- "Everything is terrible. Optimism is a lie. Expect the worst."
"Jesus, thanks for the pep talk."
"It's reality. I accept it and proceed accordingly." - ―Erik Gelden and Jessica Jones[src]
Erik Gelden is a gambler with enhanced empathic abilities that allows him to sense "the darkness" in people. For several years, Gelden used his power to blackmail wrongdoers for money; however, his dangerous lifestyle caused him to cross paths with Gregory Sallinger. When Sallinger attempted to kill Jessica Jones as a result of his blackmail, Gelden, who had begun a romantic relationship with Jones, felt responsible and helped her track down and imprison Sallinger. When Sallinger was threatened by Trish Walker who lost control and became a killer herself, Gelden assisted Jones in tracking down Walker, and once Walker was imprisoned at the Raft, Jones prompted Gelden to partner with Detective Eddy Costa to investigate and apprehend wrongdoers.
Biography[]
Early Life[]
- "Thinking about how my dad used to stay up late at night, helping Brie with her homework. Locked in her room. Father-daughter time. And it'd been going on for years. Then I cornered him, forced him to admit it. And the day they took him away my mother overdosed on pills. And Brianna, she blamed me. Said it wasn't my truth to tell. So that was the first and last time I used my power for so-called good."
- ―Erik Gelden to Jessica Jones[src]
Gelden discovering his powers
Gelden grew up in Georgia with his parents and his sister Brianna. One day while studying in college, Gelden starts gaining powers of sin detection. Upon returning home, Gelden discovered that he felt a surge of immorality emanating from his father. After realizing that his sister had failed school and stopped coming home, despite the fact that she had a close relationship with their father who spent nights in her room helping her with her homework, Gelden determined that his father has been sexually abusing his sister. Gelden confronted his father and forced him to admit what he did to his Brianna, resulting in his father's incarceration.
Unfortunately, after his father was arrested, Gelden's mother took her own life by overdosing on pills, this caused Gelden and his sister to have a falling out over Gelden exposing the truth which wasn't his to expose. Since that day, Gelden refused to use his powers to help people.[1]
Life of a Blackmailer[]
Deal with Blaskowski[]
Later in life, Gelden exploited his powers for monetary purposes. Gelden would blackmail people into giving him money or he would expose the truth, Gelden makes them pay for what they had done. Gelden became able to amass large amounts of money, which he used for gambling.
Gelden being tortured by Sal Blaskowski
Gelden emerged from underwater in a backyard pool. He came up 30 seconds earlier than expected and cost Sal Blaskowski $20 to Dwayne. Apparently, Gelden owed them money, and as punishment, they tied two weights to him and threw him into the pool. Sal then gave Gelden one week to pay what he owed or else they would throw him in with a third weight. He assured them that he would pay all the money on time.[2]
Meeting Jessica Jones[]
Gelden meets Jessica Jones
- "Some people might say that you lack a moral compass."
"I have never, not even once, given a shit about people like that."
"Wish I could say the same." - ―Jessica Jones and Erik Gelden[src]
Gelden met Jessica Jones at the bar and made a friendly wager that cost Jones ten dollars. He joked he had an instinct for idiocy. It was people like the idiots at the bar that he had never cared for, though Jones couldn't say the same. According to her mother, she cared. He could tell from the look on Jones; a face that her mother was dead, to which he offered his condolences.
Gelden making a deal with Jessica Jones
Gelden continued to share his view of the world with Jones, how everything was terrible and optimism was a lie. He accepted reality and proceeded accordingly. The two of them toasted to having low expectations. Jones then received her burger she ordered, which he would not allow her to eat as it was waste. Jones read him as a con artist, but he claimed to be a motivational speaker. He was very much aware of who Jones was and what she was capable of, yet he continued, even offering to make her a burger of his own, that he bet $50 she would enjoy.
Gelden having sex with Jessica Jones
Jones decided to take him up on the offer. They returned to her place, where they proceeded kissed. They were interrupted by a knock at the door. As she opened the door, she was stabbed by someone wearing a black ski mask. Jones, bleeding and wounded, shoved her assailant down the hall. She fell to the ground, and her attacker escaped. Fortunately, her neighbor came out to help.[3]
Revealing the Truth[]
- "Well, there's something else I should mention. I'm like you."
