The release of Daredevil: Born Again has stirred up quite the conversation among fans and critics alike, particularly surrounding its fifth episode, titled "With Interest." This episode has become a polarizing topic, as it diverges significantly in tone from the rest of the season, leaning towards a more lighthearted approach reminiscent of Mark Waid's comic style rather than the darker tones associated with Frank Miller or Chip Zdarsky.
In this episode, Matt Murdock, played by Charlie Cox, finds himself inadvertently involved in a bank robbery alongside Yusuf Khan, the father of Ms. Marvel’s protagonist, Kamala Khan. Interestingly, "With Interest" is the only episode that survived the extensive creative overhaul that took place during the show's production, remaining untouched from the original shoot before the Writers Guild strikes.
Reflecting on the episode, Charlie Cox candidly expressed his discontent during an interview with The Playlist. "There was one episode we didn’t change at all. It’s the episode in the bank, and that was part of the original shoot. Just for my money, I wasn’t into it. I didn’t like it. It was my least favorite of the episodes, and I kind of pushed back against it as much as I felt was possible," Cox stated.
His objections were rooted in the belief that a bank heist in 2025 felt outdated, akin to a 1970s narrative. "I said, 'I don’t believe in a bank heist in 2025. That feels like a 1970s game. Too much technology these days for that to work.' And also, I didn’t think the actual device used for the theft was sophisticated enough," he elaborated.
Despite his reservations, the episode has resonated with audiences. Cox noted, "I really pushed back on the episode, and yet I hear from so many people that they love that episode. So, it just goes to show you just don’t know. It’s so subjective. Everyone’s taste is different. Internally, when they do their ratings, it’s one of the highest-rated Disney shows that they’ve had." This revelation highlights the unpredictable nature of audience reception, where a piece that an actor may view unfavorably can still be embraced by fans.
The creative journey of Daredevil: Born Again has been tumultuous, with significant changes implemented after filming had begun. Following the Writers Guild and SAG-AFTRA strikes, the original head writers Chris Ord and Matt Corman were replaced by Dario Scardapane, who took the reins as showrunner. Directors from Loki Season 2 and Moon Knight, Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead, were also brought in to guide the new direction of the series.
As fans compare the reshot pilot with the later episodes, many have pointed out a noticeable difference in quality. The first season of Daredevil: Born Again is currently available for streaming on Disney+, and while the show has received mixed reviews, the anticipation for the second season, set to premiere in 2026, remains high.
In his comments about the upcoming season, Cox expressed optimism about the writing and character development. "I don’t want to oversell it. I do happen to think it’s some of the best writing we’ve ever had on this show," he remarked. He emphasized the effort to flesh out characters that were often overlooked in previous iterations, suggesting a more ensemble-driven approach this time around.
Cox's enthusiasm for the new season is palpable. "Dario is a real, really extraordinary talent. We’re very lucky to have him. I think this is going to be a good season," he stated, hinting at a shift in tone and narrative depth that fans can look forward to.
The dynamic between Cox and the rest of the cast, including Vincent D’Onofrio, who reprises his role as Wilson Fisk, has also played a significant role in shaping the series. Both actors have been vocal about their desire for the show to retain its darker roots while still exploring new avenues of storytelling.
Fans have already begun speculating about how the second season will unfold, especially with the introduction of new conflicts, including Daredevil’s battle against Mayor Wilson Fisk in a city that has outlawed vigilantes. This adds an intriguing layer to the narrative, as it promises to delve deeper into the moral complexities of vigilantism in a modern context.
While the fifth episode of Daredevil: Born Again may have sparked debate, it underscores the subjective nature of storytelling—what resonates with one viewer may not with another. The show's journey reflects a blend of creative struggles, audience expectations, and the evolving landscape of superhero narratives.
As the first season continues to garner attention, it's clear that Daredevil: Born Again has successfully reignited interest in the beloved character and paved the way for future storytelling possibilities. With a second season on the horizon, both fans and newcomers to the franchise are eager to see how Matt Murdock's story unfolds in a world that is ever-changing.
