Daredevil Born Again: Fisk’s Reign of Terror Intensifies

Daredevil Born Again: Fisk’s Reign of Terror Intensifies

The latest episodes of Daredevil Born Again, specifically episodes two “Shoot the Moon” and three “The Scales and the Sword,” have thrown viewers into the deep end of Wilson Fisk’s brutal control over New York City. The series is not holding back, showing Fisk’s ruthless tactics and the growing resistance against him, all while weaving in familiar faces and comic book nods.

Fisk’s Grip Tightens

Kingpin is making his presence felt in terrifying ways. We see him training for a fight, showing a level of aggression that mirrors his rage after losing four Task Force goons. This isn’t just about physical strength; it’s about pure, unbridled fury. Fisk’s actions, like taking out his anger on a boxing trainer, echo the destructive power seen in characters like Steve Rogers in The Avengers. His superhuman strength is on full display, especially when he rips a car door off its hinges, a moment reminiscent of his actions in the Hawkeye series.

Fisk is also using the media to his advantage. When he can’t publicly out Matt Murdock as Daredevil, he opts for a televised address, turning the city against Daredevil by claiming Matt is missing. This sparks a city-wide hunt, with fake hotlines and posters appearing everywhere. Meanwhile, the mysterious “BB” continues her campaign against Fisk with “City Without Fear” videos. These videos, uploaded to a YouTube-like platform, are gaining traction, with one titled “Daredevil sunk my boat” already hitting 346,000 views. However, the show struggles to reconcile BB’s underground tactics with the viral success of her videos, showing a disconnect between the narrative and the visuals.

Familiar Faces and New Threats

The episodes bring back characters and elements fans will recognize. Dexter, also known as Bullseye, is seen seeking out Sister Maggie, Matt Murdock’s mother. While Sister Maggie is on sabbatical in Rome, Dex’s motives remain unclear. Is he seeking genuine absolution for his past betrayals, or is this a ploy to get to Matt? The recurring blue light, which filled Bullseye’s world in season one, reappears, symbolizing his sharp focus, but on what remains a question.

Cole North, scarred from the events of season one, returns. He survived a grenade attack that left him with facial scarring, a testament to the show’s brutal portrayal of violence. Meanwhile, Cherry, a character from season one, is protected by older detectives in his hospital room. Their mention of Lombardi’s pizza is a callback to Frank Castle’s favorite in The Punisher season two. Cherry’s status as a first responder during the Battle of New York in 2012 adds a layer of respect from the cops.

Dex Returns as Bullseye

Dexter makes a dramatic return as Bullseye, complete with a more comic-accurate suit featuring the iconic bullseye logo on his mask. His appearance in the garage, after waiting in an elevator, ends with the deaths of two goons, their heads bashed in. The question of how he obtained this new suit – whether from Melvin Potter or Luke Jacobson – lingers.

Fisk also shows Daniel a photo of Commissioner Gallow’s body, staged to look like a car accident. A bloodied business card with the “City Without Fear” handle and Fisk’s Max Headroom image is found on the body. This suggests BB is warning Fisk and the AVTF that she knows their secrets. The timeline, however, feels a bit off, with the Gallow file being a major focus six months after the initial events.

Thematic Echoes and Character Arcs

Fisk and Vanessa discuss their empire and the need for an heir, hinting at a storyline involving Richard Fisk, Kingpin’s son, who becomes the Rose in the comics. The show also touches on real-world parallels, particularly with the AVTF’s heavy presence and actions. The arrest of Angela Del Toro’s aunt and friend by an AVTF goon highlights the Task Force’s overreach and brutality. Matt Murdock’s face on a missing poster behind Angela as she cries suggests he’s the only one who can help.

Heather Glenn, still dealing with trauma from Muse, experiences panic attacks. Vanessa also has a dream of a blue rose, a symbol connected to the Rose storyline, which later turns into a red rose, possibly signifying Richard Fisk’s emergence. The show continues to explore the idea of vigilantes versus serial killers, with Heather and Fisk equating the two simply because they wear masks.

New Hideouts and Lingering Questions

After their hideout at Josie’s bar is raided by the AVTF, Matt and Karen find a new one: Frank Castle’s old basement from season one. The show teases the upcoming Punisher: One Last Kill special presentation, suggesting Frank Castle may still be alive and kicking. Karen, influenced by Frank, captures an AVTF goon named Saunders, who becomes willing to help Daredevil and Daredevil. This action, though effective, weighs on Karen’s conscience.

Jack Dukane’s Trial and the Red Hook Facility

Episode three focuses on Jack Dukane’s trial, which is moved up to a tribunal. The show emphasizes the difference between a trial and a tribunal, with Jack arguing that his guilt is presumed due to his classification as a terrorist. The writers use this to highlight the lack of other prominent vigilantes being targeted, implying that Jack is the main focus due to his past association with Clint Barton and Kate Bishop. The French phrase he uses, “Let them eat cake,” alludes to the French Reign of Terror, drawing parallels to Fisk’s actions and the common people caught in the crossfire.

Kirsten McDuffy, blindfolded by Cole North, gathers audio details of the Red Hook facility. This facility is marked with a red hook logo and contains 24 cages filled with detainees. The show also introduces Governor Marge McAffrey, who reviews the Red Hook, Freeport 1855 charter with Mayor Fisk, hinting at a confrontation between them.

BB’s Evolving Campaign

A new “City Without Fear” video emerges, this one with a different tone. It mocks Swordsman (Jack Dukane) but also includes seemingly genuine compliments about his charitable work. The video mixes imagery from The Matrix and Daredevil’s past battles, even referencing Daredevil’s “friendly neighborhood” approach, a subtle nod to Spider-Man. The video ends with warnings about the Red Hook facility, continuing BB’s anti-Fisk message, though its complex, layered nature makes its true intent and creator ambiguous.

A Chaotic Tribunal

The tribunal for Jack Dukane is portrayed as a sham, with Chief Justice Waters and the other judges seemingly influenced by Fisk. The DA quotes from Heather Glenn’s psyche vow, citing her firsthand experience, but an objection is raised due to Dr. Glenn’s past trauma from Muse, suggesting a conflict of interest. The episodes leave viewers with a sense of escalating danger and Fisk’s pervasive influence, while setting the stage for further conflict and revelations.

Source: DAREDEVIL BORN AGAIN 2×02 + 2×03 BREAKDOWN! Easter Eggs & Details You Missed! (YouTube)