Netflix’s Daredevil is remembered for its dark, intense storytelling. It showed the harsh realities of crime and corruption within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, the show also had moments of humor that lightened the mood. Characters like Foggy Nelson (Elden Henson) and Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox) brought charm and wit to balance the drama.
One character who rarely got a moment of humor was Wilson Fisk (Vincent D’Onofrio). He was always serious, powerful, and intimidating. However, Daredevil: Born Again changes that. This new series marks the first full-fledged adaptation of Daredevil and Fisk under Disney and Marvel Studios.
While Spider-Man: No Way Home, Hawkeye, She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, and Echo gave fans glimpses of these characters, Daredevil: Born Again truly brings them back.
The show remains mostly faithful to the original Netflix series. However, some fans feel disappointed because not all beloved characters have returned. Despite this, the story takes an interesting turn with Fisk entering New York politics. Episode 4 introduces a surprisingly humorous side to his journey. This episode raises an important question—can Wilson Fisk work as a comedic figure?
Matt Murdock Struggles With Injustice in Episode 4
Episode 4 opens with the aftermath of a shocking event. Episode 3 ended with the murder of Hector Ayala (Kamar de los Reyes), who secretly fought crime as the vigilante White Tiger. An unknown killer, wearing the Punisher’s (Jon Bernthal) skull logo, executed Ayala. Matt Murdock does not know this crucial detail yet, but he still feels deeply disturbed.
At the autopsy, Matt studies the wounds on Hector’s body. The evidence hints at the person responsible for the crime. Before he can think further, Hector’s niece, Angela del Toro (Camilla Rodriguez), enters the room.
She is heartbroken and furious. Her uncle was found innocent of killing a police officer, but he died just hours later. Angela strongly suspects that corrupt police officers, especially those with Punisher tattoos, played a role in the murder.
Matt listens but does not confirm her suspicions. Instead, he offers words of comfort. If Angela follows the path of her comic book counterpart, she may become a vigilante herself.
Even with his grief over Hector’s death, Matt must continue his work as a lawyer. Kirsten McDuffie (Nikki M. James) calls him for a new case. He is assigned to defend Leroy (Charlie Hudson III), a man arrested for petty theft. Leroy has a long history of offenses and hopes to receive parole. However, his past convictions make that nearly impossible.
Matt manages to reduce Leroy’s sentence to ten days, but Leroy is still frustrated. He has spent his whole life battling a system that unfairly punishes people like him. This experience strengthens Matt’s doubts about the legal system. He begins to wonder if he should wear the Daredevil mask again. The law has limits, and maybe justice requires something more.
Wilson Fisk Faces Political Headaches and Personal Problems
Wilson Fisk has always been a man of action. He believes in making things happen, no matter the cost. However, his personal life is falling apart. His wife, Vanessa Fisk (Ayelet Zurer), had an affair. Fisk dealt with this in his own way—by threatening or possibly killing her lover. Now, he is facing a divorce, but that is not his only problem.
As the new mayor of New York City, Fisk wants to bring business back to the Red Hook port district. He believes this will strengthen the city’s economy and his own power. However, government rules and city codes stand in his way. He hates bureaucracy, but he agrees to follow the process.
Unfortunately, Fisk’s day gets worse. During a public event, he must endure not one, but two terrible cover versions of the song We Built This City. To make matters worse, his protégé, Daniel Blake (Michael Gandolfini), makes a critical mistake. Blake gets drunk and leaks Fisk’s expansion plans to reporter BB Urich (Genneya Walton).
Now, the media calls Fisk a “union buster,” a terrible label for someone trying to gain public support. With his marriage falling apart and his criminal allies questioning his leadership, this is the last thing he needs.
Back in his office, Fisk loses his temper. He rages about the situation, and for a moment, he seems powerless. The once-feared crime boss is struggling to keep control. However, Blake eventually confesses his mistake. Surprisingly, Fisk gives him another chance instead of punishing him.
Frank Castle Returns and Forces Matt to Face His Truth
Despite the turmoil in his personal and professional life, Matt cannot ignore his instincts. He visits the scene of Hector Ayala’s murder, looking for answers. He finds a bullet casing marked with a familiar symbol—the skull of the Punisher.
Determined to find the truth, Matt tracks down Frank Castle. This marks Castle’s first appearance since The Punisher Season 2. It has been even longer since he last saw Matt in Daredevil Season 2.
Frank looks more worn down than ever, filled with anger and grief. However, he remains one of the most powerful characters in the series. Jon Bernthal delivers a commanding performance, reminding fans why Frank Castle is such a compelling figure.
Frank forces Matt to confront the truth about himself. Matt has spent too long trying to live a normal life. He abandoned his role as Daredevil, but deep down, he knows he cannot stay away. His encounter with Frank makes him realize that he must decide who he truly is.
The risk, however, is that Matt could become more like Frank. The Punisher has no problem using deadly force, and if Matt follows his example, he might cross a line he can never return from.
Fisk Has His Own Secrets to Hide
While Matt struggles with his identity, Fisk is dealing with his own hidden truths. He wants to appear as a changed man, a respectable mayor. However, he has not left his past behind.
In a shocking revelation, the infamous white painting from his apartment is still in his possession. This painting holds deep personal significance. Now, it has blood splatters on it, a reminder of his violent past.
Even more disturbing, Fisk has a prisoner. The man Vanessa had an affair with, Adam (Lou Taylor Pucci), is alive but locked away. Fisk did not kill him, but he certainly has not forgiven him either.
Matt, meanwhile, is preparing for his return as Daredevil. He has been training in secret, getting ready to put on the mask again. Without his best friend, Foggy, by his side, this comeback will be different.
A New Villain Emerges in the Final Moments
As the episode nears its end, the show introduces a chilling new antagonist. A mysterious figure carries an unconscious person into an underground hideout. The walls are lined with bodies, and the villain uses their blood to create disturbing paintings.
This is Muse, a terrifying new enemy for Daredevil. Muse’s sinister actions are a reminder of past street-level villains like Kilgrave (Jessica Jones) and Cottonmouth (Luke Cage). The episode ends on a haunting note, setting up an intense conflict ahead. Daredevil will return to the streets, but he will face more danger than ever before.
New episodes of Daredevil: Born Again air every Tuesday on Disney+.
