The season finale of Daredevil: Born Again is now streaming on Disney+, and it has left fans buzzing with excitement and some disappointment. The ninth episode picks up after Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox) takes a bullet for the Kingpin (Vincent D'Onofrio) during a chaotic confrontation. As the episode unfolds, viewers are treated to a mix of intense action and unexpected revelations.
The episode opens with a flashback featuring Vanessa Fisk (Ayelet Zurer) visiting Benjamin Poindexter (Wilson Bethel), where she offers to set him free in exchange for a favor. This sets the stage for the unfolding drama as Matt awakens in the hospital, recovering from his gunshot wound. He is greeted by Heather (Margarita Levieva) and Kirsten (Nikki M. James), but his first words are a call for Karen Page (Deborah Ann Woll), signaling the tension in his new relationship.
While Matt struggles to recover, he shares with Kirsten that Vanessa ordered the hit on Foggy Nelson (Elden Henson). Meanwhile, in a show of unity, Fisk and Vanessa reaffirm their loyalty to each other and reveal plans to funnel billions through a new port project, which raises alarms about their intentions.
As the Kingpin declares an all-out war on vigilantes, he unleashes his anti-vigilante task force, sending Buck (Arty Froushan) to the hospital to eliminate Matt. However, Matt senses danger and escapes just in time. He returns home to find an unexpected ally: The Punisher, who is back in town and ready to help. Frank Castle (Jon Bernthal) reveals that he was called to assist Matt, promising to get him out alive.
A fierce battle ensues when the task force storms Matt's apartment, leading to a brutal showdown between Daredevil and The Punisher against the corrupt police force. Despite their differing methods—Matt's reluctance to kill and Frank's lethal approach—they emerge victorious, capturing Sgt. Cole North, who is implicated in the murder of White Tiger. The tension between the two heroes continues as they argue about the morality of their actions.
After the fight, Karen arrives in a car, and the trio discusses the evidence they need to investigate Foggy's case. They discover that the Port of Red Hook is a free port, exempt from city and federal jurisdiction, allowing Vanessa to launder money without fear of repercussions. This revelation highlights the depth of the Fisks' criminal activities.
As the chaos unfolds in New York, The Punisher finds himself captured by Fisk's task force while trying to take down criminals at the port. Meanwhile, Fisk listens to a recording that implicates Commissioner Gallo (Michael Gaston) in a conspiracy against him. In a gruesome display of power, Fisk brutally kills Gallo, crushing his skull in front of his followers, solidifying his control over the city.
With the city in turmoil, Matt and Karen find themselves outnumbered at the docks. Karen convinces Matt to retreat and regroup, emphasizing the need for a strategic approach rather than a violent confrontation. By morning, Fisk has imposed martial law, enforcing a curfew and declaring all vigilante activity illegal, tightening his grip on New York.
As the episode progresses, Matt and Karen gather their allies at Josie's Bar, including Detective Kim (Ruibo Qian) and Cherry (Clark Johnson). In a powerful speech, Matt declares, "I can’t see my city, but I can feel it. The system isn’t working—it’s rotten, corrupt. But this is our city, not his. And we can take it back together: the weak, the strong, all of us. Resist. Rebel. Rebuild. Because we are the city without fear." This rallying cry sets the stage for the potential of a second season.
However, fans expressed disappointment over the lack of appearances from the broader Marvel universe, particularly the Defenders. Many took to social media to voice their frustrations, feeling that the show missed an opportunity to unite its characters against the Kingpin. Some even speculated about the future of the series, hoping for cameos from Jessica Jones and Luke Cage in future episodes.
In a post-credits scene, The Punisher uses his status to manipulate a police officer before breaking free from captivity, hinting at further chaos to come. The finale of Daredevil: Born Again not only ties up loose ends but also leaves viewers with plenty of questions and anticipation for what lies ahead.
Overall, the first season has been described as a bloody masterstroke, with a gripping narrative and stellar performances, particularly from Charlie Cox as Matt Murdock. As the series continues to explore themes of justice and morality, fans are left eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this dark and complex saga.