"Into burgers and bourbon?"
"Yeah, but also kind of... super." - ―Erik Gelden and Jessica Jones[src]
Gelden visited Jessica Jones at her apartment. She told him that she didn't have a spleen, though neither were aware of its purpose to begin with. He inquired about Jones' attacker, and she suspected who it was. He questioned what she would do with him when she found him. Jones, however, did not provide much of an answer. Gelden claimed that the real reason he stopped by was to see if she tried the burger. They still had a fifty-dollar bet on the line. Jones lied and said she tossed it. Jones later invited Gelden over and admitted that she ate the burger and owed him the fifty. As she spoke to Gelden, she had flashes of her attack. It was then that she realized she wasn't the target. So, she invited Gelden in, choked him up on the door, and asked why someone wanted to kill him.[4]
Gelden explained his story to Jones at her apartment. However, Sal Blaskowski wasn't the one who tried to kill him. There are others who he owed money to. He blackmailed them, and now it seemed like one of them was after him. While he knew they were bad people, he didn't know what they did exactly. He, like Jones, had powers. Gelden could sense the darkness in people. The things they had done, were doing, or would do. The worst ones had no guilt. The closer they were, the sharper the needle on the back of Gelden's eye. His powers were a nonstop migraine, relieved only by gambling, booze and sex. Gelden started from the beginning. He targeted three marks, slipping them anonymous notes, demanding pay. For all he knew, the money was still sitting there. Jones asked for names, addresses, and details so that she could look into it and check the drop sites for money. The plan was for Jones and Gelden to go see them, let them see Gelden, and watch for a tell. As for the money, Jones didn't care what happened to it. She only wanted the man that stabbed her.
Gelden and Jones hit the first drop site. She found the money under a trash can. Mark #1 was Todd White. He was an accountant with no family or priors. Jones and Gelden knocked on Todd White's door to see if he would recognize them. He did not. But while in his presence, Gelden was in quite a bit of pain, leaving Jones to question why White paid the blackmail. When he didn't answer, she forced her way inside his home, where she discovered that White was a child predator. She locked him inside a closet and called the police, knowing they would arrest White after entering his apartment and seeing what Jones saw. Jones and Gelden stood outside the apartment building until the cops arrived and arrested White.
Gelden and Jones hit up the second mark. After securing the cash, they went to his place of employment, an insurance company. Mark #2 was Reyna Pincer; however, she did not recognize Gelden. Jones informed her of the note that Gelden previously sent, demanding cash. Pincer admitted that she skimmed from their petty cash to pay for her mother's operation. Then, her funeral. Pincer had to sell her mother's wedding ring just to pay the blackmail. Jones suspected that Pincer was holding out and got rough with her. Jones proceeded to reveal to the entire floor that Pincer had embezzled millions from their pension accounts.
Gelden and Jones went to the third and final drop, but the last mark didn't pay. Jones didn't care as she was certain he was the guy they were after. Gelden on the other hand, had a bookie to pay and had the money to cover it. He told Jones that he tried it her way, to use his powers for good. But anytime he tried to make something better, it was always 50-50 he would make it worse. However, Jones was not buying into his excuse. Gelden argued that nothing they would do would make a difference. They could spend the rest of their lives stopping bad guys, and they would never make a dent.
Gelden arrived at Blaskowski's and gave her the money. However, Sal was not happy that he was a few hours late, saying it would be a bad word for business if she let him go. She then ordered Dwayne Blaskowski to throw Gelden into the pool, this time with three weights. Gelden pleaded to Sal, saying that would kill him, but she did not care. Gelden was thrown into the pool and tried to untie himself. Suddenly, a thug was thrown into the pool with him. Gelden used that thug's knife to cut himself loose. Emerging from the water, Gelden saw the woman who saved him. He asked who she was, but she told him to just go.
