The latest episode of Daredevil: Born Again delivers some major developments, introducing a chilling new villain while bringing back a beloved character from the original series. Let’s dive into the key events and what they mean for the future of the show.
The Punisher Returns
One of the most anticipated moments of the season finally arrives as Jon Bernthal reprises his role as Frank Castle, aka The Punisher. Matt Murdock seeks out his old friend/rival after discovering a bullet casing with the Punisher’s skull logo at the scene of Hector Ayala’s murder.
Their reunion is far from warm and fuzzy. Frank immediately cuts to the heart of Matt’s inner turmoil:
- He forces Matt to confront his grief over Foggy Nelson’s death
- Questions whether Matt feels conflicted about Bullseye still being alive
- Pushes Matt to consider embracing a more violent form of justice
This tense exchange serves multiple purposes:
- It helps Matt process his emotions about Foggy’s death
- It sets up potential future conflict between Daredevil and The Punisher
- It nudges Matt closer to reclaiming his Daredevil persona
While Frank denies involvement in Ayala’s death, he reveals that some “fanboys” have been using his logo. This adds a new layer of mystery to the murder and suggests we may see more Punisher copycats causing trouble in Hell’s Kitchen.
Wilson Fisk’s Dark Secret
The episode also sheds light on the mysterious “Adam” mentioned in previous episodes. We learn that Adam was the man Vanessa had an affair with, causing a rift in her marriage to Wilson Fisk.
In a shocking reveal, we discover that Fisk has been keeping Adam captive. This twist accomplishes several things:
- It shows Fisk is still capable of extreme brutality, despite his attempts to reform
- It creates tension in Fisk’s storyline as he tries to balance his mayoral duties with his darker impulses
- It sets up potential conflict if Vanessa or others discover what he’s done
This development adds depth to Fisk’s character, showing how he’s struggling to reconcile his past with his new public persona as mayor.
Muse: A New Threat Emerges
The episode introduces us to Muse, a terrifying new villain straight from the Daredevil comics. Muse is a deranged artist who creates macabre works using the blood of his victims.
We see glimpses of Muse’s handiwork throughout the episode:
- Graffiti signed with his name appears in various locations
- The final scene shows him draining blood from a captive, likely for use in his twisted art
Muse’s introduction promises to bring a new level of horror to the series. His artistic focus and use of blood as a medium create a unique and disturbing antagonist for Daredevil to face.
Matt Murdock’s Internal Struggle
Throughout the episode, we see Matt wrestling with his identity as Daredevil. Key moments include:
- Investigating Hector Ayala’s murder scene, showing he can’t let go of his vigilante instincts
- His conversation with Frank Castle, which forces him to confront his grief and anger
- The final scene where Matt begins training with his billy clubs again
These elements all point towards Matt’s inevitable return to the Daredevil persona, setting up future conflicts with both the law and the new threats emerging in Hell’s Kitchen.
Daredevil: Born Again’s fourth episode significantly raises the stakes, introducing new villains while bringing back familiar faces. The return of The Punisher, the reveal of Fisk’s dark secret, and the emergence of Muse all promise to push Matt Murdock to his limits. As the series progresses, it’s clear that the line between hero and villain will continue to blur in fascinating ways.