‘Daredevil: Born Again’: Back in Hell’s Kitchen

The “Devil of Hell’s Kitchen” returns, but now he’s on Disney+. “Daredevil: Born Again” is a continuation of the beloved “Daredevil” series, which originally aired on Netflix in 2015 and ended after three seasons in 2018. The title, “Born Again,” is a reference to the 1986 comic book story arc written by Frank Miller and illustrated by David Mazzucchelli.  

It was loosely adapted in season three of the original “Daredevil” series, and I was curious to see how much of the storyline we would see in the new adaptation. In terms of the cast, we are back with Charlie Cox as Matt Murdock, or Daredevil, Vincent D’Onofrio plays Wilson Fisk, also known as Kingpin, Deborah Ann Woll is Karen Page and Elden Henson is Foggy Nelson. Additionally, Jon Bernthal returns as Frank Castle.  

Murdock was always one of my favorite characters. There is something so fascinating about a character with so much lore and potential, and the humor of the comics — and the show — never fails to pull me in. I was excited when I learned he’d return in his own show. Without further ado, the review begins.  

Episode one, titled “Heaven’s Half Hour,” is a doozy. The episode begins with the familiar theme song playing over stunning shots that refamiliarize the viewer with the world of Daredevil. We see Nelson, Murdock and Page talking about Becky’s diner being turned into a SoulCycle as they head down the street.  

As they bicker, the nostalgia — or reverence for the past, as Foggy said — is strong. But you know what’s stronger? The shadows. This show is so darkly lit that I am squinting at the screen and praying it gets brighter, but to no avail. On that note, this isn’t just an issue with this show. I find that many shows nowadays have this issue, but since you didn’t come here to read my complaints about lighting, I’ll leave it at that. 

We’ve got White Tiger and Josie’s bar! And the vibes are so good, in “Daredevil” terms, that I just know something will go wrong. “For Cherry, may you be in heaven a full half-hour ‘fore the devil knows you’re dead!” says Josie, and as much as I love a title name drop in the episode, this feels like an ominous reminder that things aren’t as okay as they seem.  

Foggy tries to flirt when he gets a phone call and Murdock overhears it. Before I ruin the first episode for you, I’ll stop describing the scene in favor of telling you what I think about the first two episodes, conceptually.  

“Born Again” is doing an exquisite job at making you feel as though “Daredevil” didn’t end, but rather took a long break. Creatively and cinematically speaking, everything feels familiar and I’m sure that bringing back the same actors helps out.  

The characters are warm and welcoming. The fighting choreography is good, and the acting is better. “Heartbreak” does not feel good in a place like this, and the title sequence post-opening is a harsh reminder that nothing is permanent. It is different from the original song and imagery, but one thing is the same: Things are going horrifically wrong, yet Daredevil is rebuilt from the crushed marble, a sign that maybe even he can be born again.  

Fisk is introduced with a sad-looking breakfast and an exquisitely fitted suit. Vanessa, now a Fisk, is at the head of the table. Her husband enters the room, and something about the scene clenches my heart. The lovey-dovey feelings are gone, and Fisk grovels for forgiveness in true Fisk fashion, which is not necessarily working.  

“I made this business bulletproof,” says Vanessa. He tells her of the 25,000 signatures, and our aspect ratio changes to play a small clip about people being interviewed about crime in New York.  

Cox is brilliant because he has the immense power and skill to play with your heartstrings no matter what he does. This time, he’s on the stand as a witness, speaking with such raw emotion that it convinces you to feel as he does. He has charisma, power and a sense of something brilliant within him that brings layers to a character that genuinely deserves them.  

D’Onofrio does the same, and Woll makes Page stand out and move beyond the confines of a side character. Even with a time skip — which I generally am not too fond of — and changes that I was not expecting, nothing is boring. “Daredevil” was always different from the rest of the Marvel shows due to how well it executed the theme and how unafraid it was to portray things as they are, and “Born Again” is no different.  

The rest of the cast is exquisite as well. The filming, themes and music lull you into a show you never want to leave, and I am truly looking forward to the rest of the season. The Marvel Cinematic Universe is vast and contains hundreds of characters, but none are as special as Murdock and I am glad he returned.  

To the man without fear and those who stand by him, thank you for a marvelous show — we will see you every Tuesday at 9 p.m. Eastern time. I promise we won’t regret it.  

Rating: 5/5