A Noteworthy Binge: A Hell’s Kitchen Experience

Two vigilantes living within a four-block radius of each other – both fighting the underground evil living in the New York Burroughs of Hell’s Kitchen.

Netflix’s contract with Marvel Entertainment has lead to the creation of shows such as,  “Daredevil” and “Jessica Jones,” with “Luke Cage” premiering this spring.

Fans of Marvel, young and old, will find both of these shows a welcome distraction as we begin to approach the dreaded finals weeks.

Daredevil fights on the streets of Hell’s Kitchen after establishing a law practice and mastering his form of street fighting. He has been blind since childhood after rescuing a man from being hit by a truck’s radioactive material load. The truck overturned and the fluid leaked, entering Matt Murdock’s eyes.

After the death of his father at the hand of the King Pin’s men, Murdock began training in hopes of one day getting revenge.

Jessica Jones is similar in creation. She was a black sheep in her family and was the only survivor of an unfortunate accident: her father crashed into the bed of an acid truck. The fluid seeped into Jones’ skin and gave her the ability of flight, super strength and durability.

Once an adult, she decided to start fighting and became first the “Knightress” and then “Jewel.” Both attempts at heroism ended in failure when she voluntarily removed her mask to save young children. After this stint she was captured by “The Purple Man” (AKA Kilgrave) who mentally tortured and manipulated her until she was able to escape.

Haunted by the torture, she descended into alcoholism and began a private investigation firm. This is where “Jessica Jones” picks up.

In the comics, Jessica Jones and Daredevil often combat each other since their methods are so different. Neither character sees themselves as a hero, but know that they are in fact making a difference.

What makes these two so fantastic is the full picture of Hell’s Kitchen it creates. Each fights foes in their respective parts of town, but they hardly cross paths. While Daredevil is fighting the mafia, gangsters, kidnappers and the drug trade, Jones combats the extra-ordinary mutated or just “gifted” individuals.

Jones provides an interesting addition to the Marvel Universe; now there is a show aimed at a female hero with extensive emotional trauma and deep background.

Both shows defy the idea of Marvel’s classic hero. Maybe Hell’s Kitchen will be safer in the hands of two troubled individuals. Viewers will just have to see.

You will enjoy these shows if you enjoy the Marvel Universe but specifically, “Agent Carter,” “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” “Gotham” and “Arrow.”

“Daredevil” stars: Charlie Cox, Deborah Ann Woll, Elden Henson, Vincent D’Onofrio and Vondie Curtis Hall.

“Jessica Jones” stars: Krysten Ritter, Rachael Taylor, Eka Darville, David Tennant, Carrie-Ann Moss, Wil Traval and Mike Colter.