Charlie Cox, Daredevil: Born Again
Disney+
After a long and winding road, the blind superhero Daredevil has finally made his triumphant return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe with the premiere of Daredevil: Born Again on Disney+. This revival comes after the cancellation of the original Netflix series, which garnered a dedicated fanbase over its three seasons. The new series, which features a two-episode drop, promises to deliver the same gritty and intense storytelling that fans have come to love, while also introducing new elements and characters to the mix.
Warning: The rest of this article contains spoilers for the first two episodes of Daredevil: Born Again.
The revival kicks off with a dramatic opening that sets the tone for the series. Matt Murdock (played by Charlie Cox), along with his friends Foggy Nelson (Elden Henson) and Karen Page (Deborah Ann Woll), is seen enjoying a night out after a long day at the law firm. However, the evening takes a dark turn when Foggy receives a call from a man named Benny, who is being threatened. Matt, using his heightened senses, overhears the conversation and rushes off to help, only to fall into a trap set by his nemesis, Bullseye (Wilson Bethel).
In a shocking twist, Bullseye shoots Foggy, leading to a brutal confrontation between him and Daredevil. The fight sequence, reminiscent of the iconic one-take scenes from the original series, showcases Daredevil’s raw power and determination as he takes down Bullseye. However, the emotional toll of losing his best friend leads Matt to abandon his vigilante persona, opting instead to work within the legal system to seek justice for Foggy.
As the story progresses, we see Matt trying to rebuild his life. He partners with Kirsten McDuffie (Nikki M. James) at the law firm and begins dating Dr. Heather Glenn (Margarita Levieva), a therapist. Meanwhile, Wilson “Kingpin” Fisk (Vincent D’Onofrio) has returned to New York with ambitions of becoming the mayor. His campaign is unconventional, but it proves effective, leading to his election by the end of the first episode.
The second episode dives deeper into the narrative, introducing a new vigilante known as White Tiger, aka Hector Ayala (Kamar de los Reyes). The episode explores the complexities of vigilante justice as Hector finds himself in a precarious situation after intervening in a subway altercation, leading to the death of a cop. Matt takes on Hector’s case, intrigued by the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Throughout these episodes, the series cleverly weaves in callbacks to the original Daredevil series while also establishing its own identity. The death of Foggy serves as a catalyst for change, allowing the show to move forward while still acknowledging the past. The absence of references to other Marvel characters from the Netflix universe, such as Jessica Jones and Luke Cage, suggests a fresh start for the franchise.
1. Moving On from the Past
Daredevil: Born Again acts as a soft reboot, incorporating elements from the original series without dwelling on them. The death of Foggy symbolizes a significant turning point for Matt, forcing him to confront his past while paving the way for new storylines and character dynamics.
2. Familiar Faces and New Dynamics
While the series largely moves on from previous events, it still acknowledges key relationships and rivalries. The ongoing feud between Daredevil and Kingpin remains central to the narrative, with their history serving as a backdrop for their current conflict. The introduction of new characters, such as Kirsten McDuffie, adds fresh dynamics to the story while maintaining ties to the comic book lore.
3. Supporting Characters from the Comics
The series introduces several supporting characters from the comics, albeit with some alterations. Heather Glenn, for instance, is reimagined as a therapist rather than an heiress, while Kirsten McDuffie plays a pivotal role in Matt’s legal endeavors. These changes allow for new storytelling opportunities while still honoring the source material.
4. A Nod to Spider-Man
In a clever reference, Kingpin mentions vigilantes in his New Year’s Eve address, specifically calling out Daredevil, the Punisher, and Spider-Man. This subtle nod to the larger Marvel universe serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of these characters, even if direct interactions remain unlikely.
5. The Introduction of White Tiger
Hector Ayala, the White Tiger, adds an intriguing layer to the narrative. In the comics, he possesses Amulets of Power that grant him enhanced abilities, and his storyline is expected to unfold further as the series progresses. The potential for character development and exploration of his backstory promises to enrich the overall plot.
6. The Punisher Connection
The appearance of a cop with a skull tattoo, reminiscent of the Punisher’s symbol, raises questions about the implications of vigilante justice in the current political climate. This element adds depth to the narrative, inviting viewers to consider the complexities of morality and justice in a world where heroes and villains often blur the lines.
New episodes of Daredevil: Born Again will continue to drop on Wednesdays on Disney+, promising to deliver more thrilling adventures and character developments as Matt Murdock navigates the challenges of being both a lawyer and a vigilante in a city rife with corruption and danger.
