Daredevil: Born Again TV Show Review — Back in Hell's Kitchen
After years of anticipation, Charlie Cox has once again donned Daredevil’s iconic suit, while the inimitable Vincent D’Onofrio returns as his arch-nemesis, Wilson Fisk, aka Kingpin. Daredevil: Born Again is a soft reboot of Netflix’s cult series, now under Disney’s banner. Fans had plenty of concerns about the final quality of the project. Would the House of Mouse maintain the necessary level of darkness and grit? How would Daredevil fit into the Marvel Cinematic Universe? Should we expect jokes and references to She-Hulk: Attorney at Law? These questions remain unanswered for now, but the first two episodes are out, and we have plenty to discuss.
The story picks up after the finale of the last season when the series was still a Netflix property. The creators weren’t lying—the reboot is indeed soft. If you haven’t watched Daredevil, you might struggle to keep track of who’s who. However, the plot quickly—though not seamlessly—splits Matt Murdock and his allies onto separate paths, leading to a one-year time jump.
We reconnect with Hell’s Kitchen’s best lawyer as he struggles to rebuild his shattered life and return to his legal practice. Yes, as you might have guessed, the series starts with tragedy. But the relative peace doesn’t last long—Wilson Fisk is back in the game with a new agenda. While the character remains fundamentally the same, he has gained new depth. Kingpin’s goal is no longer just dominance over the criminal underworld—he now has even more ambitious aspirations: he wants to become the mayor of New York City. Surprisingly, his intentions genuinely include improving the lives of ordinary people.
Matt, on the other hand, has given up his vigilante persona entirely, refusing to wear the mask for some time. This adds a fresh dynamic to the story. The initial conflict unfolds primarily through political intrigue and legal maneuvering, a level of seriousness rarely seen in Marvel productions.
The early episodes are heavy on exposition. The pieces are slowly being placed on the chessboard, and the players are taking their positions. Unlike most recent Disney series, the creators were not rushed. There’s no attempt to cram ten hours of storytelling into three to five episodes. As a result, the pacing is deliberate, but this benefits the atmosphere.
The tension builds gradually. Matt and Fisk even meet face-to-face in a surprisingly calm setting. Fans will appreciate a nod to Echo—Kingpin’s adoptive daughter—but the controversial superheroine is barely mentioned. Those worried about Murdock’s appearance in the She-Hulk debacle and his implied relationship with the green lawyer can breathe easy. Matt has a new love interest, a psychologist, and She-Hulk’s events are ignored as if they never happened. Whether this will remain the case is unclear, but given the show’s tone, there’s no room for twerking attorneys here.
The supporting cast has also grown. Matt is now aided by a former prosecutor who takes the place of both of his previous colleagues. Unfortunately, there’s little chemistry between the characters so far, but hopefully, this will change over time.
Charlie Cox once again convincingly portrays Matt Murdock’s duality. His Matt is a man torn between his principles and the harsh reality around him. He is charismatic yet vulnerable, making him feel real and compelling.
Vincent D’Onofrio reaffirms that he is the perfect choice for Fisk. His Kingpin is more than just a crime boss—he is a master strategist and manipulator who can instill fear with a single glance. Now burdened with personal struggles, Fisk is less of a straightforward villain and more of a fully realized antihero whose story evolves with each episode.
One of the biggest pre-release questions was whether the new series would retain the dark aesthetic of the original. Fortunately, the creators have embraced a realistic visual style, and filming on the streets of New York adds authenticity. The interplay of light and shadow creates a tense, at times noir-like atmosphere, highlighting the duality of Matt Murdock’s and Wilson Fisk’s worlds. The show’s depiction of New York remains unforgiving—a city that does not tolerate weakness, where every dark alley hides danger.
Daredevil’s new suit has yet to be revealed, but there’s no doubt that the Devil will be reborn in one of the upcoming episodes.
Daredevil has always been known for its fight sequences, which avoid CGI spectacle in favor of brutal realism. Born Again continues this tradition. The first episode already features a one-take fight scene that is dynamic, intense, and visceral. Every punch lands with weight, every breath is labored, and exhaustion is palpable. The stunt coordination is top-tier.
Cinematography also deserves praise—the camera isn’t afraid to dive into the action, following characters through narrow corridors and chaotic street brawls, making every fight feel immersive.
***
The first episodes of Daredevil: Born Again leave a highly positive impression. This is still a story about a man who, despite his weaknesses, is ready to stand against injustice. The creators have preserved the atmosphere, deepened the characters, and introduced new conflicts without breaking the established foundation. It’s too early to say whether this season will reach the heights of the original, but the start is more than promising. If Marvel can maintain this balance throughout, we may be witnessing one of the best superhero comebacks to television in years.
