“Daredevil: Born Again” Season 1 Review: The Gritty, Triumphant Return Fans Have Been Waiting For!

Hear ye! Hear ye! At long last, we are witnessing the triumphant return of a king! Raise your voices and rejoice, for the devil of Hell’s Kitchen has emerged once more. Let the streets tremble, and let all who stand in his path beware—for Daredevil has come home, stronger and more relentless than ever!

After years of anticipation, “Daredevil: Born Again“ is finally set to bring Marvel’s beloved Man Without Fear back to the small screens. Since the cancellation of the Netflix show in 2018, fans have been clamoring for Matt Murdock’s (Charlie Cox) return—a character whose gritty, street-level heroism stood out in a sea of larger-than-life superheroes. Now, expectations are sky-high not just for the continuation of Murdock’s story but for a fresh take on the character as he fully enters the fold of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

When “Daredevil” was abruptly canceled after its third season, the disappointment among fans was palpable. After all, it had developed such a passionate following with its gritty, grounded setting and dramatic moments that it had earned widespread critical acclaim.

Now, we were rioting! We had our pitchforks out and about! It was specially disheartening because the third season ended with several unresolved storylines which left viewers eagerly anticipating a continuation that never came—at least, not on Netflix. The sudden nature of the cancellation felt unceremonious, and for many, it was a painful reminder of the uncertainty that can surround beloved shows in the streaming age. Indeed, fans were left wondering if they would ever see a proper conclusion to Matt Murdock’s story.

As Scarlet Witch would have voiced out:

Thankfully, the folks at Marvel Studios were quick to recognize the immense popularity of this iteration as they teased fans about a potential return. And so we waited with bated breath. Boom! Soon enough, we were rewarded as the red glasses clinked on screen once again, but this time, it wasn’t in a solo series—it was on the big screen, marking one of the more significant crossovers between Marvel TV and films. Charlie Cox finally shared the screen with a big-screen MCU hero in the form of Tom Holland’s Peter Parker during the events of “Spider-Man: No Way Home”.

By coincidence, within the same week, we were treated to Vincent D’Onofrio’s portrayal of Kingpin in “Hawkeye,” a surprise that no one saw coming.

Despite these hints, we still had to wait a little longer to get to where we are now. Marvel has been feeding us little spoonfuls of Big Red’s homecoming, teasing fans with brief but thrilling appearances by Cox. “She-Hulk” introduced a more lighthearted, quippy version of Daredevil, while “Echo” showed us a short glimpse of the character. These guest spots were fun, but they left viewers wanting more—waiting for Daredevil to finally take center stage and reclaim his place as a core part of the MCU’s heroes.

The initial plan suggested that the previous “Daredevil“ seasons would be considered non-canon within the MCU, sparking concern. This idea, that the years of intricate storytelling, character development, and emotional investment could be discarded in favor of a clean slate, was unsettling. It would have been abandoning the hard-earned legacy of the series. The thought of starting fresh, without acknowledging the rich history that came before, risked alienating viewers who had grown attached to the complex arcs of characters like Matt Murdock, Wilson Fisk, Karen Page (Deborah Ann Woll), Foggy Nelson (Elden Henson), and Benjamin Poindexter (Wilson Bethel).

Besides, it was also described as a legal procedural? Our radar senses were tingling. That was not a good one.

Thankfully, they course corrected after a creative shakeup following the Hollywood Labour Disputes, hiring showrunner Dario Scardapane. They decided not to go with that route and we technically got this ‘fourth’ season of “Daredevil” right now. It’s the same Matt Murdock and Foggy Nelson, Avocados at Law. It’s the same Wilson Fisk. It’s the same Karen Page and Benjamin Poindexter- just that it’s at a later point in their lives. Locations like Josie’s Bar are back.

There were also going to be concerns that this show would be watered down to fit with the greater MCU. After all, we’d already seen a more quippy, slightly goofier version of Daredevil in “She-Hulk”. Even Kingpin’s appearances in “Echo” and “Hawkeye”, while still menacing, had a different tone to them, somewhat softer than the brutal crime lord we saw on Netflix.

Yes, it was a valid concern for all of us sitting on the bleachers. After all, the bar was set high, and a campier or toned-down version of these beloved characters would risk undoing what made their previous iterations so compelling. The Man WIthout Fear’s brutal, morally complex journey, coupled with Kingpin’s chilling dominance, were elements that resonated deeply with fans. Diluting this intensity to fit the broader MCU’s generally lighter tone would not only disappoint but also tarnish their on-screen legacies. For many, Daredevil and Kingpin represented a corner of the Marvel Universe grounded in harsh realism. So, the thought of turning them into quippy, less-threatening versions of themselves felt like a step backward.

