When "Daredevil" premiered in 2015 and kicked off the series of Marvel Netflix shows, it was a real game changer. It brought a new perspective within the Marvel Cinematic Universe with its gritty tone and grounded approach and showed that superhero TV shows can be just as epic as the movies. It was such a loss when Netflix cancelled it along with its sister shows one by one due to corporate politics. But fans held out hope Marvel would bring back the Man Without Fear at some point in the future. After seven years with character appearances sprinkled in some other projects, Matt Murdock is "Born Again" and better than ever.
There was the possibility of a new Daredevil project taking a different approach from what came before. But for a variety of reasons, Marvel made the right decision to continue what the original series created. The first episode throws us right back into the world of Daredevil and showing our trio of "Avocados" enjoying themselves before tragedy strikes and shakes up the status quo (as well as reminds you how psychotic Bullseye is). This change helps propel the characters' journeys forward while still keeping the grounded tone and slow burn the Netflix shows were known for. The more violent action it was also known for is retained and actually elevated. There will be moments that will make you go "Damn, Matt!" because of how sudden and brutal the moment can be. Along with the fight choreography is brilliant cinematography that emphasize the importance of certain moments. "Born Again" brought about the same feelings in me as when I was watching the Netflix shows, something none of the Disney+ shows except for maybe "Echo" have.
But the heart of the show remains with its characters as Charlie Cox and Vincent D'Onofrio lead returning and new cast members in the next chapter of the Daredevil story. There is no shortage of poignant character moments. My favorites among them have Charlie's Matt interacting with Jon Bernthal's Frank Castle, whether it be a heart-to-heart talk that rivals their one in season two, or their banter and philosophical debates in this season's finale. And I just have to say that once again seeing the primal energy Bernthal brings as the Punisher makes me glad to see him back as well.
A new villain for the series is Muse, an artist themed serial killer from Charles Soule's run in the Daredevil comics. "Born Again" does a good job at slowly building up his reveal and confrontations with Daredevil, culminating in his final work.
A new villain for the series is Muse, an artist themed serial killer from Charles Soule's run in the Daredevil comics. "Born Again" does a good job at slowly building up his reveal and confrontations with Daredevil, culminating in his final work.
One of the best things "Born Again" does is tap into the zeitgeist. The show does a great job at highlighting the problems of a flawed judicial system, the co-opting of the Punisher skull logo, and the current political climate (with the Fisk/Trump parallel from season three dialed up to 11 with somewhat uncomfortable results). It captures the hopelessness many are feeling right now, but it also highlights the importance of fighting for what's right, especially since the main conflict isn't something that can be easily fixed in one season. Daredevil in 2025 represents what I felt Wonder Woman did in 2020.
I think there may be some people who have a hard time with the series in how it's different from the other Disney+ shows as well as the original "Daredevil." I mean, Matt doesn't suit back up after the first episode until six so there's technically not much superhero-ing. But that's kind of the point. Matt and Wilson are using different methods to reach their goals, with their old selves bubbling beneath the surface until they fully embrace their true selves and fall into old habits. These are just two examples of how the title "Born Again" applies in a variety of ways.
Needless to say, "Daredevil: Born Again" is a revival that succeeds in recapturing and elevating what people love about the original. The dower note of the finale will leave you begging for next season, and hopefully Matt will bring in help from some old friends.
