This Is Going to Hurt in Jessica Jones: Playing With Fire Episode 4

The investigation continues in Jessica Jones: Playing With Fire Episode 4. It turns out that Jessica isn’t so good at turning away from her case. Not when her instincts are screaming at her that something is horribly wrong.

The last time we saw our headstrong heroine, she was torn between letting the case close or moving forward with it anyway. Given what she’s found so far, there’s plenty of reason to be concerned. Just not enough evidence to bring to any proper authorities. Not yet, at least.

Jessica Jones: Playing With Fire is part of a series currently running on Serial Box. Every Thursday, a new episode drops, and it has been one heck of a ride so far. It’s the third Marvel series to hit the platform, and hopefully, it is far from the last.

Questions Batting On The Inside of Her Skull

Vita Ayala is still at the helm for Jessica Jones: Playing With Fire Episode 4, and I couldn’t be happier about that fact. The tension and pain are palpable in this episode, though perhaps not for the reasons you might expect.

One thing is clear; this is far from being the straightforward case that Jones had been hoping for. So far, we’ve been provided with ample reason to be concerned. Each piece on its own wouldn’t mean much, but together? Together they scream for attention.

This episode has truly honed in on the core of what makes Jessica’s series so brilliant. It’s raw and gritty and completely unafraid to show us the traumatic side of being a hero. More than that, it reminds us that Jessica is a person first, and thus she is every bit as flawed as we all are.

As a major fan of Jessica Jones, I’ve seen multiple ways the Purple Man infected her series. From the purple discoloration of a page to the hue creeping in on the edges of the screen. But never before have I actively heard the purple creep occur. Not until now. It was, quite frankly, harrowing. Even knowing that he wasn’t there, just his memory, it was still rough to see and hear.

In short, everything about this episode will leave you eager for more. I know it did for me. It will be a long week while waiting for the next episode to drop. A wait that will undoubtedly be worth it.

Narration

Jessica Jones: Playing With Fire Episode 4 is a dramatic and tense episode – a fact that the narration reflects perfection. Read by Fryda Wolff, Jessica’s case is getting deeper and darker. The concern rings clear in her voice – as does the irritation we know so well.

Since this is Jessica Jones we’re talking about, a fight was inevitable. It was fascinating seeing (or rather, hearing) how they enhanced her fight here. It was all very cleverly done.

The real highlight, though? The moment I described above when purple seeped into the narration to spine-tingling degrees. It was not subtle, but it didn’t need to be either. It was every bit as excruciating for Jessica as you might imagine. A poignant reminder of her past.

Conclusion

Fans of Jessica Jones should be checking out the series, mainly thanks to the events in Jessica Jones: Playing With Fire Episode 4. This is the sassy and stubborn heroine we love so much, and she brought all of her baggage with her.

This series is every bit as intense and dramatic as I had hoped, and then some. I’m still blown away by the creative team involved. That alone would be enough to get me reading (or listening) to this series. The fact that it’s following one of my favorite Marvel characters is simply icing on the cake.

This review was originally written for Word of the Nerd, but has been ported over to Quirky Cat’s Fat Stacks now that the site has shut down.