Right from the outset, “Born Again” bursts onto the scene with a bold statement: “Did you doubt us? Think again. We’re on fire! And this is what you can expect if you stick around!” From the very first scene, it becomes clear that the series is committed to staying faithful to the gritty, violent essence of these characters.

In a stunning tracking shot that has been a hallmark (heh) of “Daredevil” in the past decade, the action is dutifully crafted, making a bold statement about what audiences can expect later on. And yes, when the action hits, it sends out whoops of joy. It’s intense and unrelenting, setting the tone for a series that pulls no punches—both literally and figuratively.

The out-of-breath pauses, the staggering, the fast reflexes. Literally, it’s all THERE! It feels raw and visceral, capturing the physicality that defined The Man Without Fear’s fighting style. You can feel the exhaustion in Matt’s every move, the weight of each punch on his enemies, and the toll it takes on him as he pushes his body to the limit. And yet, it feels better in a sense that there is more of a comic-book fluidity to him when he has to grapple with his billy club – and this is something that even the Netflix version lacked.

In terms of the violence, we can rejoice, hallelujah, for the bones will be cracking, the teeth will be gnashing, and simply put, there will be blood. The brutal, unflinching action that defined the original series makes a triumphant return, with the fights as raw and visceral as ever.

This time around, Matt Murdock is even more ruthless in his pursuit of justice. And yes, he’s a little more generous with the F-bombs, adding a sharper edge to his already relentless character. The darker tone is palpable. It’s exactly what we’ve been waiting for.

“Born Again”

The show’s title, “Born Again”, indicates a rebirth—a new chapter that promises both familiar faces and unexplored territories. Probably the most well-known storyline for the hero in the comics, Frank Miller’s “Born Again” arc, was a seminal narrative that took both Matt Murdock and Daredevil to their lowest points, shaking the character to his very core. In this story, Fisk systematically dismantles Matt’s life piece by piece, with tragedy and brokenness defining the journey. Matt is pushed to the edge, stripped of his identity, his home, and his sense of purpose. It’s a dark, harrowing exploration of what it meant for Matt to be Daredevil and how his resilience would ultimately see him rise again, stronger and more determined.

The show’s title sequence is a powerful metaphor for the narrative journey. It begins with images of things being torn apart—buildings crumbling, symbols of order and stability breaking down. This visual representation reflects the disintegration of lives and identities.

However, as the sequence progresses, we see the rubble begin to shift, pieces slowly coming together to form new structures. This imagery mirrors the core theme of the series: destruction and rebirth. Before the story can move forward, the foundations of what these characters once stood for must be broken first. Old beliefs, alliances, and identities must be dismantled for new ones to emerge.

We’ve seen some elements of this storyline already play out in “Daredevil” Season 3, with Fisk discovering Matt’s secret identity and using that knowledge to manipulate and torment him. Add to that the events of “The  Defenders”, where Matt’s physical and emotional state was shattered, and we’ve already witnessed a rebirth of sorts—a resurrection of his heart, soul, and identity as he struggled to reclaim his place in Hell’s Kitchen and his own life.

Nevertheless, this new show posits a second resurrection, one where Matt has chosen to abandon his vigilante life due to a life-changing event. This time, he vows to keep off the streets and instead uses his talents as a lawyer to help people in the daylight, signaling a shift in his approach to justice. No longer the Devil of Hell’s Kitchen, he uses the courtroom, believing he can make a difference without putting on the mask. It’s a bold new direction that challenges Matt’s identity, forcing him to grapple with the idea of leaving Daredevil behind—at least for a time.

The same can be said for Wilson Fisk, who has undergone his own transformation. In “Born Again”, Fisk seems to abandon his status as a crime lord and instead pursues a more altruistic role as Mayor of New York City. However, knowing Fisk, this shift is unlikely to be entirely genuine. His quest for power is a driving force, and whether his political ambitions are sincere or simply another means to control the city from the shadows remains to be seen. Fisk’s “rebirth” may present a façade of respectability, but the tension lies in whether his darker instincts will resurface, pulling him back into the criminal underworld he once ruled.

As usual, the only person who can truly get past Wilson Fisk’s defenses is Vanessa (Ayelet Zurer). She remains the only one who can make the seemingly untouchable Kingpin vulnerable. However, this time around, we see a different dynamic between the two, one that reflects the toll their relationship has taken over the years. Their once screwed, passionate bond has been strained, and the time they’ve spent apart has left its mark. Vanessa, having risen to power on her side of town, no longer has stood up stronger than ever. She’s developed into a formidable presence in her own right.

