Kolton Mavrelos
The critically acclaimed Disney+ show, Daredevil Born Again (created by show-runner Dario Scardapane) recently released the final episode of its second season on May 5th. This concluding episode left audiences and myself in an awestruck state after pulling off one of the biggest reveals in Marvel television history.
Background
The second season of Daredevil: Born Again is heavily praised by audiences as one of, if not the best season of Daredevil’s five season run (including three seasons on Netflix). The Netflix original series Marvel’s Daredevil (2015-2018) was cancelled in November of 2018 and picked back up in 2025 by Disney+.
Since reviving Daredevil, fans have credited Disney with adding a fresh feel, and more comic accurate representation of the character. Born Again has received highly positive feedback from audiences; including improved pacing, stronger character development, and a more comic-like representation of Daredevil’s “Radar Sense” through imaginative cinematography.
North Star
Season two started off with the sinking of the North Star, a cargo ship carrying illegal weapons into Daredevil’s city of New York. Who could possibly be importing these weapons you ask? None other than the Kingpin himself, Wilson Fisk. Wilson “Big Willy” Fisk is always up to no good, from creating a task force that breaks almost every federal law, to holding “vigilantes/people he just doesn’t like” caged in a secure facility, he really is “making the streets safer.”
Characters
Daredevil is joined by his sidekick/love interest Karen Page, archnemesis-turned-ally Bullseye, and other guest stars such as Krysten Ritter’s Jessica Jones and Mike Colter’s Luke Cage.
Season two certainly has an abundance of characters, but in my opinion utilizes each character in a unique way, I feel that each plays an important and meaningful role to help drive the narrative.
Each storyline delves into the many “Cowels” that is Daredevil, DD saves Bullseye so Bullseye saves DD, Karen is Captured but stays in prison to help their fight against Fisk, and Jessica is attacked by the AVTF ultimately causing her to re-enter the narrative as a friend who is “here to help”(for all of you Age of Ultron fans).
“Vanessa!!!”
Killing a main character is something mainstream TV struggles with nowadays. Born Again Season Two delivered a “cold but calculated” end to its Lady Kingpin, Vanessa Fisk. An enraged Bullseye crashes Mayor Fisk’s fight night, and delivers the “Bulleye” to Wilson’s beloved “Vanessa!!!”. Born Again treats her death in its own unique way. Before delivering the final blow, a series of flash back sequences delve into the twisted love/hate relationship Wilison and Vanessa share. The scene revolves around a white painting, which is later painted with Daredevil’s blood and back imprint (Fisk throws DD into the Painting).
Matt Murdock is Daredevil
Tony Stark is Iron Man. Steve Rogers is Captain America. These character identities are known in the MCU. A brand new addition to the list is Matt Murdock being revealed as Daredevil. This jaw dropping reveal delivered a shock and is being referred to by fans as “Peak Marvel.” This reveal was met with a divided reception among fans, but most appreciated the sacrifice DD made to lift his mask. This is Matt’s moment of “truth” ultimately leading to the “Daredevil in prison” storyline from the comics.
Review/My Thoughts
In the end I feel that Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 delivers a fresh, well-crafted, emotionally impactful season. The showrunner clearly listened to the fans, and imagined new and intricate fight scenes. This season built off of the ground work laid down by the first season, and delivered a satisfying payoff to wrap up the “Mayor Kingpin” storyline. I give Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 a 9.5/10.
