‘Daredevil: Born Again’ Season 2 Review: Series Soars With Unexpected Twists, Intense Suspense and Powerful Action
When Daredevil: Born Again resurrected a Marvel hero Disney Plus last year, one thing was clearly established: This series will be as gratuitously violent as its Netflix predecessor. It delivered and then some, reintroducing Matt Murdock, Wilson Fisk and the poignant themes that made the superhero crime drama so compelling. While the first season took time to build up the intertwining storylines to its climax (and memorable finale), season 2 has a strong momentum that allows the show to maintain its momentum. again it keeps you on edge from the first episode to the last.
Out Tuesday night on the streamer, it’s suspenseful, graphic and witty, with eight well-assembled episodes that play out like a long, really good movie.
Before the big credits roll on the first episode of the second season of Daredevil: Born Again, a video from street reporter BB Urich (Genneya Walton) paints a picture of what’s going on in the city under Mayor Fisk/Kingpin (Vincent D’Onofrio). Remember when he declared martial law at the end of last season? All good vibes on camera, though: New York Born Again is the slogan plastered on billboards around Manhattan, and residents are giving the mayor a thumbs up. In fact, Fisk’s face is on many posters, hanging around the city like decorations, letting people know what a good job he is doing to make NYC safer.
The action that takes place at night tells a different story, where Daredevil in a black suit — yes, THAT a black suit with two red D’s emblazoned across the chest — he boards a freighter on the river and starts punching its armed guards. Blood splatter flies everywhere (including the screen), broken limbs crack, and a mysterious asset is revealed: illegal weapons. The first part of episode 1 sets up the entire season with this disappearing, sinking ship that Daredevil almost escaped with.
Check out Daredevil’s suit!
We have a politician who turns a police force into his personal army targeting his enemies, everyday citizens and insurgent “vigilantes” who he regards as terrorists. The Kingpin is in power, always ready to use fear to instill loyalty, repel bloody attacks and put people in cages. His Anti-Vigilante Task Force (AVTF) is looking for fugitives like Karen Page and Daredevil, whom he has publicly named as responsible for the ship’s disruption. The bloodthirsty AVTF hunts down anyone who interferes (or interferes) with the Kingpin’s agenda.
It’s fun to watch Daredevil and The Punisher beat people up, and seeing Bullseye’s tricks feed my affinity for stylish killers, but the core of this series for the first two seasons is Matt Murdock vs. Wilson Fisk, or Daredevil vs. the Kingpin. There are two people who are always worried about what the other is up to. Several actors are now in trouble shaking things up this season, including Jessica Jones (Krysten Ritter)Mr. Charles (Matthew Lillard) and the governor of New York, Marge McCaffrey (Lili Taylor). Gangsters and heroes come from their proudest places — and so does backup.
Jessica Jones in Daredevil: Born Again.
Jessica’s jump into this reboot opens up a lot of questions, but this show isn’t about her. The former Defender is here to help, so we don’t have much to do about what’s been going on in his life since 2019 (when Jessica Jones aired its series finale). Believe methere are questions. Still, it’s nice to see someone on Matt’s side while we don’t know where Frank Castle is.
D’Onofrio and Cox bring their undeniable gravitas to the screen as well, setting a complex tone for their characters. Stunt-work and camera footage showcase Daredevil’s dexterity and keen sense of hearing, as well as the Kingpin’s brawn.
Mayor of New York City, y’all: Wilson Fisk.
However, Deborah Ann Woll, Wilson Bethel (as Bullseye, aka Benjamin “Dex” Poindexter), and Ayelet Zurer (who plays Vanessa Fisk) are nail-biting performances that add to the intensity of the narrative. There’s a dinner sequence involving Bullseye that I can’t get out of my head, a reminder of how the fight choreography and cinematography in this series matches each character.
Kick-butt Karen is on the warpath, Vanessa is getting rich alongside her husband, and Fisk is facing new challenges to his powers without Matt. That doesn’t mean the Kingpin isn’t surrounded by loyalists like Daniel, Buck and Dr. Heather Glenn, their story is changing. As the tension and action build up in every episode, many people end up getting hurt, tricked or killed. The incredibly gruesome season finale is the R-rated thrill you’ve come to expect from Daredevil: Born Again.
Karen and Daredevil, on the go.
Where season 1 delved into the darkest of situations for Fisk and Matt, season 2 explores whether redemption and true justice can exist. Note: even Daredevil’s armor reflects the story. The show still has its imperfections; A few minor details about the crime at the heart of the plot are inconsistent. And Heather’s story is getting weird, but maybe this will pay off in season 3.
Until then, enjoy conquering the bloody scenes, DIY sleuthing and jaw-dropping surprises that Daredevil: Born Again has to offer in season 2. And if you have time check out the Marvel shows first on Netflixi think you will enjoy this season, everything in its easter eggs and nods to the MCU even more.
