Alright Daredevil fans get hyped because things are about to get even darker in Hell's Kitchen! Daredevil: Born Again is dropping Episode 4 soon and from what we are hearing it is going to be a game-changer. Plus we have got the inside scoop on how the show is actually performing on Disney+ and whether all that drama behind the scenes paid off. Let's dive in!
Episode 4 Preview: Punisher's Return and the Fallout from Episode 3's Shocking Ending
If you watched Episode 3 of Daredevil: Born Again you are probably still reeling from that ending. Poor Hector Ayala aka White Tiger! After Matt Murdock worked so hard to get him acquitted it looks like things took a seriously grim turn. In the final moments of the last episode Hector was tragically killed by someone sporting the Punisher's iconic skull symbol. Talk about a cliffhanger!
Episode 4 is set to deal with the repercussions of Hector's death and it sounds like it will be intense. We can expect Matt Murdock to be grappling with the loss especially after fighting so hard for Hector's freedom. And get ready for a major character return: Frank Castle himself The Punisher is officially back! Jon Bernthal is reprising his role and it looks like Daredevil and Punisher might be on a collision course. Given their complicated history in the comics and the Netflix series this is definitely something to be excited about.
Will Matt suspect Punisher of being involved in Hector's death? Will Punisher be an ally or an enemy this time around? Episode 4 promises to throw us right into the heart of the darkness in Hell's Kitchen and explore the complex relationship between these two vigilantes.
Is Daredevil: Born Again a Hit for Disney+? Early Viewership Numbers and Fan Buzz
There was a lot of talk about Daredevil: Born Again even before it premiered. The show had a major creative overhaul mid-filming which is not always a good sign. But despite all that it seems like Daredevil is still drawing in viewers. Early data suggests that Born Again is actually one of the stronger MCU Disney+ debuts in a while especially considering it is not your typical family-friendly Marvel fare.
Disney announced that the show had a solid 7.5 million views in its first five days after the two-episode premiere. While some reports mentioned it might be slightly behind Agatha All Along's initial numbers context is important. Born Again is different from other recent MCU shows.
For one thing it is essentially a continuation of the Netflix Daredevil series which ended years ago. It is also the first really adult-oriented MCU show on Disney+ carrying a hard-R rating. This is a departure from the usual MCU formula and it might be attracting a different audience perhaps older fans who loved the original Netflix show and are looking for a more mature superhero story. The original Daredevil Netflix series has also seen a big boost in viewership since Born Again premiered as fans revisit or discover the earlier seasons. This suggests that the new show is successfully bringing old fans back and potentially attracting new ones curious about Daredevil's past.
What to Expect in Episode 4 and Beyond: Darkness Grittiness and Character Conflicts
Daredevil: Born Again is shaping up to be a darker grittier take on the MCU and Episode 4 looks like it will continue that trend. We can expect the show to delve into the inner conflicts of both Matt Murdock and Wilson Fisk. Both characters are trying to walk a different path – Matt as a lawyer and Wilson as a mayor – but their darker natures and pasts are constantly pulling them back.
Showrunner Dario Scardapane teased that they wanted to bring that tension to a point where things start to unravel and explode. With Punisher's return and the rising stakes in Hell's Kitchen it certainly feels like things are heading towards a major explosion point. The series is also bringing back familiar faces like Foggy Nelson and Karen Page adding to the connective tissue with the beloved Netflix show. However the focus seems to be firmly on Matt Murdock's journey "born again" in this new chapter.
Key Characters Returning in Daredevil: Born Again (and Episode 4!)
- Matt Murdock/Daredevil (Charlie Cox): The Man Without Fear himself grapples with his identity as a lawyer and a vigilante especially in the wake of tragedy.
- Wilson Fisk/Kingpin (Vincent D'Onofrio): The former crime boss now mayor of New York City is trying to maintain a legitimate public image while his dark side simmers beneath the surface.
- Frank Castle/Punisher (Jon Bernthal): The lethal vigilante returns to Hell's Kitchen and his presence is sure to complicate things for Daredevil. Expect a tense and impactful appearance in Episode 4.
- Vanessa Fisk: Wilson Fisk's wife navigating her role in his new public life and dealing with her own secrets and desires.
- Dex/Bullseye: The deadly former FBI agent now fully embracing his Bullseye persona and likely to cause chaos.
- Foggy Nelson (Elden Henson) & Karen Page (Deborah Ann Woll): Matt's loyal friends and allies from the Netflix series are back though Karen has moved to San Francisco creating a distance within the trio.
Get Ready for a Dark Ride: Daredevil Born Again Episode 4 Arrives Soon
Daredevil: Born Again Episode 4 is poised to be a pivotal moment in the series. With Punisher entering the fray the stakes are higher than ever and Matt Murdock's resolve will be tested to its limits. Whether you are a longtime Daredevil fan or new to Hell's Kitchen this is definitely a show to watch. Tune in to Disney+ this Tuesday to see what happens next and get ready for a wild ride into the darkness.