‘Daredevil: Born Again’ Is Brilliantly Intense: TV Review

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Over a decade since the Netflix premiere of “Daredevil” series, which spanned three seasons on their platform, Charlie Cox reprises his role as the sightless, masked hero in Disney+’s revival titled “Daredevil: Born Again”. This new TV show continues the story masterfully, focusing on a broken Matt Murdock (Cox), whose anger is growing and could potentially overwhelm him. Additionally, he faces the return of Wilson Fisk, also known as Kingpin (played by the captivating Vincent D’Onofrio), a powerful mobster who has recently been elected mayor of New York City. The “Daredevil” revival offers an intricate plotline. It demolishes the Netflix universe that preceded it, giving the main character and those around him room to evolve under the impact and suffering of the passage of time.

Initiated by Dario Scardapane, “Daredevil: Born Again” commences with some familiar characters. Matt, along with his longtime pals Foggy Nelson (portrayed by Elden Henson) and Karen Page (Deborah Ann Woll), depart from their law firm, Nelson, Murdock and Page. As the huge moon hangs overhead, the lively threesome make their way to Josie’s Bar for Cherry’s (Clark Johnson) farewell bash from the NYPD. However, the celebration turns chaotic all too soon. Despite Matt swiftly donning his Daredevil suit in an attempt to counter Bullseye (Wilson Bethel), a dangerous ex-FBI agent who wreaks havoc at Josie’s, taking lives as he goes – the night irrevocably alters Matt’s life forever.

About a year ago, Matt decided to start anew, leaving Daredevil behind him. He’s now co-founded a criminal law practice with attorney Kirsten McDuffie (Nikki M. James) and Cherry, who acts as the firm’s investigator. However, when he discovers Fisk has reappeared and aims to rule New York, Matt’s anger that he’s been suppressing resurfaces. Additionally, his budding relationship with therapist Heather Glenn (Margarita Levieva), who opposes vigilantism, highlights Matt’s internal conflict as he strives to remain in the light while the city grapples with crime and familiar foes like Frank “The Punisher” Castle (Jon Bernthal) resurface.

Throughout Season 1 of “Daredevil: Born Again,” Matt’s hesitance in combating crime outside the courtroom is a significant theme, but the series also delves into the ruthless tactics employed by characters like Fisk and his wife Vanessa (played by Ayelet Zurer). Their methods involve violence, fear, and an iron-fisted grip to seize power and manipulate public opinion. The show additionally explores the tensions in their marriage, which have grown strained due to Fisk’s long absences, political aspirations, and contrasting leadership styles. The performances by D’Onofrio and Zurer are so chilling that it remains unclear until the latter half of the nine-episode season whether they are cooperating or competing with each other.

Furthermore, since numerous events in “Daredevil” unfold within Gracie Mansion, the series masterfully reveals the decay of corruption and its rapid spread. As Fisk consolidates power, suppressing adversaries, promoting loyalists, and establishing an anti-vigilante task force consisting of some of the most corrupt members of the NYPD, his ultimate plan for complete control becomes increasingly clear, particularly as he manipulates innocent bystanders such as Heather and young journalist BB Urich (Genneya Walton) into his scheme. BB’s reporting paints a vivid picture of New York City as a central character in this series, providing an authentic portrayal of the city’s grit, texture, and citizens that make it so distinctive, especially when contrasted with the looming presence of a serial killer.

Although the majority of the series revolves around Fisk and Matt inexorably approaching each other, creators Scardapane, Justin Benson, and Aaron Moorhead intersperse moments of amusement. The fifth episode, which portrays St. Patrick’s Day, is somewhat independent from the main storyline. Although loosely linked to the season’s central events, Matt must decide whether to rely on his powers during a seemingly ordinary bank meeting that unexpectedly turns into a robbery and hostage crisis. As the episode unfolds, it becomes clear how detached he has become from his alternate persona’s moral standards and actions.

Instead of being mere repetitions of shows that have already had their moment, “Daredevil: Born Again” manages to stand out from the pack. The cast seamlessly embodies their characters, and the darker tone gives it an edge. It serves as a compelling demonstration of how to re-introduce a well-known hero while providing fresh motivations for him to uphold justice.

The initial two installments of the series “Daredevil: Reborn” will debut on Disney+ on March 4, with fresh episodes becoming available every Tuesday thereafter.

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2025-03-05 05:18