‘Daredevil: Born Again’ Season 2 Review: The Devil Thrives in a Timely Battle for New York
5/5 masks
The original cancelation of Daredevil on Netflix hurt. Especially because the entire Defenders universe was a near perfect exploration of New York’s bravest heroes. Luckily, Daredevil: Born Again has breathed new life into the franchise and season 2 of the hit Disney+ is something truly special.
Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox) suffered the loss of his best friend and his anonymity by the end of season 1. While the general public did not know about his alter ego, the powers that be did and it means that lawyer Matt Murdock is “missing” while Daredevil still fights back against Wilson Fisk’s (Vincent D’Onofrio) martial law.
He still has Karen Page (Deborah Ann Woll) and there are still allies on Matt’s side but, for the most part, Kingpin’s anti vigilante act has turned Matt’s city against him. Or more the task force is forcing Matt into hiding. And the themes present in season 2 of Daredevil: Born Again hit a little to close to home with the abuse of power happening in the United States right now.
But hey, would it be a Matt Murdock story if it wasn’t about fighting injustices like this time and time again? He is the kind of lawyer (and hero) who fights for the “little guy.”
A fight for New York City
Season 1 set us up for Kingpin using his power to take on Daredevil by taking away the one thing he truly loves: New York City. Throughout season 2, NYC is very different than previous seasons where the city would celebrate Matt. With the Anti-Vigilante Task Force taking over the city, no one is safe. And for most of the season, Daredevil’s mission isn’t just to take on Fisk but to save New York from those who think they are the ones with power.
Fisk is using the Anti-Vigilante Task Force to protect his mission and help him achieve his goals. If someone is against him, then the Anti-Vigilante Task Force is there to stop them. And so much of this season is Matt fighting back against that. With rising tensions with ICE taking over cities, it feels as if Daredevil: Born Again season 2 has its fingers on the pulse of America.
Fan favorites, new eras, and the Defenders
Season 2 leaned heavily on the Defenders verse. Benjamin Poindexter (Wilson Bethel) struggles with his identity as a villain in Matt’s story. Jessica Jones (Krysten Ritter) comes to Matt with information he needs. It all felt very much like a return to the Netflix world in the best of ways. Part of why season 1 worked was because they didn’t try to reinvent the series but rather they just continued what Cox and company had previously started.
With season 2, the show has found its footing but clearly did not forget where it came from. And yes, that means having Jessica Jones back. Her storyline doesn’t overpower Matt’s but much like The Defenders, season 2 proves that Jessica and Matt make a great team. She knows how to make him focus, he knows how to navigate working with her, and it really sets the tone for a future team-up between them à la The Defenders if Marvel wanted to do it.
Moral struggles, power imbalances, and more in Hell’s Kitchen
For the most part, the season is a slow build up to yet another showdown between Matt and the villains of Hell’s Kitchen. Mayor Fisk is not making his life easy and Matt struggles with his faith, his relationships, and his understanding of what he needs to do to win. His morales are tested but what always makes Matt Murdock the best kind of character is his ability to stay true to what he believes in.
Daredevil: Born Again season 2 gives fans a lot to unpack but it is just yet again, another great outing for Daredevil/Matt Murdock.
(featured image: Jojo Whilden/Disney+)
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