Daredevil: Born Again Review

After years of waiting, Daredevil: Born Again has finally arrived, bringing the vigilante hero back to television. The series comes after the abrupt cancellation of Netflix’s Daredevil in 2018, leaving fans disappointed and uncertain about whether they would ever see the character again. The original show, known for its darker portrayal of Matt Murdock’s life in Hell’s Kitchen, quickly became a fan favorite due to it’s stark tonal difference from other Marvel projects. After the success of other Marvel series, Born Again promised to continue the story, but now with a different focus on the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

The series starts with Matt Murdock (played again by Charlie Cox) returning to his role as a lawyer and the vigilante Daredevil. Cox brings a new depth to Matt, making the character feel both familiar and changed. He plays the role of a man caught between his responsibility to protect his city and the darker side of his personality that comes out when he puts on the Daredevil suit. Vincent D’Onofrio also returns as villain Wilson Fisk, who has now become the Mayor of New York City. D’Onofrio’s Fisk is just as threatening as he was in the previous show, and he’s a just as much of a spotlight character as before.

Born Again takes a lot of inspiration from the Born Again comic series by Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli, which gave a new look at Daredevil’s life after he is brought to his breaking point. While the show follows the spirit of the comic, it adapts the story to fit into the MCU. This means it balances Matt’s personal journey with hints at the wider Marvel universe. While there are a lot of MCU references, the show stays focused on Matt’s struggles and growth.

One of the strongest aspects of the show is how it handles Matt’s internal conflict. The writing allows us to see how Matt deals with his role as both a hero and a man struggling with personal issues. The series takes the time to explore what motivates Matt, from his deep sense of guilt to his struggle with whether he’s really making the world a better place. Charlie Cox’s portrayal of Matt adds a lot to these moments, showing a character who is constantly questioning his actions and his role in the city he tries to protect.

The rivalry between Matt and Wilson Fisk remains incredibly important to the series. Their relationship has been one of the highlights of Daredevil’s story, and Born Again does not disappoint in bringing this back with an updated viewpoint. Fisk, now the mayor, is as calculating and dangerous as ever. His personal vendetta against Matt is still a major driving force behind the conflict in the series, and the tension between the two feels heavier than before. D’Onofrio plays Fisk with the same cold menace that made him so compelling in the original series, giving their scenes a weight that drives the narrative forward.

The supporting characters also play important roles in the story, helping to push Matt toward his eventual realization of who he is and what he needs to do. These characters challenge Matt in different ways, and while some (including me) might have hoped to see Foggy Nelson and Karen Page as the main supports again, the new additions fit well into the world of Born Again. They add to Matt’s story and don’t just feel like filler. Every character feels like they serve a purpose in driving the narrative forward.

The visual style of Born Again sticks with the dark and gritty look that fans loved in the original Netflix series. The show does a great job of capturing the atmosphere of Hell’s Kitchen, making it feel like a real, lived-in place. The lighting and set design create a world that feels dangerous and tense, which matches Matt’s struggle with his dual identity. The action scenes, too, are a standout. Daredevil’s fight scenes remain fast and brutal, and the show does a good job of making sure the choreography feels grounded. When Daredevil is on screen, you can feel the tension and the stakes of each fight.

However, not everything about Born Again works perfectly. One issue that stands out is the pacing. At times, the show feels rushed, particularly in moments that could have benefited from more time to breathe. Some of the more emotional moments are sped through, which makes them feel less impactful. This pacing issue also extends to some subplots, which feel like they are wrapped up too quickly without giving the audience enough time to fully invest in them.

Another problem is that the show occasionally gets distracted by setting up future MCU storylines. While it’s understandable that Born Again is part of the larger Marvel universe, some of the references to other MCU characters and events feel out of place. They slow down the main story and sometimes pull focus away from Matt’s personal journey. It’s clear the show is trying to set up future projects, but these moments can be distracting in comparison to the grounded style of the original Netflix show.

Even with these issues, Daredevil: Born Again is still worth watching. The performances, especially by Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio, are incredibly well-done and give the show a strong emotional core. The action scenes are intense, and the darker, grounded tone that made Daredevil such a compelling character is still there. Though the pacing can be uneven at times and some subplots feel rushed, it’s still clear that the overall narrative is interesting and gripping. The show does well at balancing Matt’s personal struggles with the action of the world around him.

In the end, Born Again is a strong addition to the Marvel universe. It brings Daredevil back to the forefront, allowing both old fans and new viewers to appreciate what makes the character so compelling. The series takes time to Matt’s complex character, and the result is a show that feels both fresh and familiar. For anyone who loves a story about a flawed hero trying to make things right, Daredevil: Born Again is definitely worth checking out.