Alright Marvel fans the Man Without Fear is back! Ten years after Charlie Cox first donned the Daredevil suit on Netflix he is back in Daredevil: Born Again this time on Disney+. But is it a triumphant return or has something been lost in the move to the Mouse House? The first reviews are in and let's just say it is a mixed bag but definitely worth talking about!
Critics Weigh In: 'Daredevil: Born Again' - Bloody Brutal and Satisfying But Is It Better Than Netflix?
Early reviews for Daredevil: Born Again are rolling in and it sounds like Marvel might have actually pulled this off. Many critics are saying it delivers what fans wanted gritty action compelling characters and a story that keeps you hooked. Some are even calling it the best Marvel TV show yet! But it is not all perfect. Some reviewers feel it might be playing it a little too safe and missing some of the original spark.
Here is a quick taste of what folks are saying:
- Thumbs Up: Many are praising it as "exactly what fans have been wanting" and "well worth the wait." Some call it "the best television show Marvel Studios has made" or even "the best comic book TV show ever made."
- Gritty and Brutal: Good news for fans of the Netflix series the violence is still there. Reviewers are calling the fights "bone-breakingly brutal and bloody" and "visceral". One even said you can "almost feel the punches".
- Charlie Cox and Vincent D'Onofrio Shine: No surprise here Charlie Cox as Daredevil and Vincent D'Onofrio as Kingpin are getting major props. Cox's performance is described as "impressive" and "his finest hour yet". D'Onofrio is called "the main reason to watch" and "arguably the most terrifying villain in all of the MCU."
- Mixed Feelings: However some critics feel it is missing some of the original excitement. One review says it "doesn’t feel quite as ambitious and exciting" and another calls it a "good enough copy of what was originally stunning." Some find the storytelling "herky-jerky" and "not totally coherent."
- Pacing and Subplots: Some reviewers note the show juggles "multiple subplots" which can be "dull" or "semi-connected." Others say the show "simply tells its story episode by episode building clearly from one chapter to the next." So it seems pacing might be a bit inconsistent.
Overall the initial buzz is mostly positive. It sounds like Daredevil: Born Again delivers the gritty action and character focus fans expect but there might be some pacing issues and maybe a slight dip in originality compared to the Netflix run. You will have to watch and decide for yourself!
Kingpin's Rise and White Tiger's Debut: What to Expect in 'Daredevil: Born Again' Plot
So what is Daredevil: Born Again actually about? Well it picks up after the Netflix Daredevil series with Matt Murdock still trying to keep Hell's Kitchen safe. But things are different this time around. Wilson Fisk aka Kingpin is back and he is not just a crime boss anymore. He is running for mayor of New York City and is actually a popular candidate! His slogan? "Fisk can fix it." Creepy right?
Vincent D'Onofrio says Fisk truly believes he can fix the city but he is also got a hidden agenda to expand his power. Charlie Cox explains that Matt Murdock initially gives up being Daredevil to work within the system as a lawyer. But a "traumatic event" and rising crime forces him to consider putting the mask back on especially with Fisk gaining influence and wrongly targeting vigilantes.
The show also introduces a new character to the MCU: White Tiger. This groundbreaking Latino hero is Hector Ayala played by the late Kamar de los Reyes who sadly passed away before the show aired. White Tiger is framed for murder in the first episode and Daredevil aka Matt Murdock steps in to defend him. Charlie Cox mentioned that one of his favorite comic storylines was "The Trial of the White Tiger" so it seems like this will be a key part of the season. It’s a significant moment for Latino representation in Marvel and a chance to see Daredevil as both a lawyer and superhero.
Netflix Grittiness on Disney+? Violence and Tone in 'Daredevil: Born Again'
One big question fans had was would Daredevil: Born Again still be as dark and violent as the Netflix series now that it is on Disney+? Good news for those who loved the mature tone it seems like the show is still pretty gritty. Reviews confirm it is TV-MA with "graphic language and often grisly violence." The fights are described as "just as bone-breakingly brutal and bloody as we’ve come to expect" and even "upped the ante tenfold."
However some reviewers point out a potential "tonal dissonance" when the show tries to connect to the wider MCU which is generally more all-ages friendly. There are even cameos and references to more lighthearted Disney+ shows like Ms. Marvel. It seems like the show is trying to balance the darkness of Daredevil with the broader MCU but some feel it might not always mesh perfectly.
What About Season 2? Foggy and Karen Are Back and More to Come?
Hold on to your billy clubs Daredevil fans because Marvel has confirmed Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 is officially happening! And even better news for fans of the original Netflix series Karen Page and Foggy Nelson are coming back! Deborah Ann Woll will reprise her role as Karen and Elden Henson is back as Foggy. This is huge as these characters were essential to the heart of the original show.
While Karen makes a brief appearance in the first episode Foggy Nelson's return is a bit more complicated. In a shocking twist the first episode actually kills off Foggy Nelson in the first 15 minutes! Yes Foggy is seemingly murdered by Bullseye in a brutal scene. Marvel's head of streaming TV and animation Brad Winderbaum explained that this shocking event was needed for the story to push Matt Murdock to his limits and grapple with his inner demons. However Winderbaum also teased that Elden Henson will return in some capacity for Season 2. How exactly? That remains a mystery but it's definitely intriguing.
Key Takeaways from 'Daredevil: Born Again' First Reviews:
- Gritty Return: Daredevil: Born Again retains the dark and violent tone of the Netflix series.
- Strong Performances: Charlie Cox and Vincent D'Onofrio are praised for their excellent performances.
- Mixed Pacing: Some reviews note inconsistent pacing and too many subplots.
- Brutal Action: Fight scenes are described as brutal visceral and well-choreographed.
- Foggy and Karen Return: Deborah Ann Woll and Elden Henson are confirmed to return for Season 2 despite Foggy's shocking fate in episode 1.
- MCU Connection: The show attempts to connect to the wider MCU but tonal clashes are noted.
Is 'Daredevil: Born Again' Worth Watching? Final Verdict and Fan Expectations
So is Daredevil: Born Again worth checking out? Based on early reviews it definitely seems like it is for Daredevil fans and those who enjoy gritty superhero stories. It may not be perfect and some feel it does not quite reach the heights of the original Netflix series but it is still being praised for its performances action and overall tone. The return of Karen and Foggy for Season 2 is another big reason to be excited about the future of the show. If you are ready for a bloody brutal and character-driven Marvel show Daredevil: Born Again might just be what you have been waiting for. Get ready to head back to Hell's Kitchen it is going to be a wild ride!