Wilson Fisk’s political transformation continues to be one of the most fascinating aspects of Born Again. In his first episode, he was a man attempting to shed his Kingpin persona for a more polished image as New York City’s newly elected mayor.
His power is further cemented by the unwavering loyalty of his staff, including his campaign manager, Sheila Rivera, and his new protégé, Daniel Blake, who eagerly help him push forward this agenda.
Fisk’s push to cleanse the streets from masked crusaders is a brilliant narrative choice, especially as it mirrors the internal conflict brewing in Matt Murdock’s heart. A year removed from the tragic loss of Foggy Nelson and the emotional toll that followed, Matt is trying to put away his Daredevil persona for good. He’s doing what he can to live a "normal" life, partnering with Kirsten McDuffie (Nikki M. James) in a law firm that prioritizes justice by the book. But despite his best efforts, Matt is still pulled toward the darkness he tries to repress.
A case involving Hector Ayala, also known as White Tiger, brings Matt right back into the world of vigilantes.
Ayala, Marvel’s first Hispanic superhero, is a complex figure in this episode. What starts as a simple defense case quickly unravels to expose a deeper moral dilemma. Ayala, having intervened in a subway altercation between cops and a civilian, is now accused of being a cop killer after one of the officers he fought with was hit by an oncoming train. Matt’s instincts tell him Ayala is innocent, but there’s more lurking beneath the surface. The reveal that Ayala is hiding his true identity as White Tiger is a crucial turning point in the episode, forcing Matt to confront his own views on vigilantism. The line between right and wrong becomes even murkier when he learns that Ayala is not just a man seeking justice, but a hero in hiding.
The courtroom scene with Ayala’s trial is a standout moment in the episode. Matt’s brilliance as a lawyer is on full display as he defends his client against a stacked deck of corrupt cops and a biased judge. The interplay between Matt and District Attorney Ben Hochberg (John Benjamin Hickey) adds to the tension, as Matt fights to keep Ayala’s secret identity from the jury. The stakes are high, and Matt’s skill as an attorney is tested in ways that echo his former alter ego’s tactics.
This legal procedural component adds a layer of depth to the narrative, showing that not all battles need to be fought with fists.
Meanwhile, Fisk’s political savvy is tested as he navigates the complex relationships with city officials. The episode dives deeper into his strained dynamic with Vanessa (Ayelet Zurer), who is still distant from him after his time away in recovery. Their therapy session, led by Heather Glenn (Margarita Levieva), is a subtle but powerful moment that shows the cracks forming in their once unshakeable bond. Vanessa’s discomfort with Fisk’s new political life is palpable, as she struggles to reconcile the man she married with the power-hungry figure he’s becoming. The tension in this relationship promises to spill over, and with Heather’s role in their therapy, things are bound to get more complicated for Matt as well.
The inevitable crossover between Matt’s personal and professional life, especially with Heather’s growing influence, adds an intriguing layer of suspense.
The episode also introduces us to BB Urich (Genneya Walton), the niece of the late Ben Urich, a journalist who played a key role in uncovering Fisk’s criminal empire in the original series. BB’s role as an ambitious young journalist looking to get close to Fisk adds another layer of intrigue. Her connections to the previous series only deepen the stakes, as we know that Fisk, who is now in the mayor’s office, has no qualms about silencing those who threaten his power.
Her presence raises the question: will she become another pawn in Fisk’s game, or will she bring the truth to light in a way that could shatter his carefully crafted facade?
One of the most compelling elements of “Optics” is the quiet exploration of Matt’s inner turmoil.
While Matt works tirelessly to help Ayala, his frustration with his own identity builds. There’s a palpable sense of conflict as Matt begins to accept that he cannot separate his two selves — the lawyer and the vigilante. His outburst at the end of the episode, where he finally lets his rage take control in a brutal fight against two corrupt cops, is a stark reminder that Daredevil is never truly gone. This moment not only re-establishes the raw, visceral action that defined the original series but also illustrates the ongoing internal struggle that Matt faces. His actions may be justified, but the cost is always high.
In terms of Easter eggs, “Optics” keeps the continuity of the Marvel universe alive. BB Urich’s connection to her uncle Ben is an obvious nod to the original series, where Ben’s investigative work put him in direct opposition to Fisk.
Additionally, the references to Spider-Man during Fisk’s televised rants serve as a delicious breadcrumb for fans, further intertwining the worlds of Daredevil and Spider-Man in ways that could pay off down the road. The appearance of the White Tiger suit and amulet, as well as the brief mention of Ava Ayala, hints at future storylines involving this character and his legacy.
While the episode doesn’t deliver the same level of intensity as the premiere, it succeeds in pushing the story forward by focusing on the deep personal and political battles of its central characters. It’s clear that Born Again is building toward something bigger, with Matt and Fisk on an inevitable collision course that’s set against a backdrop of corruption, loss, and redemption. The emotional stakes are high, and the show has set a strong foundation for the complications to come.
Overall, Daredevil: Born Again continues to find its rhythm in this second episode. It’s a slower burn than the pilot, but its political intrigue and legal drama set the stage for what’s sure to be a thrilling, explosive season. We’re witnessing the unraveling of two characters — one trying to keep his darker nature at bay and the other embracing it — and it’s a dynamic that promises to be both tragic and electrifying as the season unfolds.
We'll take a chance, you want to know how episode 3 The Hollow of his Hand played out.
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