What makes this opening hour so satisfying isn’t just the reappearance of characters we’ve sorely missed, but the shocking departure from the previous series’ tone, taking us into a brutal new era of Hell’s Kitchen. The stakes are instantly elevated, and the emotional crux of the episode hinges on a devastating loss — one that will inevitably change the course of this series.
The episode opens with a slice of normalcy, a rare moment of joy that seems too good to last. Matt, Karen Page (Deborah Ann Woll), and Foggy Nelson (Elden Henson) share a lighthearted moment on the streets of Hell’s Kitchen, reminiscing about their law firm and the good old days. It’s the perfect nostalgic touch — the trio we’ve come to know as the beating heart of the show, reunited for one brief moment.
The episode opens with a slice of normalcy, a rare moment of joy that seems too good to last. Matt, Karen Page (Deborah Ann Woll), and Foggy Nelson (Elden Henson) share a lighthearted moment on the streets of Hell’s Kitchen, reminiscing about their law firm and the good old days. It’s the perfect nostalgic touch — the trio we’ve come to know as the beating heart of the show, reunited for one brief moment.
But as the Marvel formula goes, serenity doesn’t last long, and the show's true nature comes crashing back in with the arrival of a familiar face: Benjamin “Dex” Poindexter, aka Bullseye. Played once again by Wilson Bethel, this version of Bullseye is the same sociopathic assassin we saw in season three, now equipped with an even more deadly precision and an urge to leave destruction in his wake.
What follows is a near-continuous action sequence that showcases the show’s trademark intensity. As Matt attempts to stop Bullseye from massacring innocents in a bar, the ensuing chaos spills over into a hallway and culminates in a rooftop showdown. The use of a single-shot sequence is masterful, pushing the tension and disorientation of the moment. But this fight isn’t just about the stakes of a typical superhero battle; it’s deeply personal.
As Bullseye mercilessly kills patrons, Matt is forced to reckon with his own past choices. The scene is expertly shot by directors Aaron Moorhead and Justin Benson, known for their sci-fi horrors like The Endless and their turn at Loki, and here, their work pushes the raw emotional undertones to the surface. Matt’s first instinct is to stop the carnage — but when Foggy falls victim to Bullseye’s assault, it shatters something in Matt. This is no longer just about justice; this is vengeance.
The decision to kill Bullseye — to push him off the rooftop — marks a significant shift. Matt’s final act as Daredevil is a brutal one, and it’s clear that this version of Matt Murdock is no longer the same idealistic hero.
The death of Foggy is a game-changer. Elden Henson’s character has always been the emotional anchor for Matt, the steady presence who helps ground him in the chaos. Foggy’s death isn’t just a narrative beat — it’s the moment that forces Matt to abandon his alter ego. His decision to retire from Daredevil comes not out of the realization that Hell’s Kitchen is too dangerous, but because of the personal consequences of his actions. Matt is broken, unable to carry the weight of his dual life. The grief of losing his best friend forces Matt into a self-imposed exile, and that guilt lingers long after the bloodstains are washed away.
The weight of this moment will echo throughout the season, with the repercussions of Foggy’s death hanging over Matt’s every decision.
One year later, we see the effects of that loss. Matt has rebuilt his life, joining forces with Kirsten McDuffie (Nikki M. James) to open a new law firm. He’s no longer Daredevil, and that decision feels permanent. Daredevil: Born Again takes the opportunity to explore what happens when the vigilante steps aside. However, the shift in Matt’s personal life doesn’t erase the shadow of his former self. His conversation with Karen, now living in San Francisco, illustrates the emotional distance that has formed between them. Matt is fractured, unable to heal, while Karen is left to pick up the pieces. Their friendship is undeniably strained, and Karen’s sadness is palpable — a subtle reminder of how far Matt has fallen from his heroic ideals.
And yet, in true Daredevil fashion, this new life is about to be complicated by the return of Wilson Fisk (Vincent D’Onofrio, The Cell, Full Metal Jacket). Gone is the Kingpin we once knew; now, Fisk has a new strategy: politics. The scene where Fisk wins the New York mayoral race is chilling — a direct commentary on the nature of power, corruption, and the dangerous allure of populism.
