, and I'm excited to see her journey as our foray into the MCU continues, especially on Netflix. Just in case I haven't convinced you, here's the trailer:

What are you looking forward to the most in this new chapter of the MCU? Do you like the darker tone of the Netflix series being released, why or why not?

Be sure not to miss out on our upcoming episode recaps by Jaime and Sky!

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