Netflix’s Daredevil was a genre-defining triumph, a visceral and emotionally charged series that set a new bar for superhero storytelling. Naturally, expectations were sky-high for Daredevil: Born Again, the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s attempt at reviving the world of Charlie Cox’s Matt Murdock, Vincent D’Onofrio’s Wilson Fisk, and the many returning characters from The Defenders Saga. Thankfully, Born Again not only meets those expectations but surpasses them, delivering what is arguably Marvel Studios’ best Disney+ series to date.

A True Episodic Experience

One of the major flaws plaguing the MCU’s previous television efforts was their tendency to feel like extended movies chopped into segments rather than fully realized episodic narratives. Born Again wisely sidesteps this issue, embracing a structure that allows for character development and storytelling finesse. Drawing from the strengths of Daredevil Season 3—the pinnacle of the original series—Born Again hits the ground running, setting the stage with major, heart-wrenching developments that alter Matt Murdock’s path forever.

The Tragedy That Sets the Tone

A sense of impending doom looms large over the opening episodes, culminating in a devastating moment that sends shockwaves through the series. The return of Wilson Bethel’s Bullseye brings back the bone-chilling unpredictability that made him such a terrifying force in Season 3. Using deception to lure Matt away from Josie’s bar, Bullseye lands a fatal blow—killing Foggy Nelson in cold blood just before Matt can return to save Karen.

This sequence is a masterclass in tension, with Matt’s hypersenses visually tracking Foggy’s fading heartbeat amidst a brutal, blood-soaked fight against Bullseye. Though some CGI enhancements to Daredevil’s acrobatics feel slightly out of place, the raw intensity of the battle more than compensates.

The loss of Foggy is not just tragic—it is transformative. Matt’s reaction is visceral, his grief manifesting in a moment of uncharacteristic rage as he throws Bullseye off a building, intending to kill him. The fallout is immediate and heartbreaking. A year later, we find Matt a changed man—disillusioned, withdrawn, and having abandoned his Daredevil persona. While he and Karen achieved professional success, the joy has been drained from his life.

Matt Murdock vs. Wilson Fisk: A Rivalry Rekindled

Fisk’s return is as electrifying as ever, with D’Onofrio once again delivering a menacing yet complex portrayal of the Kingpin. Now the Mayor of New York, Fisk has seemingly turned away from his criminal enterprises, a shift that causes friction with his wife Vanessa, who had been steering his empire in his absence. Vanessa’s affair with the enigmatic Adam adds another layer of intrigue to this power dynamic.

The inevitable confrontation between Matt and Fisk does not disappoint. Their diner conversation—teased in trailers—is just as riveting as any fight scene. Cox and D’Onofrio’s chemistry is unparalleled, and the subtle undercurrents in their exchange reveal a begrudging mutual respect, tinged with the ever-present threat of violence. Their uneasy truce is a ticking time bomb, waiting for one of them to step out of line.

Enter White Tiger: A New Hero Emerges

While Born Again is rooted in the legacy of Daredevil, it also introduces a fresh face to the MCU’s street-level hero roster—White Tiger. The late Kamar de los Reyes’ portrayal of Hector Ayala is instantly compelling. His debut is an exhilarating mix of courage and tragedy, as he intervenes to stop a beating, only for the confrontation to escalate into chaos when an undercover officer falls to his death.

The inclusion of White Tiger allows Born Again to explore Matt Murdock’s role as a lawyer with newfound depth. Episode 2 shifts focus to Matt’s legal expertise, as he attempts to help Hector through the justice system rather than through brute force. This return to courtroom drama is a welcome addition, further grounding Born Again in the elements that made Daredevil so compelling.

The Kingpin’s New York & The Rising Threat

Fisk’s new role as Mayor adds a fascinating political dimension to the series. His public stance against vigilantism directly calls out heroes like Daredevil, the Punisher, and even Spider-Man, signaling a dangerous crackdown on street-level justice. Meanwhile, lurking beneath the surface, corruption festers. A confrontation between Matt and a group of corrupt cops attempting to silence a key witness hints at larger forces at play, particularly with the ominous presence of a Punisher tattoo on one of the officers.

Looking Ahead

With Daredevil: Born Again already renewed for a second season in 2026, the series is poised to expand its gripping narrative. Matt’s struggle to reconcile his dual identity, Fisk’s ever-growing influence, and the rise of new allies and enemies promise an enthralling journey ahead. Born Again is not just a worthy successor to Daredevil—it is a testament to the enduring power of these characters and their world.

Streaming weekly on Disney+ every Wednesday in India, Daredevil: Born Again is a must-watch for longtime fans and newcomers alike.