Jones came home to find Gelden asleep in front of her door. He told her about how Sal tried to kill him and that he was saved by the masked vigilante. Inside, they find the bag left behind by mark #3, Gregory Sallinger. The money inside the bag was covered with blood. On her board, Jones found a single dollar, with the word "hero?" written on it in blood on one side and "fraud?" written on the other. She saw now that they were dealing with a murderer, and he thought they had proof of it, which made them targets. Gelden planned to lay low while Jones dealt with Sallinger.[2]
Chasing a Killer[]
Gelden furiously confronting Gregory Sallinger
- "A smart guy wouldn't threaten someone that can put him in prison. A smart guy would know I'll rip his nuts out through his throat if he threatens me. You smart, asshole?"
- ―Erik Geiden to Gregory Sallinger[src]
Gelden exited his vehicle before he and Gregory Sallinger had a brief exchange of words. Sallinger was mad that Erik figured him out and wanted to know how. Gelden then approached Gor, a local pimp, and handed him some money. Gelden took Brianna Gelden, a hooker, inside a nearby hotel as he wanted to protect her from Sallinger. As it turned out Jessica Jones entered the hotel room to the sight of Brianna fighting Erik, who explained that Brianna, or as she preferred to be called, Berry, was his sister.
Jones accused Erik of being in cahoots with Sallinger; however, he explained that this was not the case. He was trying to get Brianna some place safe, and Sallinger got to her first. What Jones saw was Sallinger questioning how Erik found him. Erik stated that Sallinger slipped up, but it was Erik who left broken pieces for Sallinger to find, and now he was threatening Brianna. That's why Erik was out there. Sallinger was the first person to ever make him. He explained that normally he would give Brianna as much space as she needed, but not with Sallinger knowing who he was. As Brianna tried to leave, Erik attempted to explain that she was not safe out there.
Erik and Jones brought Brianna to Malcolm Ducasse for protection. However, Erik immediately felt pain next to Ducasse and was very skeptical. Jones asked how much pain, Erik told her a three out of ten. Jones then decided to go with her gut rather than his. They returned to her apartment and had sex together with Erik claiming Jones was like aspirin to him. Erik questioned why Jones was so invested when he was the one that found Sallinger. That fact that he was a serial killer was all Jones needed to know. After parting ways with Jones, Gelden returned home, where he was attacked by a Sallinger and rendered unconscious.[5]
Captured by Sallinger[]
- "I feel your sick, evil... the void, the hole of black shit. You're barely human."
"You're a cheater."
"Surprise." - ―Erik Gelden and Gregory Sallinger[src]
Gelden awakened in what appeared to be the kitchen of a commercial restaurant, mouth duct taped and hands tied. He struggled so much that he fell to the floor. Gregory Sallinger approached and told him that he was spoiling the shot. Sallinger ripped off the duct tape and explained that he usually did this in a private home setting, which Gelden didn't have. Sallinger explained that this was Gelden's photo shoot. Sallinger revealed to Gelden that the police had found his burial site for his victims, forcing him to move on. He wanted to witness the moment Gelden realized his true worth. He was crippled by good looks and charm, which afforded him pride.
He also teamed up with Jessica Jones, who had not earned her powers, to make matters worse. Because she cheated, they did Sallinger harm, which he claimed was unfair. Before getting started, Sallinger questioned how Gelden found out about him. Sallinger set a camera up in front of Gelden and began taking photos. The entire time Gelden was sitting in the chair, Sallinger was unaware that Gelden was breaking free of his restraints.
Still restrained to a chair, Gelden admitted to Sallinger that he took advantage of people, though Sallinger did not believe he regretted that. Gelden continued to talk in order to distract Sallinger while he broke free. He had many chances to help people but didn't because he was selfish. Sallinger was not buying it, so he cut Gelden. He needed an honest assessment of his falsity. The photograph was to be Gelden's apology. Gelden was visibly in pain. Sallinger noted that pain helped him focus. Gelden asked about his brother in hopes of distracting him, but Sallinger would not fall for it. However, Sallinger did reveal that his brother also wanted to be a photographer, and his father thought Donny Sallinger was a genius.
Sallinger then told Gelden that he was about to die. He was given every advantage and allowed to make countless mistakes. Everything was handed to him. Sallinger took another photo, but he was displeased. Gelden was still lying to him. As he approached, he noticed that Gelden became more agitated. And when he grabbed him, Gelden's nose bled. From there, Sallinger discovered that Gelden was powered. Sallinger grabbed Gelden by both sides of his head and demanded to know why this was. Gelden revealed to Sallinger that he could feel his darkness.
