Daredevil Born Again: S2 spoiler-free review – A brutal triumph

Between 2015 and 2018, Daredevil proved a smash hit on Netflix. We followed Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox) and his alias Daredevil – or The Man With No Fear, as he’s known in the comics. The visceral action has been much imitated, and Vincent D’Onofrio’s Kingpin proved a villain for the ages.

This was followed by a long period of uncertainty over whether we’d see these beloved characters on our screens again.

Daredevil: Born Again revived the brand on Disney+ for the MCU. We caught up with the characters years on from their last appearance. Wilson Fisk was running for mayor of New York, while Murdock put his suit away to focus on his work as a lawyer.

The series earned a positive reception, if slightly cooler than the original’s. The ending, however, upended audience expectations as Fisk became mayor, introduced a curfew and sent his task force out to apprehend all vigilantes. This, of course, included Daredevil and his associate Karen Page.

With these raised stakes and there shift in dynamics, there are high expectations for Born Again’s second season. Read on for my spoiler-free thoughts on this season.

A new mayor in town

Fisk’s actions as mayor create the momentum for much of this season’s plot. We begin with his task force agents on the hunt for Karen and Matt. The pair are searching for any means to spark a rebellion against Fisk. Fisk is keen to quash any form of opposition, both on the streets or within his administration, using his right-hand man Buck to keep his position safe.

It’s not just Daredevil that Kingpin has to contend with – Bullseye/Benjamin Pointdexter is on the loose, with Fisk and his allies in his sights. Fans will be excited to see the return of fellow Defender Jessica Jones, once again played by Krysten Ritter. Though she’s in a supporting role this time, it’s perhaps setting her up for further appearances elsewhere in the MCU. This comes after the return of Punisher/Frank Castle in the previous season.

It’s not just Daredevil that Kingpin has to contend with – Bullseye/Benjamin Pointdexter is on the loose

Gone are the covert operations and dingy hallway fights of the earlier seasons. This conflict is brought into the open with ramifications for the whole city, not just Hell’s Kitchen. Even with its grander scope, the focus on character is never lost.

Raising the stakes

A bigger canvas means more room for major set pieces. This season isn’t light on action or suspense. We see plenty of brutal action involving Matt, Bullseye and others. The previous season’s set-up pays off wonderfully, allowing us to leap into the fray from the start, with rarely a moment to breathe.

There are some truly savage sequences that wouldn’t be out of place in the original show

There’s a real desperation to both sides – from Fisk to maintain his new status and for Matt and his allies to reclaim their city. It’s compelling viewing.

There were concerns when it was revealed that Daredevil would be joining the wider MCU, particularly over how the tone of the show would blend in. Fans needn’t have worried: there are some truly savage sequences that wouldn’t be out of place in the original show. The show’s strength is knowing when to use set pieces. They’re never used for an action beat at the expense of telling a gripping story.

A dream ensemble

Of course, the show is built around Matt and his ongoing conflict with Fisk. Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onoforio were born to play these characters. What really makes this season soar is the input from the supporting cast. Matthew Lillard’s Mr George, a mysterious CIA agent looking to gain clout, is a scene-stealing delight. Michael Gandolfini once again impresses as Daniel, one of Fisk’s juniors, unsure of which path he wants to go down.

There’s no weak link in the wider cast. The new additions all serve a purpose and many of the characters introduced in the previous season feel like they have more of a role here.

Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onoforio were born to play these characters

The series is made up of so many sprawling storylines but they come together cohesively. Showrunner Dario Scardapane balances the moving parts expertly.

Should you watch Daredevil: Born Again Season 2?

Daredevil: Born Again’s second season feels like the true continuation of the original series that fans have been clamouring for since 2018. It expertly handles the increased stakes and fallout of Fisk’s rise to power, without sacrificing what made the show great in the first place. We still have the crises of faith and moral dilemmas.

This is not only one of the strongest series in the Daredevil and Defenders universe, but one of the best MCU projects in its near 20-year history. It’s a masterful comic book adaptation that works for those less familiar with The Man With No Fear’s comic origins.

With season three in development and plenty of twists at the end of this outing, this journey is only getting started.

Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 drops on Disney+ globally on 25 March, with new episodes premiering weekly on Wednesdays.