TV Series Review – Daredevil: Born Again – Season 1

The Return of the Man Without Fear – Impressive, Though Not Perfect

After years of anticipation, Daredevil: Born Again finally brings Charlie Cox’s Matt Murdock back into the spotlight of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While not without flaws, this revival successfully recaptures what made the original Netflix series so special—brutal action, morally complex storytelling, and some of the best performances in superhero TV history. Despite some pacing stumbles and underdeveloped side characters, Born Again ends on a strong note, promising an even brighter future for the series.

A Strong Start and Spectacular Finish

From the very first episode, Born Again makes it clear that this is one of the darkest and most mature projects in the MCU. The season opens with a spectacular fight between Daredevil and Bullseye (Wilson Bethel)—brutal, bloody, and emotionally charged—immediately reminding viewers that this show isn’t afraid of violence. The choreography is masterful, the stakes feel real, and the emotional weight of this confrontation echoes throughout the season.

The finale is equally impressive, pitting Matt Murdock against Wilson Fisk in a clash that’s as much a battle of legal arguments as it is a physical showdown. The return of the Punisher (Jon Bernthal) adds explosive energy, and his chemistry with Cox remains electrifying. The final scenes leave Daredevil in one of the toughest situations of his life, ensuring that Season 2 can’t come soon enough.

Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio – Still Unmatched

The heart of Born Again lies in its two lead performances. Charlie Cox effortlessly slips back into the role of Matt Murdock, balancing guilt, determination, and suppressed rage. His internal struggle—whether to remain a lawyer or don the suit again—is compelling, and Cox perfectly captures every moment of anguish and resolve.

Vincent D’Onofrio, meanwhile, remains one of the MCU’s greatest villains. This time, Kingpin has evolved: he’s no longer just a crime boss but the mayor of New York, wielding politics with the same ruthlessness he once used his fists. D’Onofrio’s performance is more subdued but no less terrifying—his quiet threats as he manipulates the system are just as chilling as his past outbursts of aggression.

Their dynamic is the season’s driving force, particularly in one standout scene—a tense café conversation. The dialogue crackles with unspoken threats, and the actors’ chemistry makes their conflict feel explosive even when they’re not throwing punches.

Uneven Supporting Cast

One of Born Again’s biggest challenges is the absence of key characters from the original series. The deaths of Foggy Nelson and (so far) Karen Page force the writers to introduce a new ensemble. Some of these additions work:

• Heather Glenn (Margarita Levieva) – Matt’s new love interest and therapist, who offers a fresh perspective on his double life, often unknowingly calling out his self-destructive tendencies.

• BB Urich (Genneya Walton) – A worthy successor to Ben Urich, her show The BB Report explores how ordinary people view superheroes in the MCU.

• Commissioner Carl Gallo (Michael Gaston) – A rare example of an honest cop in a corrupt city, his clashes with Fisk’s regime deliver some of the season’s most intense moments.

Unfortunately, not all new characters land as well. Some, like Detective Cherry or Fisk’s enforcer Buck, feel forgettable, while others, like the villain Muse, show potential but are underdeveloped. White Tiger’s (Kamar de los Reyes) arc is intriguing but too brief, leaving viewers wanting more.

Uneven Pacing and a Mid-Season Slump

The biggest weakness of Born Again is its inconsistent pacing. The first two episodes are excellent, setting up a gripping conflict, but the middle of the season loses momentum. A courtroom-focused episode, while well-acted, slows the action, and Muse’s storyline—despite some visually striking scenes—feels rushed.

This can partly be attributed to behind-the-scenes changes. Originally conceived as more of a legal drama, production shifts led to more action being added, making certain parts feel unevenly stitched together. Thankfully, the final three episodes pick up the pace, delivering some of the series’ best sequences and smartest storytelling.

Brutal Action with a Few CGI Missteps

Fans of the Netflix series’ iconic fight scenes won’t be disappointed—Born Again delivers hard-hitting brawls. Hallway and stairwell battles return, and Cox performs most of his own stunts. The opening fight with Bullseye and a later prison riot scene stand out as masterclasses in choreography.

That said, there are moments where the CGI falters—most notably in an awkwardly smooth rooftop chase sequence. These flaws are rare but stand out in a show that usually relies on practical effects.

Final Verdict: A Worthy Revival with Room to Grow

Daredevil: Born Again isn’t as consistently polished as the original’s best seasons, but it comes close. Cox and D’Onofrio are phenomenal, the action is gripping, and the finale sets up an even stronger Season 2. While the pacing is uneven and some new characters don’t fully land, the show’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses.

If Marvel Studios learns from its missteps and improves in Season 2, Born Again could become one of the MCU’s best shows. For now, it’s a worthy return of the Man Without Fear, proving this character still has plenty to offer.

Rating: 8/10

Pros:

• Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio in top form

• Gritty, realistic fight scenes

• Strong emotional depth and moral dilemmas

• A stellar finale that sets up future potential

Cons:
– Uneven pacing in the middle episodes
– Some underdeveloped side characters
– Occasional CGI hiccups

Daredevil: Born Again is a must-watch for fans of the original and lovers of dark superhero storytelling. It’s not perfect, but it’s a successful return for Matt Murdock—one that deserves attention.