This shift in their relationship introduces a fascinating new layer to Fisk’s character. While Vanessa still holds a special place in his heart, her newfound independence creates tension between them. Vanessa has been out of his shadow for so long that this change forces Fisk to confront his vulnerability and insecurities. Their interactions in “Born Again” are presented with challenges, tinged with the weight of the distance and time they’ve spent apart.

There are dubious things that both of them do, some of them to screw with the other. This places the entire dynamic in question, but in the end, they’re just this toxic pair who complement each other so dearly.

What we love about “Born Again” is how deeply intertwined Matt and Fisk are with one another, even though they rarely share many scenes. The connection between Matt Murdock and Wilson Fisk is tangible, a constant presence that looms over both characters, even when they aren’t face-to-face. Their conflict is not just about physical confrontations; it’s a battle of ideologies, of how they see justice and power in a world full of corruption and crime. The beauty of their relationship lies in the fact that they each embody the opposite sides of the same coin—both are trying to reshape the city and make it better, but with vastly different means and motivations.

What makes this dynamic so compelling is the way the world around them shifts and affects their journeys. It’s not always confrontation that drives the tension between them, but rather the ripples caused by their actions. Fisk’s reach, whether through his political maneuvering as mayor or his criminal enterprises, inevitably encroaches on Matt’s life, even if they’re not in the same room. Similarly, Matt’s efforts to fight injustice as a lawyer or as Daredevil have a lasting impact on Fisk’s plans, often undermining them from the shadows. Their influence on each other is ever-present, and this creates a sense of constant pressure, even when they’re not in the same place.

In many scenes, “Born Again” expertly utilizes the ‘two sides of the same coin’ approach to storytelling. The show often cuts back and forth between Matt Murdock and Wilson Fisk, juxtaposing their journeys in a way that highlights both their similarities and their stark differences. These parallel scenes serve as a powerful reminder that, while they are on opposite ends of the moral spectrum, they are fundamentally connected.

It’s a little funny, almost ironic, how Matt Murdock and Wilson Fisk are like vampires in daylight—constantly skirting around their true natures, trying to blend into a world that doesn’t fully reflect who they are. They wear masks of civility, which is a balancing act, one where both men are constantly at odds with their nature, pretending to be something they’re not. Soon enough, this facade they are placing upon themselves has to be stripped away for them to move forward.

Something fresh that the team brings to the table this time is how New York City is made into a character. Think of how L.A. was portrayed in Michael Mann’s “Heat”. Or the grungy feel of David Fincher’s “SE7EN”. MYC is living, it’s breathing. It stinks. It smells of sewage, grime. The city pulses with the energy of its people, from the narrow alleyways of Hell’s Kitchen to the towering skyscrapers looming over its streets. Multiple shots tend to focus on its gritty, unforgiving place, filled with corruption and despair. Yet, it’s also brimming with resilience and hope.

Some of these are shown through the fresh lens of a rookie journalist, B.B. (Genneya Walton), to whom fans of the previous show will find ties to. She interviews pedestrians about the current state of the city, trying to find out their opinions. Framed like a street-level pulse check, capturing the hope, frustration, and fear that fill the hearts of the people, this perspective showcases how the city feels the weight of rising tensions and how the larger political and criminal forces at play affect the individuals who live in its shadows.

In a nod to “Daredevil’s” tradition of giving importance to the press, her inclusion adds a layer of authenticity. she becomes another thread connecting the larger narrative, capturing how people view Fisk’s rise to power in their system along with their thoughts on vigilantism. Through her, the series grounds itself in the reality of the city’s impact on its people.

Continuing the tradition of Matt Murdock having some serious game, “Born Again” introduces a new love interest for him. One of the show’s fresh faces is Heather Glenn, portrayed by Margarita Levieva. A therapist by profession, Heather brings a different dynamic to Matt’s life, offering not just romantic tension but also a more grounded, introspective element that contrasts with his chaotic existence as both a lawyer and vigilante.

She’s not just another love interest—her role adds an intriguing layer to their connection. As her profession is rooted in healing and understanding, Heather becomes someone who can challenge Matt to confront his inner demons on an emotional level, constantly questioning his beliefs through her own thoughts.

Considering his history of tumultuous relationships with women like Karen Page and Elektra Natchios, Heather, with her emotional insight, is a key figure in helping him navigate the psychological toll of being Daredevil. But, as with most of Matt’s romances, this relationship is sure to come with its share of complications, especially as Heather becomes entangled in some darker alleyways, which puts herself and her own relationship in precarious positions at times.