The contrast between Fisk’s rise to power and Matt’s retreat into civilian life makes for a fascinating juxtaposition. D’Onofrio plays Fisk with an eerie calm, and it’s clear that this version of the character is more dangerous than ever. The character's evolution into a political figure is a brilliant move, tapping into a broader, more topical narrative about unchecked power and fearmongering.
The episode’s portrayal of this transition from mob boss to mayor is one of its most compelling twists.
The episode’s writing doesn’t shy away from creating a more morally ambiguous world. In the aftermath of the trial for Bullseye’s crimes, we see Matt’s internal struggle: he’s no longer the hopeful idealist, but a man still trapped in a cycle of violence and pain. When he faces the reality of a future without Foggy and the weight of the choices he’s made, it’s hard not to feel a sense of inevitability. Matt’s journey toward redemption is going to be a long one, but it’s clear that his return to Daredevil isn’t just a physical one — it’s a moral one. The episode leaves us wondering how far Matt will go to fight for justice when the cost is so high.
In terms of Easter eggs, Born Again peppers in a number of delightful nods for long-time fans. First, there’s the subtle reference to Rogers: The Musical from Hawkeye, which further solidifies this show’s place in the MCU’s ever-expanding universe. Fisk’s mention of Spider-Man also serves as a nice teaser for the future, reminding us of the deep connections between these characters and their larger world. The introduction of Heather Glenn (Margarita Levieva), Matt’s former love interest from the comics, is another key Easter egg, setting the stage for future romantic developments — or complications. The Punisher tattoo on a cop’s arm is a particularly sly reference, teasing the eventual return of Frank Castle, who may find himself facing the complications of his iconography being misused in a world that’s far more politically charged than ever before.
The dark, tragic undercurrent of this episode drives home the show's thematic depth. It’s clear that Daredevil: Born Again isn’t shying away from exploring the complex dynamics between its two most significant characters. The philosophical discourse between Matt and Fisk — both trying to outrun their dark sides in different ways — gives the series a weight rarely seen in superhero television. What makes this so intriguing is how these characters, though diametrically opposed, still share a common thread: the desire to control their fate, whether through violence or legislation. Their shared history makes each interaction even more fraught, and the series wisely focuses on the tension that simmers between them.
Overall, Daredevil: Born Again Episode 1 is an electrifying return to a world we thought was lost. The episode strikes a perfect balance between action, drama, and emotional depth, and it sets up a season that promises to deliver on both the personal and political fronts. The weight of Foggy’s death, the moral struggles of Matt Murdock, and the sinister rise of Wilson Fisk combine to create a thrilling narrative. This episode is just the beginning, and if this first taste is any indication, we’re in for a season that challenges its characters in ways we haven’t yet seen.
What follows is a near-continuous action sequence that showcases the show’s trademark intensity. As Matt attempts to stop Bullseye from massacring innocents in a bar, the ensuing chaos spills over into a hallway and culminates in a rooftop showdown. The use of a single-shot sequence is masterful, pushing the tension and disorientation of the moment. But this fight isn’t just about the stakes of a typical superhero battle; it’s deeply personal.
As Bullseye mercilessly kills patrons, Matt is forced to reckon with his own past choices. The scene is expertly shot by directors Aaron Moorhead and Justin Benson, known for their sci-fi horrors like The Endless and their turn at Loki, and here, their work pushes the raw emotional undertones to the surface. Matt’s first instinct is to stop the carnage — but when Foggy falls victim to Bullseye’s assault, it shatters something in Matt. This is no longer just about justice; this is vengeance.
The decision to kill Bullseye — to push him off the rooftop — marks a significant shift. Matt’s final act as Daredevil is a brutal one, and it’s clear that this version of Matt Murdock is no longer the same idealistic hero.
The death of Foggy is a game-changer. Elden Henson’s character has always been the emotional anchor for Matt, the steady presence who helps ground him in the chaos. Foggy’s death isn’t just a narrative beat — it’s the moment that forces Matt to abandon his alter ego. His decision to retire from Daredevil comes not out of the realization that Hell’s Kitchen is too dangerous, but because of the personal consequences of his actions. Matt is broken, unable to carry the weight of his dual life. The grief of losing his best friend forces Matt into a self-imposed exile, and that guilt lingers long after the bloodstains are washed away.
