GoKawiilWhen Daredevil: Born Again resurrected the Marvel hero on Disney Plus last year, one thing was clearly established: This series would be as ruthlessly violent as its Netflix predecessor. It's delivered and then some, reintroducing Matt Murdock, Wilson Fisk and the grim themes that made the superhero crime drama so compelling. While the first season took time building its interconnected storylines up to its climax (and memorable finale), season 2 has an energetic momentum that allows the show to keep its clout and keep you on edge from the first episode to the very end.
Debuting Tuesday night on the streamer, it's suspenseful, graphic and intelligent, with eight well-knit episodes playing out fluidly like a really long, really good movie.
Before the main credits start rolling in the first episode of the sophomore season of Daredevil: Born Again, a video from street reporter BB Urich (Genneya Walton) paints a picture of what's happening in the city under Mayor Fisk/Kingpin (Vincent D'Onofrio). Remember when he declared martial law in last season's finale? Well, it's all good vibes on camera: New York Born Again is the slogan plastered on posters around Manhattan, and citizens give the mayor a thumbs up. In fact, Fisk's face is on many of the posters, hanging around town like ornaments, letting people know what a great job he's doing making NYC safe.
Action happening at night tells a different story, when a black-suited Daredevil -- yes, THAT black suit with two red D's emblazoned on the chest -- boards a cargo boat on the river and starts battering its armed guards. Blood splatter flies everywhere (including the screen), broken limbs crack, and the mysterious cargo is revealed: illegal weapons. The first half of episode 1 sets up the entire season with this doomed, sinking ship that Daredevil barely escapes.
Look at Daredevil's suit! JoJo Whilden
We have a politician who turns a band of law enforcement officers into his personal army that targets his enemies, everyday citizens and rebellious "vigilantes" he's deemed as terrorists. Kingpin is in power, always ready to use fear to instill loyalty, dole out bloody assaults and put people in cages. His Anti-Vigilante Task Force (AVTF) is looking for fugitives like Karen Page and Daredevil, whom he's publicly named as being responsible for the ship debacle. The bloodthirsty AVTF is hunting for them and anyone who detracts (or distracts) from Kingpin's agenda.
It's a treat to watch Daredevil and The Punisher beat people up, and seeing Bullseye's tricks feeds my affinity for stylish assassins, but the core of this series' first two seasons is Matt Murdock versus Wilson Fisk, or Daredevil versus Kingpin. There are two people who are always worried about what the other one is up to. Several characters are now in the mix who shake things up this season, including Jessica Jones (Krysten Ritter), Mr. Charles (Matthew Lillard) and the governor of New York, Marge McCaffrey (Lili Taylor). Villains and heroes come from unassuming places -- and so does backup.
Jessica Jones in Daredevil: Born Again. Marvel Television
Jessica's leap to this reboot opens up so many questions, but this show isn't about her. The former Defender is here to help, so there's not much catching up we get to do about what's been happening in her life since 2019 (when Jessica Jones aired its series finale). Believe me, there are questions. Despite that, it's good to see someone on Matt's side when we don't know Frank Castle's current whereabouts.
D'Onofrio and Cox bring their undeniable gravitas to the screen once more, with their characters' complicated dynamic setting the tone. Stunt-work and camera shots show off Daredevil's nimbleness and sharp auditory skills, along with Kingpin's brawn.
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