Daredevil: Born Again brings big changes to Matt Murdock’s life in the first episode, “Heaven’s Half Hour.” Matt, played by Charlie Cox, faces a heartbreaking moment when he almost breaks his personal rule of never killing.
This happens after Bullseye (Wilson Bethel) kills his best friend, Foggy Nelson (Elden Henson). In a moment of grief and rage, Matt throws Bullseye off the roof of Josie’s bar. This moment is shocking, not just for fans but also for Cox, who plays Matt.
The consequences of Matt’s actions change his life completely. His friend Karen Page (Deborah Ann Woll) cannot handle what happened and decides to cut all ties with him. This officially marks the end of Nelson, Murdock, and Page. One year later, Matt decides to start fresh.
He forms a new law firm called Murdock & McDuffie with his new partner, Kirsten McDuffie (Nikki M. James). Kirsten is a newer character in Daredevil’s story, but she plays a very important role in his life.
Also Read: ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ Episode 1 Recap: Brings Shocking Twists, Action, and Political Drama
Kirsten McDuffie Becomes Matt Murdock’s Legal and Romantic Partner
Kirsten McDuffie first appears in Daredevil (vol. 3) #1, written by Mark Waid and drawn by Paolo Rivera. She works as Manhattan’s assistant district attorney and enters Matt’s life during a difficult time. He is struggling with many challenges.
He was once the leader of a dangerous ninja cult called The Hand, he lost control of himself due to possession, and his secret identity was exposed to the world. On top of that, he even spent time in jail.
From the moment Kirsten meets Matt, she feels a strong connection with him. However, Matt does everything he can to make sure she does not discover that he is Daredevil. At the same time, Kirsten is determined to prove that he is. This leads to an interesting dynamic between them.
Foggy Nelson also plays a role in this situation. He is dating Kirsten’s roommate, and he does not think Matt should date Kirsten. He warns her about getting involved with him. Despite all of this, Matt and Kirsten begin a relationship. However, their romance goes through problems.
Kirsten does not want his superhero identity to control their lives, and Matt faces new dangers, including being taken to Latveria, the kingdom ruled by Doctor Doom. After these struggles, they reconnect.
Matt’s life takes another unexpected turn when he fights a dangerous group called The Sons of the Serpent. He is forced to reveal to the world that he is Daredevil. Because of this, he loses his ability to practice law in New York. But Kirsten has a solution. She suggests that Matt move to San Francisco with her and start a new law practice. Matt agrees, and they begin a new chapter together.
During this time, Matt meets Kirsten’s estranged father. They discuss the possibility of writing a biography about Matt’s life. However, this plan is ruined when one of Daredevil’s enemies, The Shroud, reveals that Matt secretly recorded his conversations with clients. This causes a major scandal, and Matt once again loses his job. Despite this, Kirsten stays by his side. However, Matt makes a choice that completely changes everything.
Matt and Kirsten’s Relationship Ends in Tragedy
Matt’s decision to reveal that he is Daredevil has serious consequences. His enemies now know his identity, and he faces attacks more frequently. This puts his loved ones in danger.
During this difficult time, Matt meets the Purple Children, who are the children of Zebadiah Kilgrave (The Purple Man). These children have the power to control people’s minds. Matt asks them to erase all memories of his real identity from the world. This means that even Kirsten forgets that he is Daredevil.
Matt also chooses to break up with Kirsten because he believes that staying with her would put her life at risk. This decision marks the end of their relationship.
Later, Kirsten returns to Matt’s life during a story written by Chip Zdarsky and drawn by Marco Checchetto. Matt accidentally causes the death of a civilian, and he decides to turn himself in to the police. He wants to stand trial for his actions.
Kirsten and Foggy work together to defend him in court. However, the trial does not go in Matt’s favor. He is sent to jail. During this time, another woman from Matt’s past, Elektra Natchios, takes on the role of Daredevil to protect Hell’s Kitchen.
Kirsten McDuffie’s Role in Daredevil: Born Again
Kirsten makes her first appearance in Daredevil: Born Again during the episode “Heaven’s Half Hour.” She has a conversation with Foggy Nelson, who gives her advice about choosing a career after law school. She seems to take his advice seriously because, one year later, she and Matt run their own law firm together.
Matt and Kirsten take on a difficult case very early in their partnership. Matt agrees to defend Hector Ayala (Kamar de los Reyes) in court. However, he does not realize that Hector is actually the vigilante White Tiger. This situation puts both of them in a tough position.
Unlike in the comics, Kirsten does not have a flirtatious relationship with Matt in the show. Instead, she plays a different role in his personal life. She even sets him up on a date with another woman, Heather Glenn (Margarita Levieva). Matt and Heather seem to get along well.
However, Matt’s life is full of unexpected twists. Future seasons of Daredevil: Born Again may show his relationship with Kirsten further.
Where to Watch Daredevil: Born Again
The first two episodes of Daredevil: Born Again are available to stream on Disney+. New episodes release every Tuesday.