Sallinger made Gelden cry blood and wondered if that happened a lot. Gelden replied that it did not. It happened because Sallinger lacked empathy and was evil. Sallinger thought evil was the wrong word. He was asserting fairness in an unfair world. He was vengeful without pity, appropriately cruel. Sallinger believed that their powers made them cheaters. He had the only power that was not a fraud. As Sallinger got close, Gelden broke free of the tape restraining him and punched Sallinger in the face. He tried to run away, but was far too weak. He knocked Gelden to the ground and held a knife to his throat. Jones and Walker arrived just in time to save Gelden. After kicking Sallinger over the counter, Jones tended to Gelden.
Gelden woke up in Jones' bed to the sight of Walker at his bedside. He asked where Sallinger was, and Walker replied in jail. Gelden said that Jones saved his life. As did Walker, he recognized her voice. She had saved him twice now. He promised Walker that he would keep her secret and thanked her. Brianna Gelden then came racing into the room. She was grateful that he was alive. Malcolm Ducasse followed her in.
Jones returned to inform Gelden and Walker of the bad news, that there wasn't any hard evidence, meaning Sallinger would walk. Gelden wanted to get out of town, but Jones had a plan. They were going to get him on kidnapping. Gelden would make a deal in exchange for his testimony. He would serve a year for his prior infractions. However, Gelden would never survive it. He barely made it a day with Sallinger. He wouldn't make it through a full year in prison. Walker argued they would put him in solitary, and he would probably parole out in a few months. Still, Gelden refused. Walker, upset over Gelden's decision, decided to leave. Gelden apologized to Jones. Although, he noted it was quite the sight to see her bust in and save him the way she did. He finally understood why she did it. It was who she was. And not doing it would be a lie. She then joined him in the bed as he claimed she was like aspirin to him. As he held Jones close, he told her that Sallinger was only just getting started. He talked about all of them. The powered, who he referred to as cheaters. He claimed he would bring pain to power. Gelden worried that they might have unleashed him.[6]
Blackmailing Nussbaumer[]
- "I found three uncleared homicides on his watch. All drug dealers, all chalked up to street crime."
"It's his idea of justice?"
"It's his idea of a payday. He stole their product and their cash. Some of which he used to pay me ten grand in blackmail money." - ―Erik Gelden and Jessica Jones[src]
Gelden returned from taking his sister to Georgia. He was in Georgia when he turned on the news and saw what happened to Dorothy Walker. Jessica Jones and Gelden retreated to the bedroom. He wished he had agreed to put Gregory Sallinger away for kidnapping him. Then Dorothy would still be alive. He offered to help in any way he could. Jones needed help with permanently hiding Walker. The only alternative was to get rid of any evidence in the Nathan Silva case, to which Gelden offered his assistance in breaking into a police crime lab.
Gelden and Jones stood in the darkened corner near the grocery store waiting for officer Carl Nussbaumer. He stopped there every night at the start of his beat. He served twenty decorated years on the force, but he was also a murderer. Gelden found three uncleared homicides on Nussbaumer's watch. All drug dealers, all chalked up to street crimes. He stole their product and cash afterward. Some of which he used to pay Gelden $10,000 in blackmail money. Jones approached the officer and confronted him about his murderous behavior. He turned off his body cam and called Jones out, as he recognized her from the news. All Jones wanted from him was access to the crime lab in Jamaica, Queens. A clear path of entry, in and out, without a trace. Gelden roughed Officer Nussbaumer up against the fence after he threatened Jones, who reminded Gelden that they needed Nussbaumer. Jones forced Nussbaumer to find her away in or else she would expose him. Nussbaumer's shift ended at 2:00 am. He told Jones to be at the lab's loading dock at 2:45. As he left, Gelden explained to Jones that it was worse than before. Nussbaumer was still at it.
Gelden and Jones sat in a car by the crime lab's loading dock, reviewing the schematics of the building. There were a few stray hairs on the third floor of the building. They were all that was found on Silva's rotting corpse. They belonged to Sallinger and they would put him away for good. Gelden had no idea if Jones was doing the right thing, but he would see it through. He did, however, do the right thing once. Gelden told the story of how he got his powers. Jones grabbed his hand as if to comfort him. Officer Nussbaumer then opened the garage door and handed her a key card.