The weight of this moment will echo throughout the season, with the repercussions of Foggy’s death hanging over Matt’s every decision.
One year later, we see the effects of that loss. Matt has rebuilt his life, joining forces with Kirsten McDuffie (Nikki M. James) to open a new law firm. He’s no longer Daredevil, and that decision feels permanent. Daredevil: Born Again takes the opportunity to explore what happens when the vigilante steps aside. However, the shift in Matt’s personal life doesn’t erase the shadow of his former self. His conversation with Karen, now living in San Francisco, illustrates the emotional distance that has formed between them. Matt is fractured, unable to heal, while Karen is left to pick up the pieces. Their friendship is undeniably strained, and Karen’s sadness is palpable — a subtle reminder of how far Matt has fallen from his heroic ideals.
And yet, in true Daredevil fashion, this new life is about to be complicated by the return of Wilson Fisk (Vincent D’Onofrio, The Cell, Full Metal Jacket). Gone is the Kingpin we once knew; now, Fisk has a new strategy: politics. The scene where Fisk wins the New York mayoral race is chilling — a direct commentary on the nature of power, corruption, and the dangerous allure of populism.
The contrast between Fisk’s rise to power and Matt’s retreat into civilian life makes for a fascinating juxtaposition. D’Onofrio plays Fisk with an eerie calm, and it’s clear that this version of the character is more dangerous than ever. The character's evolution into a political figure is a brilliant move, tapping into a broader, more topical narrative about unchecked power and fearmongering.
The episode’s portrayal of this transition from mob boss to mayor is one of its most compelling twists.
The episode’s writing doesn’t shy away from creating a more morally ambiguous world. In the aftermath of the trial for Bullseye’s crimes, we see Matt’s internal struggle: he’s no longer the hopeful idealist, but a man still trapped in a cycle of violence and pain. When he faces the reality of a future without Foggy and the weight of the choices he’s made, it’s hard not to feel a sense of inevitability. Matt’s journey toward redemption is going to be a long one, but it’s clear that his return to Daredevil isn’t just a physical one — it’s a moral one. The episode leaves us wondering how far Matt will go to fight for justice when the cost is so high.
In terms of Easter eggs, Born Again peppers in a number of delightful nods for long-time fans. First, there’s the subtle reference to Rogers: The Musical from Hawkeye, which further solidifies this show’s place in the MCU’s ever-expanding universe. Fisk’s mention of Spider-Man also serves as a nice teaser for the future, reminding us of the deep connections between these characters and their larger world. The introduction of Heather Glenn (Margarita Levieva), Matt’s former love interest from the comics, is another key Easter egg, setting the stage for future romantic developments — or complications. The Punisher tattoo on a cop’s arm is a particularly sly reference, teasing the eventual return of Frank Castle, who may find himself facing the complications of his iconography being misused in a world that’s far more politically charged than ever before.
The dark, tragic undercurrent of this episode drives home the show's thematic depth. It’s clear that Daredevil: Born Again isn’t shying away from exploring the complex dynamics between its two most significant characters. The philosophical discourse between Matt and Fisk — both trying to outrun their dark sides in different ways — gives the series a weight rarely seen in superhero television. What makes this so intriguing is how these characters, though diametrically opposed, still share a common thread: the desire to control their fate, whether through violence or legislation. Their shared history makes each interaction even more fraught, and the series wisely focuses on the tension that simmers between them.
Overall, Daredevil: Born Again Episode 1 is an electrifying return to a world we thought was lost. The episode strikes a perfect balance between action, drama, and emotional depth, and it sets up a season that promises to deliver on both the personal and political fronts. The weight of Foggy’s death, the moral struggles of Matt Murdock, and the sinister rise of Wilson Fisk combine to create a thrilling narrative. This episode is just the beginning, and if this first taste is any indication, we’re in for a season that challenges its characters in ways we haven’t yet seen.
The promise of Born Again is that, for every new battle fought, there will be a moral cost, and that’s what makes the stakes higher than ever before.
Check out how Born Again Episode 2: Optics was seen.
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