‘Daredevil: Born Again’ Season 2 drops right back into the action

By Carly Shaner

Note: Contains spoilers to “Daredevil: Born Again” Season 1.

Foggy Nelson is dead. Wilson Fisk, Kingpin, is mayor of New York City and has created an Anti-Vigilante Task Force (AVTF), that takes more unconventional action when dealing with those whom Fisk labels criminals or vigilantes. The city is divided in its feelings about both Fisk and vigilantes as some (like Daredevil) work to protect the city, while others (like Benjamin Poindexter/“Bullseye” and “Muse”) do more harm. Dr. Heather Glenn enters the picture and is chosen to be Mayor Fisk’s mental health commissioner. Season 1 ends with Matt Murdock taking a bullet for Wilson Fisk and then going into hiding because of the policies Mayor Fisk has enacted.

Season 2 picks up around six months later, with the first three episodes introducing us to NYC under Mayor Fisk’s (Vincent D’Onofrio) iron grip. There’s little vigilante activity, and the streets seem to be safer, but at what cost to the people? Matt Murdock, secretly Daredevil, played by Charlie Cox, is still in hiding with Karen Page (Deborah Ann Woll). The AVTF is active, but there is dissent, both from those who are still in contact with Matt or Karen and people who just want these intensified enforcers out of their neighborhoods.

The tone’s consistency is amazing. The use of color and lighting amplifies the desired mood: gritty in moments that take place in downtown areas, clean and clear in the polished, political scenes, and strong and distinct when it comes to characters doing what they do best. 

Another trademark of ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ is its fighting, and Season 2 delivers. The choreography is just as action-packed as Daredevil’s previous ventures. Though we only get a glimpse in these first three episodes, it appears the boxing match Fisk will participate in—teased in the trailer—will give us a different, though just as messy, look at his fighting. Some of the camera movements during fight scenes are shaky or rushed, but they don’t take the focus off of the main event.

This cast has yet to disappoint. Charlie Cox continues to portray Matt Murdock and Daredevil well. Vincent D’Onofrio has not lost Fisk’s collected facade and ambitious nature in all aspects of his life. Deborah Ann Woll brings back Karen Page and her desire to take down Fisk. Ayelet Zurer illuminates Vanessa Fisk, the woman who maintained control of their criminal ventures before Wilson Fisk returned to them. I could go on about each actor in a major role in this show; everyone continues to do an awesome job.

‘Daredevil’ has always been about more than cool costumes and nighttime fights. It’s about justice and how it’s delivered. In ‘Born Again’, the political side of things is brought more into the light as Fisk is elected Mayor. In Season 2, we get a closer look at how a system’s corruption starts from the inside. There are some in the inner circle who are loyal to the cause and some who are loyal out of fear. We also see how civilians who aren’t afraid to handle corruption and spread truth in a time of strict rules.

There’s also the ever-familiar theme of religion, as Matt is Catholic. It hasn’t come into play as much yet in Season 2, but there was a glimpse at what could be the start of a redemption arc for an unexpected character in these first episodes.

The show also sets up the theme of mental and emotional recovery as Dr. Glenn is still recovering from killing Muse, and it shows at both work and home. Matt has a conversation with Karen about where the line should be when taking on Kingpin and the AVTF.

There were times when the writing felt strange or off in the moment. They were off-handed comments not crucial to the plot, but they stuck out just enough to make me pause for a moment.

Season 1 left me wanting more, and Season 2 did not disappoint. As the episodes continue to release, I anxiously await to see what happens when you dance with the devil of Hell’s Kitchen.

I give these first three episodes a general 8.5/10.

‘Daredevil: Born Again’ Season 2 is currently releasing weekly on Disney+.

Carly Shaner is a junior Professional Writing and Information Design Major. Her passion and hope for the MCU continues to return with this show.

Images courtesy of Marvel Studios.