Jones made her way through the building and called Gelden for backup. Gelden, while viewing the schematics, told Jones to take the western stairwell to the basement, where she would find the sewer main. Jones used this to evacuate the people inside. She soon returned to Gelden having destroyed the evidenve. Gelden assured her that nothing had changed about her and that he did not feel any darkness.
The following morning, Jones returned to the hotel with Gelden, whom Trish Walker was not pleased to see, as she partially blamed him for her mother's death. Gelden came to apologize, but not only did Walker not accept his apology, but she also punched him in the face, and so Gelden left.[1]
Helping Walker[]
- "The pain is gone. In my... my head. It's... It's like the the world just changed. It's lighter. It's... It's better. And I can feel it."
- ―Erik Gelden to Trish Walker[src]
Gelden received a surprise visit from Trish Walker as she remembered that he said he wanted to make it right. She recalled that Gelden blackmailed people, and wanted to use that to repay a debt. She really wanted to go after Gregory Sallinger, but in the meantime, there were others out there who could still hurt people. Gelden could use his power to find them. Maybe Walker could save lives by taking them down. The look on Gelden's face, she could tell that someone came to mind. It was a dirty cop. Officer Carl Nussbaumer, he revealed. He was guilty of killing some drug dealers, who were really just poor kids. Gelden had a file full of proof; intel from illegal immigrants, ex-cons, snitches, none of whom would testify. Nussbaumer paid Gelden off twice, meaning he must’ve been guilty. Walker wanted to get him to admit to his crimes on video. Even if it wouldn't hold up, she would put it online to trigger an investigation. Gelden was reluctant but ultimately agreed and decided to join Walker on her mission. It was up to Gelden to get Nussbaumer to meet him at an isolated location.
Gelden and Walker reconvened that night before the meet up with Nussbaumer. He could tell that Nussbaumer had arrived as the headache set in. Nussbaumer entered with his gun drawn. He called out Gelden by his name. He had learned everything about him since their last encounter. Walker interrupted as she sighted the names of Nussbaumer's victims. David Corderas, age 16. Shot in the back of the head. Rui Avedo, 14. Hit and run. Marquel Booker, 19. Again, shot in the back of the head. Aaron Martinez, 21. Accidental overdose. As Nussbaumer proceeded into the abandoned factory, Walker disarmed him and took him down. He came at her with a taser, and she turned it on him.
In the midst of the fight, Nussbaumer no longer appeared as himself. To Walker, all she saw before her was Sallinger. She took the taser and hit Nussbaumer in the face, then continuing to site names. Tyrone DeGrasse, 19. Died in the back of Nussbaumer's squad car. Gelden recorded from his phone as this occurred. When Nussbaumer charged his way, Walker kicked him in the back and Nussbaumer hit his face on a steal beam and fell to the ground, where Walker ripped off his badge. Nussbaumer started bleeding from the back of his head. He died there on the scene. Walker was panicked, but Gelden found amusement in Nussbaumer's death. Gelden explained that the pain in his head was gone. It was as if the world just changed. It felt lighter and better. Walker and Gelden immediately vacated the premises.
Walker rushed over to Gelden's apartment to inform him that the cops suspected Jones of killing Nussbaumer. They couldn't let her get blamed for this. Gelden suggested that Walker rough up another bad guy to throw suspension away from Jessica Jones. They would time it so that Jones was someplace visible when it happened. And then Walker would tell her victim that she also attacked Nussbaumer, who would tell the cops. That way, Jones had an alibi and they could take down another bad guy. However, when their mark revealed that the masked vigilante attacked him and Nussbaumer, Jones would know what they did. Walker agreed to own up and take all the blame because at the moment, Jones suspected Gelden of killing Nussbaumer. She and Jones had already lost so much, she didn't want Jones to lose Gelden too. With a plan in motion, Gelden searched for their next mark.[7]
Gelden soon visited Jones, who did in fact think he did it. He assured her that he did not so Jones told him to get an alibi. Gelden simply said his alibi was that he was innocent and it should be hers too. She then checked his hands: no bruises. Jones wanted to help, but he said he did not need help. However, Gelden said he was glad Nussbaumer was dead, but he did not kill him.[8]
Walker looked over Jace Montero's file as she and Gelden scoped out Montero's latest project. Gelden explained they could frame Montero for the murder and justified it was okay because Montero had commited arson multiple times and had killed people in the fires. Walker thought that Gelden's power was amazing. He could change the world, but he simply wanted an alibi for Jones. What he would do after that, he wasn't sure. Walker and Gelden watched as Montero arrived on site. However, before they could act, they had to make sure Jones was someplace public.
