REVIEW: ‘Marvel’s Jessica Jones: Playing with Fire,’ Episode 6

Marvel’s Jessica Jones: Playing with Fire Episode 6 is published by Serial Box, written by Lauren Beukes, Vita Ayala, Sam Beckbessinger, Zoe Quinn, Elsa Sjunneson, and narrated by Fryda Wolff. This episode sees Jessica make her way to Brooklyn. Her goal: the Nova Naledi collective. As the former residence of Jamie’s, Jessica hopes she can turn up some new clue to the cause of his mysterious death. This is her best remaining lead since the Hellfire Club has slapped a restraining order on her and her investigation into Sketchy Steve ran dry last episode.

The latest chapter of Jessica’s story opens with our protagonist stuck on the subway. I have to say, I loved this. This all too human moment keeps Jessica just that: human. So often all the little things go right for superheroes. You never see the Avengers late to a showdown because the Quinjet is down for repairs.  Or Wolverine not being able to find a cab when he needs to get somewhere. And while I appreciate this is mostly due to a combination of time restraints within the average 24-page comic, and such mundane troubles can kill the power fantasy comics often aspire to, its always appreciated to see writers take the time to make their subjects that little bit more relatable.

Once Jessica arrives at Nova Naledi Marvel’s Jessica Jones: Playing with Fire Episode 6 hits its focus. And Jessica is as much out of place here as she was at the Hellfire. A beautiful space full of art, optimism, and hope. Given all the things Jessica has gone through in her days, it’s not surprising she doesn’t know quite how to handle this kind of positivity. However, even though Jessica’s discomfit is clear, the writing does a good job of letting Jessica process it.

It would be easy to let a self-proclaimed cynic like Jessica dismiss these young people and their hopes. Happily, this does not occur. Instead, she allows herself to feel the warmth of this place, even if she can’t bring herself to fully embrace it. I also like how Marvel’s Jessica Jones: Playing with Fire Episode 6 takes a moment to make a gentle statement about people with disabilities.

While Jessica is at Nova she meets a young woman named Michaela. She is hard of hearing and requires hearing aids and a special shaker doorbell for her room. Later on, while Jessica is questioning the woman who runs the commune about Jamie she is told that none of the kids present have any health issues, mental or otherwise. When Jessica points out Michaela, she is gently rebuked with, “Is deafness a health issue? I wouldn’t let Michaela hear you say that.” Jessica accepts the point and the reader is left feeling like she understands her error.

This small moment allows the writers to use Jessica’s character to show that we can all learn, and if we are willing to listen to others, grow. Even though Jessica is the hero of the story she’s not perfect. And while Jessica will be the first to say so, it’s nice when her actions are allowed to portray her as understanding that the admission doesn’t excuse her from needing to grow. This light moment was my highlight from Marvel’s Jessica Jones: Playing with Fire Episode 6.

While this piece of the narrative was the calmest one yet, it added a lot. It gives Jessica more understanding of the young man whose death she is trying to solve while giving her a chance to show who she is as a character. A break like this in an adventure now and then is always welcome with me.

Marvel’s Jessica Jones: Playing with Fire Episode 6 is available on June 18th exclusively from Serial Box.