Jessica Jones promotional art cover for episode 209 “AKA Shark In The Bathtub, Monster In The Bed.” Photo courtesy of Netflix.
**This Article Contains Spoilers for Jessica Jones Episode 209 and Episodes Prior**
“I’m like my mother in one way…neither of us get a happy ending.”
There wasn’t any other way it could end for the two of them. While I entertained the idea of Alisa staying, much like Jessica, it just couldn’t have worked. We even got a glimpse of what could have been. The two of them working together to do great things, and help people. Oscar even gave Jessica the get out of jail free card for her mother. There was a way out. But if the episode showed us anything, it’s that Alisa’s corrupt and lost even when her anger isn’t there.
We were painted a better picture of who Alisa is. She isn’t as innocent as we were led to believe last episode. While she doesn’t have control over her raging killer persona, that doesn’t stop her from jumping to murder as a solution even when she is in control. With the Pryce situation, all she insisted on doing was killing him. A bit harsh I think, but it went to show Alisa’s true nature—or at the least the nature of who she has become thanks to Karl (intentional or not).
Jessica didn’t take this situation well. Her inability to solve her personal dilemma took its toll. Really, it wasn’t even her inability to solve the problem, but more so an inability to figure out anything but the obvious solution. That look in Jessica’s eyes every time she looked at her mother was tragic. You can see Jessica constantly searching for any possible way to make the situation work. Any outcome that will leave her with the mother she lost. Yet she knows it’s not possible. She just didn’t want to see it—until she was forced to.
J.R. Ramirez as Oscar. Photo courtesy of Netflix.
At least before their reunion came to an end, we got some final scenes as emotional baggage was unpacked between the two of them. Krysten Ritter’s performance was on point, as Jessica revealed how responsible she felt for the crash, and how getting rid of the ashes would be letting her off the hook. Keeping them was her penance, and a purposeful constant reminder. The whole exchange was impactful, and really helped illuminate all of the guilt and self loathing that Jessica held onto even before Kilgrave came into her life.
On top of dealing with her mother, Jessica also realized that Trish was backsliding. I am extremely happy that Jessica finally realized that something was wrong. I know she has been preoccupied, but they even made a point in episode 207 on how good she is at spotting when Trish is spiraling down the drain. The show did partially make up for it by making a point to show Jessica’s guilt for not noticing sooner, or even being able to be there for her best friend.
When it came to Trish herself, her storyline finally went somewhere this week! Even if it had to go through more scenes of her throwing fits, we finally got somewhere. Her inhaler has run out! Which is funny because earlier in the episode I had noted how long the inhaler was lasting. It came at a poor time for her, as she just received an opportunity to get her dream job. A chance to be Griffin. To be someone important, and be heard/seen. A chance that will likely be squandered as she goes through withdrawal, and becomes desperate for another hit. Could they use Trish as a way of looping IGH back into the picture?
Carrie-Anne Moss as Jeri Hogarth (left) and Rachel Taylor as Trish Walker (right). Photo courtesy of Netflix.
With Malcolm MIA, Hogarth got the rest of the episode’s attention. She persisted in her quest to get Shane, which led to her successfully getting him out of prison. In classic Hogarth fashion, she convinced Shane that he had no choice but to heal her. Carrie-Anne Moss gave an emotional performance as Shane under went his healing process. But did it work? Well it isn’t clear, probably intentionally. Either way this marks a huge turning point in her story.
The Jones family reunion came to emotional finish as Jessica realized that she couldn’t have her happy ending. With Alisa’s story seemingly reaching a closing chapter, I really have no idea where the rest of the season is headed. I don’t think that’s a bad thing though, because it leaves predictability in the dust and keeps me excited not knowing what could be around the next corner.
What did you guys think of the episode? Make sure to leave your thoughts down below in the comments! But please make sure to keep it spoiler free of any future episode information. For all of our Jessica Jones Season 2 coverage and reviews in one place, make sure to check out our HUB!
Bonus Notes:
- I hope Malcolm’s okay.
- Pryce using a silencer to not get any cops killed was actually a surprisingly logical idea. Pryce did kind of jump to 11 though didn’t he?
- Jessica mentioned Sterling! I figured they would forget all about him. One mention doesn’t make all too big an impact though.
Jessica Jones promotional art cover for episode 209 “AKA Shark In The Bathtub, Monster In The Bed.” Photo courtesy of Netflix.
Jessica Jones Season 2 is now available to stream exclusively on Netflix.
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