Daredevil: Born Again Recap: Bad Apples

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Without further ado, let’s get back on track with our usual narrative flow. Following the engaging one-off “Episode 6”, we delve once more into the continuing storyline, promising a thrilling climax for the remainder of this season.

Firstly, a new murderer known as Muse, who creates graffiti using victims’ blood and has claimed at least 60 lives for his artwork, is on the loose. Cherry advises Matt to leave this case to the authorities, but Matt is fed up with that suggestion, as are we. However, before he can decide what to do next, he receives some alarming news: Angela Ayala, Hector Ayala’s niece (the fourth version of White Tiger in the comics) hasn’t returned home tonight. Fortunately, Matt has a strong suspicion about her whereabouts; she visited him at work today and mentioned that Uncle Hector was investigating the recent kidnappings near the old Q line before he passed away. He believed someone else should continue his work, Angela said, and the police can’t be trusted.

Witnessing Matt opt to put on the red costume instead of dialing 911 and declaring “fuck it,” is a powerful scene, even for someone like me who prefers his black mask from seasons one and three of the original series. It’s satisfying to see Daredevil embody Daredevil once more, revisiting the darkness and roughness reminiscent of the days before Disney+. The image of Muse draining blood from a child’s leg on an underground table is undeniably unsettling. Despite Daredevil arriving in time for a thrilling confrontation, he ultimately lets Muse escape and focuses on saving Angela instead.

The influence of Muse is intertwined with Fisk’s strategies. Initially, the permanent murals by Fisk cause frustration for the new mayor, but they present an opportunity to turn the situation around. Prior to the NYPD, Sanitation Department stumbled upon a serial killer, casting doubt on the efficiency of the police force. Moreover, Daniel presents Fisk with photographs of victims situated near the graffiti, which serves as another insult towards the law enforcement and could potentially be beneficial.

In my perspective as a movie reviewer, Fisk masterfully employs these plot elements to introduce a chilling concept: an undercover taskforce of corrupt officers, devoid of body cameras or accountability. Among them is none other than the smarmy Powell, the very cop Matt once left sprawled unconscious on the floor. There’s also a fellow who apprehended someone giving drugs to an 11-year-old and apparently persuaded him to confess. The twist, however, is that these officers themselves transgress the law. They’re not just lawbreakers; they’re evil, even homicidal in their wrongdoings. I must commend ‘Born Again‘ for its persistent critique of law enforcement and police brutality, topics that were largely overlooked in the original series.

Regarding Fisk’s ongoing conflicts with vigilantes, his main focus remains divided between his personal life, particularly his wife, and the port project. After a botched bank heist in the previous episode, Luca visits Fisk’s office to dispute the $1.8 million alleged debt to Viktor. However, Luca’s demeanor doesn’t evoke much sympathy, and Fisk shows no mercy towards him. Instead, Fisk increases Luca’s debt to $2.8 million, demanding an additional million for himself. At present, Luca doesn’t appear intimidated by Fisk; he advises Fisk to stay out of the game and sends his greetings to Fisk’s wife.

Instead of promptly ordering Luca’s death, Fisk expresses his anger over the disrespectful meeting when he encounters Vanessa. For now, he hasn’t yet decided to get involved in underhanded dealings. That evening, he mingles with New York high society at an event, noting the parallels between politics and crime. Acquiring wealth and power involves manipulating people by giving or denying them what they want, thereby gaining influence. To Vanessa, who favors managing a criminal empire and remains doubtful about Fisk’s port plans, politics seems more about ego. While this might be true, these people control the city, regardless of their worthiness. In Hawkeye, Jack Duquesne (Tony Dalton) cautions Fisk against his preoccupation with vigilantism and disrupting the status quo, reminding him that the affluent socialites should not be underestimated. And one woman openly labels the port expansion as a scam, benefiting only Fisk and those he’s bribing.

In the end, Fisk goes back to Adam’s cell for the battle he yearns for, chucking an ax at his opponent and inviting him to do his best. However, I believe Adam would require a machine gun just to stand a chance in this fight, and even then, I’m not confident he’d survive. Fisk effortlessly takes charge, pummeling him mercilessly and tossing him around as if he were a doll made of rags.

David Boyd skillfully alternates between scenes of the scuffle and Daredevil’s confrontation with Muse, subtly conveying that Matt Murdock and Wilson Fisk have both returned to their former selves – the personas they attempted to abandon. This development is thrilling for us, but we’re yet to understand fully what implications it holds for them.

Devil in the Details

It’s enjoyable watching Matt discuss prayer, but I can’t help but feel that the program could benefit from a stronger emphasis on spirituality. His Catholic faith played a significant role in the earlier series, and its absence seems noticeable in this one.

In a single scene from the episode, Heather shares with Matt that her upcoming book will revolve around a vigilante theme, and audaciously requests an introduction to some of his former clients such as the Punisher or Daredevil. Wow!

• Will we see more of Duquesne’s Swordsman alter ego teased in Hawkeye on this show?

• I kinda miss Karen.

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2025-03-26 07:54