Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox) has always believed in justice, but the legal system does not always work in favor of the innocent. In Daredevil: Born Again, the trial of Hector Ayala (Kamar de los Reyes) reaches its conclusion, yet the jury’s decision is not the most shocking part.
This episode focuses on the legal challenges in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, especially as Wilson Fisk (Vincent D’Onofrio) takes control of New York’s administration and tightens his grip on the city.
Also Read: Shocking Fate in ‘Daredevil: Born Again’—But That Major Character’s Story Isn’t Over Yet!
Hector Ayala Faces Trial as the White Tiger Steps Forward
The latest episode officially introduces a new vigilante crime fighter, The White Tiger, who has stepped in to fill the gap left by Daredevil. Behind the mask is Hector Ayala, a man accused of murdering a police officer. In reality, he was only trying to stop an innocent person from being attacked.
His case is perfect for Matt Murdock, the man once known as Daredevil. However, those familiar with Murdock’s history know that his clients often struggle to find justice, despite his best efforts as a lawyer.
The episode begins with Murdock visiting Ayala in prison. Kamar de los Reyes delivers an emotional performance as Ayala, speaking about his home in Puerto Rico and his struggles. Murdock knows that Ayala’s fate depends on finding a key witness, so he manages to locate and protect Nicky Torres (Nick Jordan).
When the incident occurred, Torres was the victim Ayala tried to help on the subway. However, Torres is not just an innocent bystander—he is a local drug dealer and a police informant. His actions angered Officer Powell (Hamish Allan-Headley) and his late partner, leading to the violent encounter that landed Ayala in trouble.
Officer Powell, still furious after his brutal fight with Murdock in the last episode, is determined to stop Torres from testifying. He tries to get to Torres before he can speak in court, but thanks to a clever move by Cherry (Clark Johnson), Torres arrives in time. Cherry has been doing a lot of the hard work in this series so far, and once again, he steps up to help Murdock’s case.
However, things take an unexpected turn. Just as Torres is about to testify, he hesitates and lies about his involvement. The courtroom is filled with police officers, and their presence seems to intimidate him. One officer even has a tattoo of the Punisher logo, hinting at something deeper happening within the police force.
Matt Murdock Struggles With the Case
After the trial takes a hit, Murdock turns to Cherry and his law firm partner, Kirsten McDuffie (Nikki M. James). These two characters could play a bigger role in the show, just as Karen Page (Deborah Ann Woll) and Foggy Nelson (Elden Henson) did in earlier seasons of Daredevil.
Karen and Foggy felt like equals to Matt, adding depth to the story. So far, Cherry and McDuffie have not been given the same level of development. They could have offered a guiding voice when Murdock made his next drastic decision.
Matt Murdock Exposes Hector Ayala as the White Tiger
With no better option, Murdock makes a bold move. While questioning Ayala in court, he takes out the White Tiger mask and reveals Ayala’s secret identity. The entire courtroom, along with the rest of the world, learns the truth. Everyone reacts with shock, and Murdock faces strong criticism for his decision.
Despite the backlash, Murdock believes this was the only way to save Ayala. By revealing his identity, Murdock highlights Ayala’s actions as a crime fighter. He presents police reports that prove Ayala has helped the community. One of the reports is signed by an “Officer Morales,” which could be a clever reference to Miles Morales’ father from Spider-Man.
Wilson Fisk does not see this as a victory for justice. He views it as a cheap tactic in the legal system. However, the strategy works. The jury finds Ayala not guilty, and he walks free. His vigilante actions may still put him at risk, but in the eyes of the law, he is no longer a criminal.
Fisk, on the other hand, is furious. His influence over the city is growing, and he does not want vigilantes running around. He reaches out to BB Urich (Genneya Walton), a journalist who writes about the trial. Fisk is already planning his next move, and his anger suggests that Ayala’s troubles are far from over.
The White Tiger’s Fate Takes a Dark Turn
Even after everything that happened in court, Ayala refuses to stop being the White Tiger. He knows the risks, but his sense of duty pushes him forward. He puts on his White Tiger suit and amulet, ready to continue protecting the city. It should be a moment of triumph—an innocent man overcoming great odds.
Then, without warning, everything changes. A gunshot rings out. Ayala is shot in the head and killed instantly. The heroic dream he fought for is destroyed in a single moment.
As the assassin steps forward, the audience sees something chilling—a bulletproof vest marked with the Punisher’s skull logo. This raises a serious question: Where is Frank Castle?
A Hidden Threat Linked to the Punisher Emerges
The last time viewers saw Frank Castle, he was still on his mission to eliminate criminals in the most brutal way possible. His actions had already put him at odds with Murdock back in Daredevil Season 2.
Now, the repeated appearances of the Punisher logo suggest something even bigger is happening. Law enforcement and the military have used the Punisher’s symbol in real life, despite its original meaning. The show may be addressing this issue by showing a group that is misusing Castle’s image for their own agenda.
This situation is similar to what happened in HBO’s Watchmen series, where a cult twisted the beliefs of the character Rorschach. A dangerous organization could be forming, using the Punisher’s legacy in a way he never intended. However, it remains uncertain if the person who shot Ayala is really Frank Castle or just a follower who admires his methods.
What Comes Next?
With Ayala gone and Fisk’s control growing stronger, the situation in New York is becoming even more dangerous. Matt Murdock has already crossed ethical lines in the courtroom, and he may have to make even tougher choices ahead. Meanwhile, if a Punisher-inspired group is on the rise, it could lead to conflicts far worse than anything Murdock has faced before.
There are still many questions left unanswered. Will Frank Castle return? How will Murdock deal with the growing corruption? And what will Wilson Fisk do next?
One thing is certain—Daredevil: Born Again is setting up a story filled with action, tension, and major consequences. The first three episodes of Daredevil: Born Again are now available to stream on Disney+.
Also Read: Who Is Kirsten McDuffie in ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ and How Does She Change Matt Murdock’s Life?