Later, Gelden got a call gtom Walker who informed him of the warrant out for Jones' arrest. Walker wanted to go after Montero that night, but with Jones in the wind with no alibi, Gelden did not think it was a good idea. She reasoned that Montero would tell the cops it wasn't Jones anyways, even if she didn't have an alibi. And just to back up Walker's story, she planned to drop Nussbaumer's badge on the scene of the Montero attack. Walker wanted to meet across the street from the construction site, but with the possibility of the police watching Walker to see if Jones reached out, they decided to wait until the morning.
The following morning, Walker and Gelden were about to meet up as planned. However, as they were approaching the meet up spot from opposite directions, Gelden took cover and called Walker to tell her to keep walking as she was being followed by Jones. Gelden then called the cops in order to get Jones off Walker's trail.
That night, Walker barged into Montero's trailer and demanded a confession for the fires he started. Rather than confessing, Montero grabbed an aluminum bat and started swinging. Walker dodged his attacks, disarmed him, and then began to beat Montero until he confessed that 14 people died in those fires. She then mentioned how he was worse than Nussbaumer. She continued hitting him. Much like with Nussbaumer, Montero appeared to her as Sallinger, which only increased her rage. She only stopped hitting him after Gelden entered the trailer, but by then, it was too late as Montero was dead. Gelden left, as did Walker, but not before throwing Nussbaumer's badge down. As they were leaving the site, Walker asked Gelden if he felt it, if the world was better. From that, Walker believed she could make the world better, recalling what her mother once said to her of owing the world. While Gelden was done, Walker wanted to continue, telling him that she already knew who was next.[7]
Stopping Walker[]
- "I told her I wouldn't let her use my radar anymore, and she said she already knew who her next target was."
"Sallinger. He's in the hospital."
"If she kills him, she goes darker." - ―Erik Gelden and Jessica Jones[src]
Gelden went to Jessica Jones' apartment, but soon passed out. Gillian when she arrived and took him into the bath tub. When Jones arrived, Gelden informed her that Trish Walker had crossed the line and that she was in trouble. Jones had already pieced together that Walker murdered Carl Nussbaumer and Jace Montero with Gelden's help. Gelden explained that when he agreed to help her, Walker was clear of any darkness. He did not feel it at first, but then he did. He also revealed that when Nussbaumer and Montero died, his headaches lifted, as if the balance in the world tilted towards good. As for the headache he received from Walker, it ranked around five. Gelden did not know where she was, but they suspected her next target was Gregory Sallinger. If she killed him, she would only get darker.
Gelden went to Malcolm Ducasse for help at Jones' behest. She needed something from the two of them. Ducasse thought that Brianna Gelden had told Gelden that she was back in town, and before they could talk any further, Brianna came through the door with groceries in hand. Ducasse insisted that he was just doing her a solid, but Gelden was upset that she didn't tell him she left Georgia. He eventually got over it and the two shared a hug. Back to the reason that Gelden was there. Jones needed their help to save Walker, though Ducasse wanted to let the cops handle her. However, Gelden insisted that it was not Walker's fault and that he was being paid by Jones, so he had to help.
Jones escorted Sallinger home and waited for Walker to arrive. With binoculars in hand, Jones watched as Walker got onto the neighboring roof and looked through binoculars of her own at Sallinger's apartment. Jones hid behind a wall, so not to expose her presence. Jones then came up with a plan. While Walker was distracted, Ducasse and Gelden sneaked up behind and tasered her. After knocking Walker unconscious, Gelden zip-tied her, and Ducasse messaged Jones.[9]
Sallinger's Defeat[]
- "Are you saying I'm some kind of superhero?"
