Daredevil: Born Again’s Shocking Twist: Did It Erase Netflix’s Legacy?

by

Summary

  • Daredevil: Born Again shocks fans with a major death and character transformation in its opening act.
  • The show challenges Matt Murdock’s ideals and character development from the original Netflix series.
  • The title “Born Again” hints at Daredevil’s journey to overcome his dark side and find redemption.

From the outset of “Daredevil: Born Again,” it’s evident that this show isn’t shy about anything. The opening one-shot fight sequence, culminating in a startling demise, left viewers stunned, causing some to ponder if the Marvel series might have eliminated a key character development from the earlier Netflix series.

As a devoted fan, I must say that “Daredevil: Born Again” seems to be a fresh take on the three-season Netflix saga within the MCU. However, it doesn’t feel like just a continuation; instead, it feels unique in its own right – and that’s not necessarily a bad thing!

The two-episode premiere of this new series represents an impressive leap for Matt Murdock’s character development, given the significant events that have unfolded in such a short span. This brings up an intriguing question: could it be possible that the character growth shown in the Disney+ Marvel series has effectively overturned the progression from the original Netflix show?

Proceed with caution: spoilers are ahead!

Daredevil: Born Again’s Premiere Changes Everything

Opening Act Pushes Matt Murdock Too Far

At the start of the first episode of Daredevil: Born Again season 1, titled “Heaven’s Half Hour”, the character Benjamin Poindexter (also known as Bullseye) inflicts a terrible tragedy on Matt Murdock’s life by murdering his cherished friend, Foggy Nelson. Overwhelmed by sorrow and fury, Matt succumbs to his emotions and shoves a wounded Bullseye off the edge of a tall building. The event is made all the more startling due to its seemingly casual nature. As Dex smirks at him, Matt repeatedly asks “Why?”, before giving a forceful push to the side of Bullseye’s head and releasing his grip, causing the psychopathic former FBI agent to fall to the ground below.

This action seemed incredibly reminiscent of Daredevil relinquishing his principles due to the profound shock over losing his dearest companion. It could be interpreted as an unexpected turn in his character progression, given the weight of the recent events. Yet, it simultaneously appears to conflict with his character growth as depicted in Netflix’s Daredevil season 3. In that series, Matt’s odyssey primarily revolved around his internal dilemma over whether to forsake his moral compass and kill Wilson Fisk. Therefore, it leaves one questioning if this instance is part of a deliberate transformation for Daredevil or simply a temporary shock that propels him back into hiding.

Born Again Takes Daredevil Beyond Netflix Limits

Foggy’s Death Rewrites Matt Murdock’s Character Arc

In a dramatic turn of events, Matt’s realization of Foggy’s final gasps from the street level, as he was engaged in combat with Bullseye, likely pushed him beyond his limits. The series seemed to engineer this scene to drive the hero over the edge, and the act of killing Foggy proved to be the decisive trigger. This scene carries added weight given that Matt had agreed with Fisk at the end of Daredevil season 3 to protect Foggy and Karen, even going so far as to threaten to reveal Vanessa if Fisk ever harmed them.

It might be that Foggy’s death, in spite of any agreement, could account for Matt’s actions. Though shoving Poindexter seems to go against Matt’s past character development, it can be justified considering the specific circumstances. In the third season of Daredevil, Matt struggled greatly over whether he should kill Fisk. Despite the pain and emotional upheaval, he couldn’t bring himself to take Fisk’s life.

The Show’s Title Hints At Daredevil’s Transformation

Breaking Moral Codes To Be “Born Again”

So far, friends such as Foggy and Karen have been his sources of stability and ethical guidance. However, the series “Born Again” tests that by taking away his support system. This is why the title of the show carries a significant thematic weight. It delves into how Matt initially relinquishes his vigilante identity, only to be reborn as Daredevil in a new perspective. In fact, during an exchange with Fisk in the same episode, he acknowledges this transformation.

My best friend was killed. A line was crossed.

The action taken here doesn’t signify Bullseye taking Foggy’s life, but instead Matt succumbing to his inner darkness. Though he never confesses it to Fisk, the message is clear that he made a decision he never believed he would. Pursuing justice has always been a defining aspect of Matt. If “Daredevil: Born Again” aims to match its original, it might involve Matt conquering his dark side instead of being swallowed by it. In an interview with Variety last week, the director of the premiere episode, Aaron Moorhead, touched upon this topic.

The intense nature of the violence stems from its gruesome reality and impact. With two violent incidents occurring – Foggy’s death followed by Matt attempting to take a life, crossing a significant boundary – the emotional turmoil should not subside within an episode; it should linger perpetually. This is the dilemma he must face: continuing as a person who doubts his worthiness of divine grace, especially as a Catholic superhero.

One key detail to keep in mind – Bullseye doesn’t actually perish from his fall. Previously, Dexter’s skeleton was reinforced through an unusual operation, allowing him to survive a plunge from four stories high, even though he landed on the pavement. This raises the question of whether Matt’s decision holds as much weight if Dexter wasn’t killed after all. It could have added more depth to the storyline if Matt had violated his no-kill rule, as he would then grapple with the consequences throughout the first season of Daredevil: Born Again.

Read More

2025-03-10 01:24