Okay Marvel fans you are not gonna believe this. If you tuned into the latest episode of Daredevil: Born Again things just got a whole lot more intense and a whole lot more…punishing? That's right the internet is buzzing because it looks like Frank Castle aka The Punisher might be making his grand entrance into the MCU show.
Shocking Ending: Punisher Symbol Appears After White Tiger's Tragic Death in Daredevil Born Again Ep 3
Episode 3 of Daredevil: Born Again starts off with a bit of a breather after a wild two-part premiere. This episode focuses on the trial of Hector Ayala aka White Tiger who's in deep trouble. While the courtroom drama is interesting especially with Matt Murdock arguing for a vigilante it's admittedly a bit light on the superhero action. No Daredevil sightings in this one folks.
However hold on to your hats because the episode ends with a major jaw-dropper. In a shocking twist Hector Ayala is assassinated! And guess who the assassin is seemingly linked to? Someone wearing a Punisher logo! Yep you saw that right. A Punisher skull symbol. The episode review from IGN even mentioned being completely stunned by this and highlighted that the assassin was "wearing a Punisher logo no less."
This has sent the internet into a frenzy. Is this just some random copycat? Or is Frank Castle himself about to make his presence known in Hell's Kitchen again? Fans are losing it trying to figure out what this means and if Jon Bernthal might be reprising his iconic Punisher role.
Is Daredevil Ready to Suit Up Again? White Tiger's Fate and Murdock's Moral Dilemma
The episode review points out that Hector Ayala's tragic end seems designed to really mess with Matt Murdock's head. Talking with Ayala got Matt thinking about his own vigilante past. It seemed like Murdock was trying to stick to being just a lawyer helping people through the legal system not as Daredevil.
But with Ayala's unjust and violent death will this be enough to push Matt to put the Daredevil suit back on? The review mentions Matt "fidgeting with that broken horn" hinting that the Daredevil persona is definitely still lurking beneath the surface. It looks like Ayala's fate could be the catalyst that brings Daredevil back into action especially with the Punisher-esque figure now in the mix.
However the review also criticizes Matt's tactics in the courtroom calling them "reckless and theatrical." Apparently Matt revealing Ayala's secret identity as White Tiger to win the case was a questionable move even for him. It is pointed out that Matt should know the dangers of outing a hero and that this move ultimately backfires leading directly to Ayala's assassination. Did Matt's legal missteps unintentionally pave the way for the Punisher's brand of justice or someone using his symbol?
Kingpin's Reign and Punisher's Shadow: Fisk's Changing Power and a Growing Threat?
Wilson Fisk aka Kingpin also has a quieter episode in terms of direct action but his storyline is still developing in interesting ways. His relationship with Vanessa is strained and his old criminal allies are not making things easy for him. The police chief's words from the previous episode "Once a thug always a thug" seem to be ringing true for Fisk.
Becoming mayor was supposed to elevate Fisk but it seems like it might be making him even more frustrated. He's gone from being the Kingpin of crime feeling like the top dog to now seeing other crime lords as "petty squabbling vermin." This mirrors Matt's struggle as both are wrestling with their identities and trying to move beyond their pasts but seemingly being pulled back in.
The review highlights that "The Punisher’s presence continues to grow" in the show. Beyond the skull-wearing assassin they also spotted another cop with a skull tattoo. The review speculates that these figures might be "appropriated the Punisher logo" and that Frank Castle himself might not be directly involved initially. But it definitely raises the stakes and suggests that the Punisher's brutal methods or at least his image are becoming a force to be reckoned with in the city.
Daredevil Born Again: Big Streaming Numbers and Building Anticipation
Despite the slightly slower pace of Episode 3 Daredevil: Born Again is clearly a hit. Variety reports that the show had a "strong launch" on Disney+ with a massive 7.5 million views in its first five days. That makes it the biggest streaming debut on Disney+ this year so far. For comparison the first episode of Agatha All Along had 9.3 million views in its first week which is also impressive.
This viewership success combined with the shocking cliffhanger ending of Episode 3 with the Punisher tease means that anticipation for the next episodes is going to be through the roof. Fans are clearly invested in this Daredevil revival and the introduction of the Punisher element is only going to amplify the excitement.
Key Questions and Punisher Clues from Daredevil Born Again Episode 3:
- Is that really The Punisher or someone using his symbol?
- Will Frank Castle actually appear in Daredevil Born Again?
- How will the Punisher's presence impact Daredevil's decision to return to vigilantism?
- Did Matt Murdock's legal actions inadvertently lead to White Tiger's death and the Punisher-related assassination?
- What is the connection between the cops with skull tattoos and the Punisher symbol?
- Will Kingpin's mayoral ambitions clash with the Punisher's methods or presence?
Get Ready for More Mayhem: Punisher's Arrival Could Change Everything in Daredevil Born Again
Episode 3 of Daredevil: Born Again might have been a bit of a setup episode but it ended with a bang. The appearance of the Punisher symbol and the death of White Tiger have thrown a major wrench into Matt Murdock's attempts to go straight and have dramatically raised the stakes for the show. Whether it is Frank Castle himself or someone else adopting his brutal methods Hell's Kitchen is about to get even darker and more dangerous. Get ready for the next episode because things are definitely about to explode!