After a long break, Charlie Cox is back as the blind vigilante Matt Murdock in Daredevil: Born Again, the new Disney+ series. This revival of the beloved character, originally from Netflix’s Daredevil, takes the superhero story to a whole new level. With a darker and more intense tone, it brings fresh layers to Matt’s internal struggles while reintroducing old foes like Wilson Fisk, also known as the Kingpin.
The Return of Daredevil
A decade after Netflix’s Daredevil series ended, Born Again kicks off with a much-changed Matt Murdock. At the start of the series, he is clearly broken and haunted by the events that have happened to him. His once hopeful attitude is now overshadowed by rage and loss. However, despite his efforts to leave his Daredevil persona behind, old enemies and new threats make it nearly impossible for him to stay out of the fight for justice.
As the series begins, Matt is seen trying to rebuild his life. He starts a new law practice with his old friends, Foggy Nelson and Karen Page, but things quickly take a dark turn. A violent encounter with Bullseye (Wilson Bethel), a deadly ex-FBI agent, sets off a series of events that forces Matt back into the vigilante role he’s tried to leave behind. A year later, New York City is becoming more dangerous, and Fisk, now the city’s new mayor, is using his power to take control of everything. This ignites Matt’s rage, pulling him back into the fight once again.
The Return of Wilson Fisk (Kingpin)
One of the most compelling parts of Daredevil: Born Again is the return of Wilson Fisk, played brilliantly by Vincent D’Onofrio. Fisk is a ruthless and powerful criminal mastermind who is now trying to use his political position as mayor to strengthen his hold on the city. His presence in the series is chilling, and D’Onofrio’s performance adds a sense of danger and unpredictability to every scene he’s in. The complicated relationship between Fisk and his wife, Vanessa, also adds depth to the story. Their marriage is strained, and it becomes clear that they both have different ways of handling their ambitions.
The series takes a deep dive into how power, violence, and corruption spread, especially when Fisk starts silencing his enemies and building an anti-vigilante task force. His grip on the city tightens, and he pulls innocent people, like Matt’s new love interest Heather Glenn (Margarita Levieva), and a young journalist, BB Urich (Genneya Walton), into his web. BB’s reporting provides an interesting look at New York as a character itself, capturing the gritty and complex nature of the city, which is full of both danger and resilience.
Matt’s Internal Struggle
While much of the first season focuses on Fisk’s rise to power, it also explores Matt’s personal journey. Despite being a lawyer, Matt’s urge to fight crime outside the courtroom never truly goes away. His internal conflict is central to the show. He’s torn between being a superhero and staying true to his moral compass. His relationship with Heather, a therapist, highlights this divide as she has her own views on vigilante justice, creating tension in their romance. Matt is constantly struggling with whether or not he should embrace his violent alter ego or continue to focus on helping people legally.
This inner conflict is even more apparent when he faces off against characters like Frank “The Punisher” Castle (Jon Bernthal). Punisher’s brutal approach to crime-fighting further challenges Matt’s beliefs about justice and whether or not it’s possible to win without crossing lines.
The City as a Character
New York City plays an important role in Born Again. As the home of both Matt and Fisk, the city is filled with characters who represent the full spectrum of human struggle — from ambitious criminals to people just trying to survive. The show does an excellent job of making New York feel alive and real, with streets filled with both hope and despair. The city’s grit is on full display, offering a backdrop that highlights the complex world Matt navigates.
While the show is intense and serious, it also finds moments of fun and lighter fare. Episode 5, which centers around St. Patrick’s Day, feels like a bit of a detour from the main plot. In this episode, Matt faces a bank robbery that quickly escalates into a hostage situation. It’s an interesting look at how Matt’s vigilante side is still present, even when he’s trying to distance himself from it. This episode gives viewers a break from the heavy drama, while still highlighting Matt’s ongoing battle with his dual identity.
A Strong Revival for Daredevil
In a time when many reboots and revivals feel like shallow rehashes, Daredevil: Born Again stands out as a strong continuation of the character. The show takes what worked in the original series and builds on it, offering something new while staying true to the core of the Daredevil mythos. The performances are stellar across the board, especially from Cox and D’Onofrio, and the darker tone gives the show a fresh, mature edge.
With Born Again, Marvel and Disney+ have proven that they can bring Daredevil back in a way that honors the original series while pushing the story forward in exciting new directions. It’s a compelling mix of action, emotional depth, and complex characters, making it a must-watch for fans of the original series and newcomers alike.
Daredevil: Born Again
Daredevil: Born Again is a brilliant reintroduction of the iconic hero. It’s darker, more intense, and filled with complex characters. While Matt Murdock struggles to balance his identity as a lawyer and a vigilante, Wilson Fisk’s rise to power presents a dangerous new challenge. This revival does an excellent job of expanding on the characters we already know, all while introducing fresh, thrilling storylines. With the first two episodes now available on Disney+, fans can expect weekly episodes that will keep them hooked until the end.
