It was a moment of triumph for fans when the rights to Daredevil had reverted back to Marvel after Fox had failed to move forward with plans for a film reboot. However, in lieu of a movie, Marvel would bring Daredevil to their cinematic universe through the first wave of live action series streamed on Netflix. The only live action adaptation of the character was the ill-received Ben Affleck starring film in 2003. Personally, I didn't think the film was THAT bad, but when the first trailer was released for the Netflix series, I was blown away. Not only was it darker than the film, but was the darkest thing Marvel Studios has ever developed. Now that I've finally gotten around to watching the whole first season (I know I'm late on this; I'm a busy guy), it is safe to say that the show puts the movie to more shame than it already had before.
By the first episode of the series, it gives you the sense of what to expect the rest of the season. In fact, and I hope I'm not alone in this, I was finding it hard to believe that this show was even part of the same universe as Captain America, Iron Man, and the rest of the Avengers. While those heroes, and by extension SHIELD, work on a much grander scale, Daredevil puts the MCU under a microscope by featuring the gritty neighborhood of Hell's Kitchen in New York City and the corruption of its public officials. While in the Marvel films, you know things will be fine by the end, but while watching Daredevil, there's a constant sense of dread and the hope for a happy ending seems very far away. Not only that, but being on Netflix gives the show more freedom than the movies in how far they can go with the violence, and believe me, that violence earns the show its TV-MA rating. In every episode, there are at least a couple moments that made me go "OH! I can't believe they just did that!" and even partially covered my eyes.
The action of the show is also the most grounded I've seen from anything superhero related, but I'll focus on comparing it to other Marvel properties. Daredevil isn't as super strong as Captain America or had extensive training like Black Widow, so he can't just take them out with one move. He has to keep pounding on them until they can't get back up. And the damage he receives is just as bad. Considering he doesn't wear body armor for most of the series, there were some moments where I couldn't believe he survived through.
But the action and violence are only part of what makes the show so unique. Unlike the 2003 film, the characters of the series actually have that: character. Everyone involved delivers an astounding performance that make you care for them, especially when something bad happens, even for the minor characters. And while Charlie Cox succeeds in making us all forget about Ben Affleck, I'm afraid he's outshined by Elden Henson as Foggy Nelson and Vincent D'Onofrio as Wilson Fisk.
To start with Foggy, I'll admit I was a little taken back by how young he looked. Given he, Matt, and Karen are all pretty young, Foggy definitely has more of babyface. That aside, it's him who brings out the heart of not only his group of friends, but of the whole series. Between his blossoming romance with Karen and flashback scenes with Matt in one episode, you can't help but love the guy. Not only that, but this Foggy is definitely shown to be a more competent lawyer than the Jon Favreau version in 2003.
As for Fisk, it goes without saying that he is definitely the most human villain of the MCU. While he's usually depicted as a majorly evil crime boss like in the 90's Spider-Man animated series or the 2003 film, this is actually the first time the character has invoked some emotion from me. I was even moved to tears during a flashback scene in one episode. With this version of Fisk, we can actually understand what motivates him to do what he does, which makes him a great foil for Daredevil. They're both on a mission to help their city, but their methods differ. D'Onofrio's portrayal of Fisk really shines through with his relationship with Vanessa, played by Ayelet Zurer. You see how much she's made him a better person compared to when he's first introduced and you actually find yourself hoping for the best for them, despite also wanting him to pay for the bad things he does.
I'm a little disappointed that the traditional suit only appeared in the season finale, I do understand that it made a great reveal for the final battle with Fisk. And while some think it looks silly, when it's in motion, he looks totally badass. I did like the vigilante suit that was worn for the whole series, but I'm glad he does now look like a superhero, and it helps get him his name (similar to how it was done in the first Iron Man movie).
The series has been renewed for a second season, and rightly deserved I might add, but like other Marvel characters, they aren't bound to their own series. While there hasn't been anything official, the possibility of Daredevil appearing in next year's "Captain America: Civil War" is strong. But the real question is, should he? In my opinion, it depends. I feel that if Marvel's able to, Daredevil needs to get a second season under his belt before interacting with the big boys. It'll help establish him more as the hero of Hell's Kitchen. Not only that, but while the first season did a great job of establishing its own identity, I believe the second season needs to make it feel more that the show is indeed part of the bigger cinematic universe. To help with that, there are a few characters I think should really appear in season two.
- The Owl (SPOILERS AHEAD): While the older Leland Owlsley was killed by Fisk in the season finale, there mentions that he had a son a number of times in the series. This leads me to believe that Owlsley's son will be making his way to New York in season two, possibly as the main villain filling the hole left by Fisk, officially taking the name "The Owl".
- Bullseye: It would only make sense for the Owl to bring some muscle with him to New York, and a proper interpreation of Bullseye would be a real treat.
- Elektra: She was already referenced in the series, which means she exists. Let's see her Marvel, and make her a real badass assassin.
- The Punisher: A lot of fans were hoping that the gun-toting vigilante would appear in the show's first season. An appearance in the second season would be nice contrast between him and Daredevil, and considering we now know how far these Netflix series can go, and there's the potential of him getting his own series in the future.
- Spider-Man: Okay, I'll admit, this is an extremely long shot, but hear me out. Now this is really dependent on if season two can be made before "Civil War", but if it does, it could really help the introduction of the new Spider-Man. And while the show's budget constraints probably won't give us a high flying Spidey, they could have it to where Peter hasn't developed his web shooters yet. But honestly, ever since the team-up episodes in the 90's animated series, I've loved watching Spidey and Daredevil work together. And while Punisher and Daredevil are opposites in their own way, there's quite a contrast with Spider-Man as well. We have the hardened now established adult vigilante in Matt Murdock who has a dark outlook on life, while we meet this kid who can't fight but still has a unique set of skill and is able to look on the bright side of things. But what they have in common is that they both feel responsible for the loss of their father figure and only want to do their best to help people.
RATING: 10/10
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