Fans of Netflix’s Daredevil might want to rewatch the first season before Daredevil: Born Again premieres on March 4, 2025.
The first season, created by Drew Goddard, tells the story of Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox), a blind lawyer who secretly fights crime as a masked vigilante. His biggest enemy is Wilson Fisk, also known as Kingpin (Vincent D’Onofrio), a powerful crime lord controlling Hell’s Kitchen.
While Matt fights criminals at night, his friends, Foggy Nelson (Elden Henson) and Karen Page (Deborah Ann Woll), battle corruption in their own ways. Foggy, as Matt’s law partner, tries to use the legal system to expose wrongdoing.
Karen, working as a journalist, uncovers the dark secrets hidden in Hell’s Kitchen. The season builds up to an intense final episode, where their different methods come together in the fight against Kingpin.
In the season finale, the stakes are higher than ever. Fisk’s grip on the city seems unbreakable, and it is unclear if the law is strong enough to bring him down. The biggest question for Matt is whether he can ever rebuild his friendship with Foggy without giving up his identity as Daredevil.
Detective Hoffman Holds the Key to Fisk’s Downfall
The final episode focuses on NYPD Detective Carl Hoffman, a corrupt cop who has been working for Fisk. He has enough information to put Fisk behind bars, which makes him a target. He was last seen in Episode 8, and both Fisk and Matt are searching for him.
Fisk’s money manager, Leland Owlsley (Bob Gunton), reveals that he has hidden Hoffman somewhere safe. Instead of handing over money to Leland in exchange for the information, Fisk kills him and orders his men to track down and eliminate Hoffman.
At the same time, Matt overhears some corrupt officers at the 15th Precinct talking about the manhunt. Realizing Hoffman is still alive, he rushes to find him before Fisk’s men do.
Karen plays a key role in locating Hoffman. She goes through documents shared by Marci Stahl (Amy Rutberg), Foggy’s ex-girlfriend, and notices that one of Fisk’s properties is missing from public records. This unusual detail suggests that it could be a secret hideout.
Matt, wearing his mask, arrives just in time to stop Fisk’s corrupt officers from killing Hoffman. He fights them off and takes Hoffman to the 15th Precinct. There, Hoffman turns himself in to Brett Mahoney (Royce Johnson), one of the few honest cops left in Hell’s Kitchen. Matt trusts Mahoney and believes he will ensure Hoffman’s testimony leads to Fisk’s arrest.
Matt and Foggy Struggle to Repair Their Friendship
Throughout the season, Matt and Foggy share a strong friendship, but it is tested when Foggy discovers that Matt is Daredevil. This revelation happens in the episode Nelson v. Murdock, leading to a painful falling out. Foggy feels betrayed and struggles to accept that his best friend has been leading a double life.
Karen notices the tension between them but does not know the real reason behind their argument. She only knows that Foggy even missed the funeral of their colleague, journalist Ben Urich (Vondie Curtis-Hall), which suggests something serious happened between them.
After the funeral, Foggy slowly starts talking to Matt again, but their friendship remains strained. Foggy believes the best way to defeat Fisk is through legal means, not through vigilante actions. He explains that Marci has been helping him review Fisk’s financial records to find evidence of illegal activities.
Matt appreciates Foggy’s efforts but worries that involving Marci will put her in danger. He also believes that the legal system alone is not enough to bring down someone as powerful as Fisk. Foggy continues to urge Matt to stop wearing the mask and fighting criminals at night. However, by the end of the season, he accepts Matt’s choices and agrees to reopen their law firm, Nelson & Murdock.
Wilson Fisk’s Arrest and Final Stand
Detective Hoffman’s testimony provides the evidence needed to arrest Wilson Fisk. The FBI moves quickly, taking Fisk into custody. However, before his arrest, Fisk shares a heartfelt moment with his love interest, Vanessa. He proposes to her and gives her instructions that the audience does not hear, but it is clear that he has a backup plan.
As expected, Fisk has law enforcement officers on his payroll. Corrupt FBI agents help him escape by killing their colleagues. They then transport him in a truck, planning to take him to a helicopter where Vanessa is waiting. Their plan is to flee the country together.
Before Fisk can reach the meeting point, Matt, now wearing his upgraded red Daredevil suit with horns, arrives to stop him. A brutal fight breaks out between them. Fisk nearly gains the upper hand, but Matt refuses to back down. Using his speed and combat skills, he manages to overpower Fisk and knock him out.
When Brett Mahoney arrives at the scene, he sees Matt standing over Fisk. Although Matt just used extreme force to take down the crime lord, Mahoney chooses to let him go. He understands that Daredevil is not a criminal and that he just did what the law could not.
Celebration and Unfinished Business
With Fisk behind bars, Matt, Karen, and Foggy celebrate their victory. They reopen their law firm, ready to take on new cases. For now, Hell’s Kitchen is free from Kingpin’s control.
Although Fisk is arrested, Matt, Karen, and Foggy understand that this is not the end of their fight. They discuss how it will take years for Fisk to go through the trial process. His influence is still strong, and there is no guarantee he will remain in prison.
The season closes with a sense of accomplishment but also a hint that Fisk may return in the future. This leaves the door open for more conflicts and challenges in the next season.
Looking Ahead to Daredevil: Born Again
For those who want to relive the excitement of Daredevil, the first season is available for streaming on Disney+. Fans can catch up on Matt Murdock’s journey before Daredevil: Born Again premieres on March 4, 2025.
The upcoming series will continue Matt’s story, and viewers can expect more intense action, emotional moments, and thrilling battles.
Also Read: How Hector Ayala, aka the White Tiger, Will Impact Daredevil: Born Again and the MCU’s Future