"On your better days." - ―Erik Gelden and Jessica Jones[src]
Jessica Jones had a plan as she figured Gregory Sallinger would come, so she set up a camera with Gelden's help. Later, Jones grew weak as Sallinger broke into her home as her alcohol was laced. When Jones woke up strapped to a chair, she manipulated Sallinger into saying he killed Dorothy Walker. Gelden, who was watching on the camera, came from out the room and assured that he had it all on video, before punching Sallinger. Afterward, Jones and Gelden ransacked Sallinger's apartment, where they found his server. Along with the server, Jones took the knife Sallinger used from his apartment.
Before heading down to the precinct, Jones and Gelden discussed their take down of Sallinger. Gelden questioned if this made him a super hero. Jones then got a call Sallinger, who was expecting to see her soon. He knew Jones had raided his apartment. He told her that his plan was never to expose Walker as it would’ve been too easy. Walker was a true believer and that kind of faith never went away. Jones would have to face the test eventually. He was eager to find out if Jones would make the sacrifice.[9]
New Start[]
Partnership with Costa[]
- "Erik Gelden? We have a mutual friend. She wanted us to meet. I'm Detective Costa. Jessica thought we could help each other."
"She did, did she? Red sweater, on his phone." - ―Eddy Costa and Erik Gelden[src]
Trish Walker eventually killed Gregory Sallinger forcing Jessica Jones to take her down. Gelden visited Jones and they talked for a little as Gelden said he was happy for the hero life. However, Jones said she knew he was a good guy, but could not trust him. Gelden understood and left to go to the bar. There, he was met by Detective Eddy Costa, who said that Jones recommended Gelden to him. Costa hoped that they could help each other. Gelden simply said the man in the red shirt behind them did something bad. Costa thanked him as Gelden left.[10]
Personality[]
- "You're a good man. I know that. But I don't trust you."
"And coming from you, from... a hero... that means only one thing. I gotta do something about that." - ―Jessica Jones and Erik Gelden[src]
Laid back, sarcastic and easy going, Gelden was able to charm even Jessica Jones upon meeting her. While largely self-serving and independent, he tried to protect those he cared about, such as his sister when she became a target of Gregory Sallinger and later on Jones.
Powers[]
- "I sense it. The darkness in people. The shit they've done, are doing, or will do. The worst ones, they have no guilt. What I see, I feel... is a void, a lack of humanity. And the closer they are, the sharper the needle in the back of my eye."
"Asshole radar." - ―Erik Gelden and Jessica Jones[src]
- Sin Detection: Gelden's power allows him to sense the darkness in someone, which manifested as a headache. The darker the person, the more negative the reaction Gelden gains, such as bleeding from his eyes and nose. According to him, Gelden being placed in prison would prove fatal, from all the bad people he would be surrounded by on a daily basis. If Gelden is unable to detect anything from someone, they are deemed good by proxy. He was able to tell Jessica Jones was troubled when he first met her, and his eyes bled from the intense darkness he sensed in Trish Walker after she killed Sallinger. Prior to meeting Jones, he used his ability to blackmail others for his own gain, mostly by getting money.
Equipment[]
| This section requires expansion |
To be added
Facilities[]
| This section requires expansion |
- Erik Gelden's Apartment: To be added
Relationships[]
Family[]
Allies[]
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Enemies[]
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Appearances[]
Trivia[]
- In the comics, Erik Gelden is a megalomaniacal criminal who possesses mental abilities heightened by his own inventions and is the first person to hold the mantle of Mind-Wave.
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Jessica Jones: 3.09: AKA I Did Something Today
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Jessica Jones: 3.04: AKA Customer Service is Standing By
- ↑ Jessica Jones: 3.01: AKA The Perfect Burger
- ↑ Jessica Jones: 3.03: AKA I Have No Spleen
- ↑ Jessica Jones: 3.05: AKA I Wish
- ↑ Jessica Jones: 3.06: AKA Sorry Face
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Jessica Jones: 3.11: AKA Hellcat
- ↑ Jessica Jones: 3.10: AKA Hero Pants
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 Jessica Jones: 3.12: AKA A Lotta Worms
- ↑ Jessica Jones: 3.13: AKA Everything
