Warning: Full spoilers ahead for Daredevil: Born Again episodes 5 and 6!
Now this is what we’ve been waiting for! Daredevil: Born Again delivers a knockout combo this week with two fantastic episodes that remind us why Matt Murdock is such an exceptional character. While episodes 5 and 6 aren’t directly connected, they aired together, making for a thrilling back-to-back experience. The first is an intense, single-location story, while the second marks Daredevil’s triumphant return. After weeks of anticipation, fans can finally feast.
Episode 5: Tension at the Bank
The majority of episode five unfolds inside a bank during a meticulously planned robbery led by a criminal mastermind who always seems one step ahead of the police. Murdock, still not donning his Daredevil suit, finds himself compelled to step in and protect the hostages, showcasing his bravery and sharp instincts. Watching him navigate the crisis using his legal expertise and enhanced senses is both gripping and, at times, subtly humorous.
This episode is an absolute triumph. It’s been a while since a Marvel show has had me grinning from start to finish, completely engaged. Given Daredevil’s limited screen time thus far, this story is crucial in reaffirming what makes Matt Murdock such a compelling hero—even without the suit.
A standout moment comes with the episode’s most overt connection to the wider MCU: Yusuf Khan (Mohan Kapur), Kamala Khan’s father from Ms. Marvel. As the assistant bank manager assigned to Murdock’s loan, his enthusiastic presence adds levity, especially when Murdock admits he’s never heard of Ms. Marvel. Yusuf’s blend of humor and warmth makes him an unexpected yet welcome addition to the episode.
When the heist reaches its climax and the ringleader attempts to escape in disguise, Murdock pursues him wearing a stolen red mask. The ensuing fight is fast, brutal, and deeply satisfying—especially given everything Murdock endured at the villain’s hands. That knee stomp? Unforgettable.
Episode 6: Daredevil Reborn
Episode six shifts gears, bringing in the chilling serial killer Muse as a major threat to both Mayor Fisk and Murdock. This forces them into extreme responses, with Fisk using Muse as justification to assemble a corrupt police task force packed with Punisher fanboys, further tightening his grip on the city. Fisk’s calculated brutality is on full display, particularly in his unsettling arrangement with the imprisoned Adam—a scene that, while horrifying, reinforces that beneath his mayoral veneer, Fisk remains a monster.
On the other side, Muse’s targeting of Angela del Toro is the final straw for Murdock, prompting him to embrace Daredevil once more. However, the moment of his return feels somewhat underwhelming. After so much internal struggle over donning the mask again, his flippant remark before suiting up feels oddly out of place. Given the weight of his decision, a more solemn and introspective approach would have been more fitting.
Another misstep? The awkward CGI Daredevil in the fight’s opening sequence. It’s a glaring example of the MCU’s overreliance on digital effects when practical stunt work would have been far more effective.
That said, the final confrontation between Daredevil and Muse is phenomenal. Their brutal battle through Muse’s grotesque, blood-splattered hideout is peak Daredevil—visceral, intense, and deeply satisfying. Yet, victory comes at a cost. Murdock’s agreement with Fisk in episode one now paints a target on his back. In classic Daredevil fashion, saving the city means sacrificing himself—a powerful and defining theme that Born Again explores in a fresh and compelling way.
Final Thoughts
- Ron Burgundy was close—just the wrong superhero when he said, “The Human Torch was denied a bank loan.”
- Anyone else notice that the robbers’ masks matched the colors of the Infinity Stones? A fun coincidence.
- Pretty sure modern bank safes aren’t that easy to crack just by “listening real good.”
- Murdock accepting Yusuf’s dinner invitation? Possible Daredevil/Ms. Marvel crossover incoming?
- Angela del Toro is shaping up to inherit the White Tiger mantle. She’s got the drive, the justice-seeking spirit, and (presumably) the magic pendant—sounds like a hero in the making.
Verdict
Daredevil: Born Again returns to form with two stellar episodes that capture the essence of Matt Murdock, both as a civilian and as a costumed vigilante. The bank heist episode is an unexpected gem, brimming with inventive storytelling, while Daredevil’s long-awaited comeback is exhilarating. While a few “MCU-isms” (questionable humor and CGI missteps) sneak in, they’re minor blemishes on an otherwise outstanding showcase of why Daredevil remains one of Marvel’s most compelling heroes. The wait was long, but it was absolutely worth it.
