Daredevil: Born Again delivered a gripping conclusion to its first season, showcasing a climactic battle between the titular hero, Matt Murdock, and the formidable villain Wilson Fisk, also known as Kingpin. The finale, which aired on April 15, 2025, not only highlighted the intense conflict between these two characters but also revealed Fisk's terrifying evolution into a more powerful and ruthless adversary.
The episode featured a dramatic team-up between Daredevil and Frank Castle, aka The Punisher. While Castle's approach leaned heavily towards violence, Daredevil sought a more restrained method of dealing with the Clowns, the criminal group they were up against. This clash of ideologies added depth to their partnership, illustrating how two heroes could unite despite their differing views on justice.
However, the most shocking moment came when Wilson Fisk brutally killed Commissioner Gallo by crushing his skull with his bare hands. This act not only confirmed Fisk's cold-blooded nature but also sparked discussions among fans regarding the extent of his strength. Many are left wondering if Vincent D'Onofrio's portrayal of Fisk has always exhibited such superhuman abilities or if the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has enhanced the character's power.
Historically, Fisk has demonstrated impressive strength. In Netflix's Daredevil, he overpowered both Daredevil and Bullseye, smashing Daredevil through walls and displaying his brute force in various confrontations. For instance, in Season 1, he crushed a man's head with a car door and, in Season 2, he engaged in a fierce fight with The Punisher, showcasing his formidable fighting prowess.
Fans have noted that the MCU version of Fisk seems to possess even greater strength. In Hawkeye, he was seen pulling a car door off its hinges and withstanding multiple arrows shot by Kate Bishop without flinching. Most notably, he survived being shot in the face point-blank, an act that would have likely incapacitated any normal human. This evolution in Fisk's character raises questions about whether he has obtained the Super Soldier Serum, a substance known for enhancing physical abilities.
Speculation about Fisk's potential acquisition of the Super Soldier Serum has emerged, particularly since several scientists in the MCU have attempted to recreate it. One such scientist, Doctor Wilfred Nagel, successfully produced a version of the serum that was featured in The Falcon and The Winter Soldier. Given Fisk's connections in the criminal underworld, it is plausible that he could have obtained a vial of the serum, which is known to enhance strength without altering the user's appearance.
Showrunner Dario Scardapane hinted at Fisk's increased power, stating, "Fisk is even more Fisk-y" as the series progressed. This sentiment was echoed by viewers who observed Fisk's transformation into a more dangerous figure as he embraced his identity as Kingpin.
Throughout the season, Wilson Fisk's character arc mirrored that of Matt Murdock's, as both struggled with their identities. Fisk's journey began with his return to the MCU in Hawkeye, where he was shot by Maya Lopez. His recovery and subsequent rise to the position of Mayor of New York City showcased his ambition and willingness to use violence to maintain control.
In a particularly chilling scene, Fisk locked up Adam, Vanessa's lover, in a secret dungeon, demonstrating his possessive nature. In a parallel development, Vanessa herself killed Adam, further entrenching the theme of betrayal and violence within their relationship.
As the season unfolded, Wilson Fisk's darker side began to emerge. His brutal murder of Commissioner Gallo, the first on-screen killing since the original Daredevil series, signified a turning point for the character. This act of violence, committed in front of witnesses, underscored Fisk's belief that he is above the law, a sentiment that has only grown stronger since his rise to power.
Commissioner Gallo's final words to Fisk, "You know you'll never get away with this. I'm still the goddamn commissioner… Yeah, I was right. You never stopped being Kingpin. You can't," encapsulated the tension between the two characters. Fisk's willingness to commit murder in such a public manner suggests he feels untouchable, a notion that adds to the stakes for Daredevil and his allies.
As Daredevil: Born Again concluded its first season, it left audiences with lingering questions about the future of both Fisk and Murdock. The series has set the stage for further conflict, especially with the announcement of a second season already in production. Recent set photos indicate that Fisk remains firmly in control of New York City, having declared a state of martial law that allows his Vigilante Task Force to operate with impunity.
The brutal and graphic nature of Fisk's actions has drawn comparisons to earlier moments in the Daredevil saga, particularly the infamous scene where he beheaded a Russian associate with a car door. However, the murder of Gallo was not just about rage; it was a display of raw power and dominance.
As the MCU continues to explore the complexities of its characters, the evolution of Wilson Fisk stands out as a chilling reminder of the fine line between heroism and villainy. With Daredevil and The Punisher now united against him, the stakes have never been higher for both the heroes and the city they protect.
Fans eagerly await the next chapter in this saga, as the narrative of Daredevil: Born Again unfolds, promising more intense battles and moral dilemmas that challenge the very nature of justice.
