Daredevil: Born Again Recap: Blind Justice

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The storyline “Daredevil: Born Again” is structured around two inescapable patterns: Matt Murdock and Wilson Fisk will eternally embody Daredevil and Kingpin respectively. While change is possible for both characters, they’ll often fall back on their old ways when the new methods don’t succeed or simply don’t seem as satisfying.

In “Episode 4,” we delve into the underlying tensions within Vanessa and Fisk’s relationship: Vanessa’s infidelity serves as a challenge for Fisk – can he suppress his pride and learn to genuinely forgive her, a lesson he’s never encountered before? This is due to her painful memories of her father abandoning the family for extended periods to drink and gamble. She had always resented her mother for not stopping him, which made her own situation with Fisk even more intolerable. Seeking comfort, she turned towards Adam, an artist who operates outside of Fisk’s business and criminal circles.

According to Fisk, he and Adam had a conversation that cleared things up regarding how Fisk felt about Vanessa. Both of them informed Heather they were unsure about Adam’s present location. However, it is later shown in the episode that Fisk has imprisoned Adam in a cell, uncertain about his future actions towards Adam. Despite Fisk talking a lot about forgiveness, it seems highly unlikely that he can truly allow Adam to live for an extended period of time, doesn’t it?

The main point for consideration is if Fisk would ever harm Vanessa, something he had never done in the original series; since season one, she has been his weakness rather than an adversary for him. When Heather queries Vanessa following their session about her safety in her marriage, she asserts that Fisk wouldn’t hurt her. We’ve never suspected otherwise, but later, she confesses that she’s unsure if she should feel so secure. The arrival of Adam serves as a crucial reminder that this man remains both perilous and vengeful.

Observing Fisk in action as mayor isn’t quite as captivating as anticipated; it seems like the series is building towards something significant regarding Red Hook, even revisiting Foggy’s demise, but at present, Fisk’s plans for a port overhaul remain hypothetical. Despite his disdain for bureaucracy, Fisk occasionally heeds Sheila’s advice and follows due process. Interestingly, after Daniel’s blunder, Fisk deviates from his usual reaction and appreciates Daniel’s honesty and courage when it comes to admitting responsibility for the leak. However, Fisk makes it clear that such incidents should not recur again.

For the viewers, listening to Fisk’s team discuss permits isn’t particularly exciting. Instead, I found myself captivated by Matt’s growing involvement in vigilantism, a development that feels authentic following Hector Ayala’s death. This situation was meant to demonstrate Matt’s ability to succeed within the system, showing that the criminal justice system can safeguard innocence. However, with Angela, Hector’s heartbroken and furious niece who is aware of the corrupt cops responsible for his death, it remains unclear how Matt will confront her about this.

As Matt grapples with the previous setback, he’s assigned a new case for the week: Leroy Bradford, accused of petty theft for swiping caramel corn from a convenience store. It’s clear to everyone that Bradford is guilty – there’s video evidence, numerous witnesses, and a history of criminal activity. However, he’s reluctant to serve any jail time, even just ten days. He insists on nothing less than probation. It’s difficult not to grow impatient with Bradford, but the storyline uses him to convey a message: The system prioritizes imprisoning the poor over helping them break free from the conditions that drive them to crime. In fact, more resources are spent punishing him than the initial cost of the insignificant caramel corn!

In Episode 4, it becomes even more evident that the system is beyond repair for Matt, as Hector’s demise from last week underscores this fact. Upon discovering that Powell didn’t actually kill Hector, Matt follows a shell casing adorned with a Punisher logo to find assistance from yet another knowledgeable source on the system’s flaws: Frank Castle (the Punisher). It’s fantastic to have Jon Bernthal back in his role, as he truly captures the essence of the Punisher.

During Matt’s meeting at Frank’s secret location, he adopts a self-righteous demeanor reminiscent of season two, implying that Frank could use his abilities for benevolent purposes and assist others. However, Frank recalls the Daredevil from season two, aware that Matt’s aggressive side is still simmering beneath the surface. The conversation escalates when Frank brings up Foggy, who continues to exert a significant influence on Matt’s mind; Foggy was the factor that led Matt to abandon his role as Daredevil, but may also be the catalyst for him resuming it once more. In response to being accused of self-loathing and embracing violence, Matt strikes Frank, confirming Frank’s suspicions. He understands as well as Frank that if he does not address Foggy and Hector, and continues to function within the system, experiencing repeated setbacks despite victories in court, his mental health will deteriorate.

It’s fulfilling to watch him go back to that rooftop in the dead of night, grabbing his batons once more when he can’t rest. The sequence alternates with Fisk contemplating forgiveness to Adam, and the connection is just as evident as it was in the first episode. Matt can’t be Daredevil without drawing Fisk’s attention, and Fisk can’t be the Kingpin without catching Matt’s notice; these are two figures who will never fully escape their secret identities, and those identities will always clash.

I’m currently finding “Born Again” quite enjoyable, though I must admit that Episode 4 hasn’t reached the heights of the series premiere yet. However, with the dramatic cliffhanger at the end and the introduction of a sinister new villain who feeds on blood, it looks like the temperature is about to rise significantly in the storyline as we progress further into the season.

Devil in the Details

• “Could it have been a Skrull?” “Nope.”

Fisk’s uncomfortable responses to not just one, but two distinct versions of “We Built This City” – a poor kid’s choir and a performance at the Latvian Cultural Center – stand out in this particular episode.

Matt and Kirsten have had a quick conversation about the financial difficulties facing our company, but so far, no significant action has been taken on this topic.

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2025-03-19 06:54