SERIES REVIEW – The follow-up to Netflix’s acclaimed Daredevil series, which aired between 2015 and 2018, premiered Tuesday on Disney+. Fans of the original should brace themselves: the very first episode delivers a punch to the gut, and it’s just the start. The season continues to unleash twists and emotionally brutal moments that hit nearly Game of Thrones levels of devastation—so keep a box of tissues and perhaps a stiff drink handy.

The story kicks off with Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox), blind lawyer by day and devil-suited vigilante by night, enjoying a relaxed evening with his friends, both old and new. But the lighthearted atmosphere is abruptly shattered by the sudden arrival of a familiar adversary. Chaos quickly erupts, spiraling into an incredibly brutal massacre—a shockingly bold and gruesome sequence for a Disney-produced show. For those able to stomach it, this violent opener perfectly recaptures the essence of the Daredevil franchise: claustrophobic, intense, and bloody fights set in tight spaces, elements that have always defined the character.

Fresh Faces, Old Wounds

A few stitches and a quick time jump later, we find a surprisingly upbeat Matt Murdock, adjusting to his new life surrounded by new friends and altered circumstances. He’s traded in his former dingy Hell’s Kitchen law practice for an upscale, prestigious firm he runs alongside Kirsten McDuffie (Nikki James), a former district attorney. Kirsten takes delight in meddling with Matt’s romantic endeavors and occasionally pushes him to accept wealthy clients—after all, bills need to be paid.

Joining the team is Cherry (Clark Johnson), a retired cop turned private investigator who swiftly becomes Matt’s trusted confidant and voice of reason. True to form, Daredevil’s love life remains active; his latest flame is Heather Glenn (Margarita Levieva), a famous author and therapist professionally intrigued by the psychology behind vigilantism.

While the beloved Netflix-era duo, Foggy Nelson (Elden Henson) and Karen Page (Deborah Ann Woll), return only briefly—though powerfully—the focus shifts predominantly toward Matt’s new associates. It’s somewhat disappointing that we get less of the classic Nelson–Page–Murdock dynamic, which was a significant strength of the original series. However, the fresh additions bring a lighter and more playful tone to offset Matt’s frequent bouts of gloominess, demonstrating that Daredevil’s life doesn’t have to revolve solely around beating criminals into submission.

Kingpin Enters the Political Arena

The relative calm doesn’t last long, though, as Wilson Fisk—Kingpin himself (Vincent D’Onofrio)—re-enters the scene, attempting to leave his criminal past behind by running for mayor of New York City. His ambitious plan, however, doesn’t sit well with his beloved wife Vanessa, once again portrayed flawlessly by Ayelet Zurer. D’Onofrio and Zurer previously formed an exceptional duo in the Netflix series, and their return here is just as compelling as their initial run.

The renewed confrontation between D’Onofrio’s Kingpin and Cox’s Daredevil remains thrilling, with both actors effortlessly stepping back into their iconic roles as though no time has passed. D’Onofrio masterfully balances Fisk’s icy elegance with explosive fury, creating a striking contrast with Murdock’s relentless pursuit of justice, fueled by Catholic guilt and unwavering determination.

New to the fold is Michael Gandolfini, son of the late Sopranos star James Gandolfini, portraying Fisk’s political protégé with perhaps a bit too much youthful enthusiasm and idealism. In a bittersweet turn, veteran TV actor Kamar de los Reyes, who sadly passed away from cancer in 2023, gives a heartfelt performance as Hector Ayala, an overly enthusiastic street-level vigilante. Ayala’s tragic storyline becomes one of the season’s most emotionally impactful threads.

Marvel Finally Grows Up

Daredevil: Born Again proves itself a worthy successor to its predecessor: a hard-hitting crime thriller combined with compelling courtroom drama, clearly designed for mature audiences. Gritty yet sophisticated, it marks a significant shift for Marvel, genuinely taking its viewers seriously. Instead of catering to teenage fans of Deadpool, this series targets viewers who appreciate prestige television. It entirely sidesteps Marvel’s trademark comedic quips, choosing instead to dive into meaningful societal issues—mass shootings, corruption, and justice reform. Cox delivers some of his strongest scenes out of costume, in courtroom battles that pack just as much punch as the physical confrontations. Born Again is truly at its best when focused on authentic human drama.

Furthermore, its antagonist—a corrupt businessman-politician who leverages power for personal enrichment and revenge—serves as a pointed political commentary on America’s political landscape in 2025, a surprisingly bold and provocative choice from Disney.

-Gergely Herpai „BadSector”-