Dark. Gritty. Grounded. These are all words that can be used to describe Disney's portrayal of Daredevil in its new series, Daredevil: Born Again. Coming across as a homage to the original Netflix show, Born Again knows how to continue the legacy, passing the torch almost seamlessly from its very first episode.
Daredevil: Born Again returns to Hell's Kitchen with a powerful narrative that feels both familiar and refreshingly evolved. From the outset, the series demonstrates a deep respect for its predecessor, immediately immersing viewers in the familiar world of lawyer and vigilante Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox) and his struggles. The show's themes quickly set the tone for a darker, more introspective season, which will feel like a welcome surprise to many viewers. Fans feared that the series finding a home on Disney Plus would mean losing its characteristic grit, opting for a lighter approach. However, rest assured – Born Again stays true to the original tone throughout the series, retaining the essence of the Netflix show.
Writers were careful to preserve the show's grounded narrative. Daredevil is a street-level vigilante, so slotting his series among multiverse-battling superhero films could have felt insincere and out of place. Instead, he is smoothly integrated into this landscape with ease. The show explores the ultimate erosion of public trust, as Fisk continues to make self-serving decisions that are wrong for the people of New York. The introduction of Fisk's mayoral campaign and the exploration of Matt's views on vigilantism, epitomised by the line “vigilante is a loaded word,” provide compelling depth to an already packed narrative. These themes are central to Daredevil, spanning as far back as his first comic book, so it feels weighty enough to carry this story. The show skillfully weaves in various perspectives, including vox pops from the public, grounding the narrative in the realities of Hell's Kitchen and giving it that realistic and gritty feeling audiences had hoped for. The biggest danger of picking up a narrative that was dropped more than seven years ago is tonal whiplash and this was a real fear for Daredevil fans. However, the start of this series manages to establish that the creators are aware of how beloved the original show is and aren't going to change these characters in objectionable ways.
Cox effortlessly slips back into his role as the titular hero, as if he never left. His character's keen sense of justice shines through Cox's speech and demeanour with every word utters, during every moment of frustration for the legal system in which he works. Vincent D'Onofrio's return as Fisk is nothing short of fantastic. He embodies the character's complex blend of menace and vulnerability. Both hero and villain face similar struggles and often reflect each other's emotions as they both grapple with their darker impulses—Matt with Daredevil and Fisk with the Kingpin. Particularly, the exploration of Fisk's psyche through his meticulously curated meals adds layers of psychological tension. Deborah Ann Woll and Elden Henson return as Karen Page and Foggy Nelson respectively, ushering in warm and inviting feelings of nostalgia for the friendship they have held for years. Woll's performance in the first episode is especially powerful as she still manages to add new layers to her character after so many years away.
As opposed to Marvel's other projects, which often involve bright primary colours, Daredevil is only interested in darker tones. It remains thematic in its choice to use red lighting only in moments of struggle or heroism. The visual representation of Matt's heightened senses, such as the first aspect ratio change, and the poignant musical score, are all masterfully executed. The long, uncut fight scene, reminiscent of the original series' prison sequence, is a standout, showcasing the show's commitment to visceral action.
While fans may miss extended screen time from familiar favourites, the show's focus on Matt and Fisk, and the introduction of new characters, provide a compelling narrative. Daredevil: Born Again masterfully balances action, drama, and psychological depth, delivering a compelling and thought-provoking continuation of the Daredevil saga.
Daredevil: Born Again streams weekly on Disney+.
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