Three Options in Jessica Jones: Playing With Fire Episode 7

Jessica’s grim determination has kept a seemingly open and shut case alive in Jessica Jones: Playing With Fire Episode 7. Now she can’t seem to get it out of her head. Not until she solves it, at any rate.

The last episode brought Jessica to a new avenue of investigation. While she has not solved the case, she’s much closer than she had been. Now she’s facing down three options, all in hopes of finding out why one young man died.

Jessica Jones: Playing With Fire is one of three Marvel series currently available on Serial Box. Each Thursday, a new episode is made available, allowing fans to read or listen (or both) to her latest journey in this investigation of hers.

It Was Always Burning

Zoe Quinn took charge of the writing for Jessica Jones: Playing With Fire Episode 7. Here we’re presented with a version of Jessica, who is coming up against a wall. She desperately wants to solve this case, even when it is resisting her with everything it has.

Jessica’s frustration is palpable, especially in the earlier parts of the episode. That’s probably an easy target to hit, given that this is Jessica we’re talking about. Yet there’s a subtlety to it here that is impressive. Especially when in a combination of everything else Jessica is coping with.

One of the highlights of this episode is a glimpse into Jessica’s mind and psyche. While she is strong and undoubtedly stubborn, her character has a fragile side. It shines through at rare moments, such as the one in here.

Likewise, the evidence of her continuing attempts to help herself is refreshing. After all, this isn’t exactly a side that her fans get to see every day. Finally, the cameos really help to flesh the world out. Once again reminding us of the other heroes working alongside Jessica – even when they’re not always visible.

Narration

Jessica Jones: Playing With Fire Episode 7 was narrated by Fryda Wolff. As with the rest of the season thus far, she brilliantly brought the character to life. For example, Jessica’s frustration was evident through the writing along, yet Wolff brought it up a notch or two with her reading. It’s perfection.

The sardonic tone of the narration is absolutely on point with Jessica’s nature. For that reason, it has quickly become one of my favorite things to listen to on Serial Box, and with good reason. This is a whole new adventure with a favorite character.

As with many series, this one sometimes has sound effects to help carry the narrative. In this episode, they were subtle and sparsely used, but I think that was the right balance in this instance. None of it takes away from the intensity of the tale itself.

Conclusion

Jessica Jones: Playing With Fire Episode 7 was a tense read, no matter how you look at it. Jessica’s investigation has taken on a dark edge as she seeks to resolve a murder that appears to be anything but.

I may be biased when I say that I love this series; after all, I’m a huge Jessica Jones fan. But I honestly highly recommend this series to fans old and new. It lives up to expectations and does justice to this beloved character.

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.