Daredevil: Born Again – A Gritty and Action-Packed Return to Hell's Kitchen

Marvel enthusiasts have waited years for Daredevil to return, and with Daredevil: Born Again, that time is finally here. The two-part series premiere returns Charlie Cox's Matt Murdock to action, serving up an intense, emotional, and action-packed introduction that is a direct continuation of the much-loved Netflix series.

The series opens with one of the best fight sequences in superhero TV history, setting the tone for what’s to come. While some elements feel familiar, Born Again brings a fresh perspective to the rivalry between Daredevil and Wilson Fisk, played once again by the brilliant Vincent D’Onofrio.

Does this new chapter live up to the hype? Let’s break it down.

Daredevil is Back – And So is the Brutal Action

Right from the opening scene, Born Again establishes that Daredevil is the same raw, grounded, and brutal hero that fans became accustomed to during the Netflix days.

The series gets right to business. Matt Murdock begins in a pretty pleasant spot, out with his friends Foggy Nelson (Elden Henson) and Karen Page (Deborah Ann Woll) drinking. But everybody who knows the story of Daredevil is aware that tranquility never lasts long.

Enter Benjamin Poindexter, aka Bullseye, now completely remade as the ruthless killer comic book fans know him to be. The initial extensive fight sequence between Daredevil and Bullseye is simply stunning. It's a one-shot, adrenaline-fueled battle that runs through a bar and into an apartment building, with both combatants employing makeshift weapons—ranging from Bullseye's favorite billiard balls and razor-sharp knives.

It's a fight sequence that looks plagiarized directly out of the comic books, complete with bone-splintering blows, glamorous choreography, and impeccable filming.

But it comes at great cost—and this is where the emotional punch of the episode hits hard.

Foggy's Fatal Fall Proves to be the Turning Point

One of the biggest reveals in Born Again's premiere episode is Foggy Nelson's untimely death.

After years of being Matt's loyal companion, Foggy's killing by Bullseye is a heart-wrenching scene that utterly devastates Matt's life.

What makes this tragedy even more poignant is that Foggy had always been Matt's moral anchor—his link to ordinary life. Without him, Matt is left in a state of confusion, and he descends into a path of revenge.

In a dramatic turn of events, Matt nearly kills Bullseye in revenge. This is a huge character turning point for him. At the end of Daredevil Season 3, Matt let Fisk live, hoping he could overcome his inner demons.

But Foggy's death makes all of that go out the window.

It's a strong reminder that, no matter how hard he tries to do the right thing, Daredevil is still a man grappling with his own moral compass.

Wilson Fisk: From Crime Boss to Politician

As Matt Murdock attempts to leave the life of Daredevil behind him, his greatest foe returns in a shocking fashion—not as crime lord, but as something worse: a politician.

Yes, Wilson Fisk is now on the ballot to become mayor of New York City.

The balance of power turns entirely. Before, Matt might have been able to take down Fisk by hand. Now, however, with Fisk seeking public office, his reach is greater than ever.

The series masterfully creates tension between Murdock and Fisk, putting them on a collision course that is at once legal and personal.

One of the best scenes of the premiere is their first face-to-face conversation at a local diner. The unspoken threats, the uneasy civility, and the sheer weight of their history make for an edge-of-your-seat moment.

The notion of a convicted felon making his way into political office may have been far-fetched years ago, but as of 2025, it's a chilling prospect. Rather than making explicit real-world connections, the show eschews that for the more general theme of what occurs when a bully rises to power—and what duty those around them have to intervene.

The Return of Classic Daredevil Storytelling

What is so good about Born Again's premiere is that it remains faithful to the character's origin while introducing new storytelling elements.

It's not a reboot per se—it's Daredevil Season 4, just rebranded. The dark, character-focused storytelling that made the Netflix series so endearing is present here.

Yes, there are some differences. The premiere is more breakneck than past seasons, and there's less time devoted to Matt's inner conflict. Some of the slower, more subtle character moments that characterized the original series are cut for high-stakes action and a more linear plot.

But that doesn't preclude the show from having emotional heft. Born Again still gets at what makes Daredevil so good—a hero who is as weak as he is powerful, fighting both outside forces and his own demons.

Final Thoughts: A Strong Start with Huge Potential

Daredevil: Born Again offers a gripping and emotional premiere that gets off to a running start.

The violent action, stunning plot twists, and standout performances by Charlie Cox and Vincent D'Onofrio serve notice that this is the Daredevil that the fans have been waiting for.

Though some of the original show's subtlety is lacking, the fresh dynamic between Murdock and Fisk compensates, and they are building up to one of the most frenetic battles in superhero television history.

The premiere is just the start, and if the rest of the season is as intense, Daredevil: Born Again might just be one of the greatest Marvel shows to have ever aired.

Final Rating: 9/10 – A Devilishly Good Return

Are you hyped for Daredevil's return? What did you think of the premiere? Let us know in the comments!