David Bridges
I have a rather shameful confession: I never got around to watching Netflix’s Daredevil. However, after experiencing the exhilarating Daredevil: Born Again, Marvel’s latest soft reboot of this iconic franchise, I realize I must quickly rectify that oversight. The new series has ignited a passion in me for the character and the world he inhabits, compelling me to explore the original series and its rich narrative.
‘Daredevil: Born Again’ trailer marks a bloody return for Matt Murdock, Wilson Fisk, and more
What makes Daredevil: Born Again so captivating is its ability to check off all my boxes for a superhero show, elements that I have found lacking in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s recent television offerings. The series dives deep into serialized storytelling, showcases relentless action sequences, and provides rich character development, especially for its central masked vigilante, brilliantly portrayed by Charlie Cox. While I do have some reservations regarding certain aspects of Daredevil: Born Again, particularly about Wilson Fisk’s (Vincent D’Onofrio) character arc, the undeniable truth is that this show has successfully transformed me into a devoted Daredevil fan.
Explore the Engaging Plot of Daredevil: Born Again
Charlie Cox in “Daredevil: Born Again.”
Credit: Giovanni Rufino
Daredevil: Born Again is quite accessible for Daredevil newcomers like myself, although having some background knowledge from pop culture can enhance the experience. Familiarity with Matt Murdock’s (Cox) abilities and his previous confrontations with Fisk will be beneficial, but Born Again does an excellent job of bringing newcomers up to speed with essential information without overwhelming them.
A significant aspect of this accessibility stems from the series’ approach in its opening episode, which resets many elements. Matt’s friends and law partners, Foggy Nelson (Elden Henson) and Karen Page (Deborah Ann Woll), make fleeting appearances before facing their own departures, each moment filled with emotional weight. Their brief presence serves as a necessary bridge connecting the original Netflix series to Born Again. However, their absence is profoundly felt throughout the season, particularly since Matt’s new relationships, such as firm partner Kirsten McDuffie (Nikki M. James) and romantic interest Heather Glenn (Margarita Levieva), lack sufficient character development. Even as a newcomer, I can’t ignore the palpable chemistry between Matt, Karen, and Foggy in their limited interactions! This only heightens my motivation to go back and explore what I missed in the original Daredevil series.
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While I adapted to the absence of Foggy and Karen fairly rapidly, longtime Daredevil enthusiasts may need more time to adjust to a show without their beloved characters. Daredevil: Born Again appears to understand this sentiment. In the very first scene, Foggy expresses his longing for the Hell’s Kitchen of yesteryears, declaring that it is “not nostalgia.” Instead, he speaks of a “reverence for the past, yet hope for the future.” This attitude encapsulates the ethos of Daredevil: Born Again, aiming to respectfully balance the significant figures from Matt’s previous life with the new developments on the horizon.
The most significant change? The absence of Daredevil. With Karen and Foggy out of the picture, Matt vows to retire his vigilante identity once and for all. Similarly, his nemesis Fisk decides to leave his criminal past behind and run for mayor of New York City, a notoriously non-corrupt position. For both Matt and Fisk, this rejection of their alter egos signifies a desire to pursue their ambitions via conventional means. However, as Born Again progresses, both characters are irresistibly pulled back into their old ways, suggesting that a return to their former identities is inevitable.
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The return to old habits may take longer than Daredevil fans anticipate. For instance, Matt doesn’t spend much time donning his Daredevil suit, yet this does not mean we lack thrilling action sequences featuring him. The tension between his genuine self and the ever-lurking presence of his vigilante persona is the most intriguing aspect of Born Again, as Matt grapples with the question of whether he can still make a positive impact without the aid of Daredevil.
Charlie Cox’s Captivating Performance as Matt Murdock Steals the Show, While Fisk Struggles to Shine
Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio in “Daredevil: Born Again.”
Credit: Giovanni Rufino
It comes as no surprise to Daredevil viewers that Charlie Cox is impeccably cast as Matt Murdock. His ability to embody both the charismatic flirt and the tormented hero is unparalleled. His masterful performance undoubtedly contributes to why I adjusted so swiftly to Born Again. Even if you are unfamiliar with or have forgotten the details of Netflix’s Daredevil, you are provided with an exceptional guide in Cox, whose deep understanding of Matt Murdock propels the narrative forward in a character-driven manner.
Regrettably, the same cannot be said for Fisk or his wife Vanessa (Ayelet Zurer). Their gravelly-voiced underworld dealings often feel misplaced within the context of Born Again, resembling a diluted caricature of The Sopranos. While Born Again clearly seeks to explore the tensions between Fisk’s new role as mayor and his criminal instincts, as well as Matt’s identity crisis, this ambition does not always translate well. Although some scenes, especially those featuring intercut montages of the two characters facing similar crossroads, achieve great success, the repetitive discussions of gang retribution and bureaucratic obstacles can bog down an otherwise dynamic show.
It’s no wonder that Born Again‘s finest episode is also the one that excludes any action from Fisk. This standout installment, occurring midway through the season, showcases a tense hostage situation that highlights Cox’s star power and reinforces the strength of serialized television. Other compelling narratives include the trial of Hector Ayala (Kamar de los Reyes), a man wrongfully accused of murder, and the search for the terrifying serial killer known as Muse. The Ayala trial allows us to see Matt in full attorney mode, while Muse’s chilling methods establish him as one of the most sinister villains in the MCU. Unfortunately, the Muse storyline lacks the depth needed to reach its full potential, but its brief moments are enough to cement Muse’s reputation as a truly terrifying presence.
Kingpin lurks in the background of these storylines, primarily to express his disdain for Matt and vigilantes in general. However, as the season progresses and their paths finally intersect, the show begins to lose its direction. Daredevil: Born Again underwent a significant creative overhaul during production, which might explain its somewhat clumsy conclusion, revealing the challenges of that tumultuous process.
Despite these issues, Daredevil: Born Again firmly establishes itself as one of the strongest entries in the MCU, largely due to Cox’s performance and some truly intense fight sequences. These compelling elements have successfully transformed me into a Daredevil fan without having seen the original series. Rest assured, they have motivated me to go back and catch up on the adventures I missed. If Daredevil: Born Again serves as a foundation, then I am certainly in for an entertaining journey.
The initial two episodes of Daredevil: Born Again are currently available for streaming on Disney+, with new episodes premiering each Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET.
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Ethan Carter