One of the central themes of “Born Again” is the concept of justice, and the show delves deeply into the complexities surrounding it. Throughout the series, we see a constant tension between different interpretations of it—whether it’s through legal systems, vigilante action, or the authoritarian policies of Wilson Fisk as Mayor of New York City. The show expertly plays around with these extremes, leaving audiences questioning what constitutes true justice and which system best serves the people.

We have the lawyer, a staunch believer in the justice system and the rule of law. However, this belief is repeatedly challenged. People are arrested for minor offenses, but from their perspective, they’re simply out of options and trying to survive. The idea of vigilantes like White Tiger (Kamar de Los Reyes) and more extreme figures like the Punisher (Jon Bernthal) keeps resurfacing, raising the question of whether their actions are justified, leaving much to ponder.

These themes clearly parallel real-world issues, touching on police corruption, systemic inequality, and the misuse of power—issues that resonate with audiences because of their relevance in contemporary society. The idea that a system meant to protect the people can become compromised by those in power is a sobering commentary on our own world.

Sure, the idea of a vigilante or a crime lord mayor might seem ludicrous because it exists in a fictional universe. But is it really? Well, look at the current political climate. By pushing these ideas to the extreme, “Born Again” forces its audience to reflect on the very systems that govern our lives, asking whether they truly serve justice—or simply serve those in power.

One of the great advantages of having Marvel Studios involved with “Born Again” is the ability to incorporate elements from the greater MCU into the show seamlessly. Yes, we’ve seen Daredevil pop into other characters’ shows. But, for the first time, we see Daredevil’s world truly open up to the broader Marvel Universe, with some exciting name-drops and even a few surprise appearances from characters we know and love from other shows. And the best part? It all fits without compromising the serious tone.

While these guest characters often come from lighter, more fun MCU properties, “Born Again” strikes a perfect balance, allowing them to retain their jovial charm while adapting to the darker, more serious world around them. Their personalities still shine through—bringing some welcome levity—but the tone of the show remains intact. There’s no jarring shift, no feeling that the show has been watered down to accommodate these lighter elements. Instead, the MCU characters feel like natural extensions of the world Matt Murdock inhabits.

What’s particularly impressive is how “Born Again” manages to keep the stakes high and the tension real, even with these more playful cameos. Better yet, they do serve the story. The show never sacrifices its core identity for the sake of fan service. Instead, it smartly weaves these appearances into the story, adding layers to the narrative without disrupting the established tone. It’s a testament to the writers’ and showrunner’s abilities to integrate the larger universe while still staying true to what makes “Daredevil“ unique.

There is one minor gripe, and that’s with the character of Muse. While his eerie presence and unsettling methods-painting with body parts and blood- brought a unique layer of tense characterization to the show, we can’t help but feel like his villain could have been used a bit more. Muse had the potential to be a more central figure, but his screen time and development seemed somewhat limited.

It’s not that his appearances weren’t impactful—they were—but there was so much more that could have been explored. Perhaps giving more screentime into his psyche would have given us an even more intense and memorable villain. As it stands, Muse felt a little like a missed opportunity, and we do say just a little, because what we got was still splendid nonetheless. We just felt that it could have been drawn out more.

While John Paesano, the composer behind the iconic score of the original Daredevil series, did not return to score the show, the task has been expertly taken up by The Newton Brothers. Known for their work on X-Men ’97 and various horror projects, The Newton Brothers (Andy Grush and Taylor Newton Stewart) have managed to step into Paesano’s shoes while adding their unique musical signature to the series. It’s a little more choral, yet captures that darkness within, that raw, gritty atmosphere that defines the city, weaving tension and emotional depth into every scene. Paesano certainly excelled in giving the original show a life, but The Newton Brothers do a commendable job in bringing a fresh energy to “Born Again”.

Hear ye! We are screaming with joy! Our radar senses are tingling for more! There’s just so much to love about these 9 episodes of “Born Again”. From the intense action sequences to the deep character explorations, the show delivers on its promise to stay true to the essence of Daredevil while expanding the narrative into fresh territory. Fans will be more than pleased with how they’ve carefully cooked up this feast, blending familiar elements with new twists and thematic depth. The storytelling is layered, the performances are gripping, and the themes of justice, power, and identity resonate deeply with the story they are trying to tell. 

The best part? This isn’t even the end. With Season 2 already confirmed down the road, Charlie Cox is just getting started on his journey as Matt Murdock (till he’s 90). The foundation they’ve laid in these episodes hints at even bigger stakes and more complex confrontations ahead. The tale is far from over, and fans can look forward to what promises to be an even more thrilling continuation of the story. So, if this first season is any indication, we’re in for something truly special in this reborn, mature corner of the MCU!

“Daredevil: Born Again” has risen from the depths and is currently kicking ass on Disney+ Hotstar Malaysia.