Letting go, starting over and revisiting the past. Daredevil: Born Again season 2, episode 8: “The Southern Cross” is an exhilarating and emotional finale. The season, in general, tackled a lot of plot points to surround the primary idea of the anti-vigilante New York. At times, it felt like a bit too much. But the season 2 finale brings a proper and satisfying sense of closure all around while building up intriguing narratives for season 3.
Above all else, the Daredevil: Born Again season 2 finale showcases the greatness of Matt Murdock and Wilson Fisk’s ongoing war. In doing so, it also takes the time to sensibly pay homage to the original Daredevil series and the MCU’s street-level world of the Defenders-verse.
The People v. Karen Page or Matt Murdock v. Wilson Fisk?
The trial may have been about whether Karen Page is a vigilante, but, in the end, it really became a match between Matt and Mayor Fisk. And it was spectacular. Matt and Fisk have such a great dynamic as nemeses, and it was on full display for everyone at that courthouse and anyone watching the live streams.
In Daredevil: Born Again season 2, episode 6, Daredevil visits Kingpin and tells him the battle was no longer about fighting for New York but rather their hatred for each other. Karen’s trial was a great and fitting way to highlight the truth behind that. Matt’s questioning and Fisk’s answers (or lack thereof) made it evident just how personal all of this was.
Matt’s charm and innate argumentative skills were a reminder of how skilled a lawyer he is. But it showed that he knows how to take down Fisk without a physical fight. Watching Fisk try (and fail) to counter Matt’s questioning was so satisfying. The trial became entertainment as much as it was a fight for justice.
You could feel the shift in the trial once it became centered on Fisk as a witness. You could feel the anticipation as Matt implied he was going to out himself as Daredevil. You could feel the apprehension as Fisk realized a Daredevil reveal would ruin everything for him. You could feel the victorious elation of the case dismissal.
Seeing Red in More Ways Than One
From Fisk’s anger upon the case dismissal to Resistance members donning red to honor and stand with Daredevil, seeing red took on various meanings in the Daredevil: Born Again season 2 finale. But perhaps the most jarring (and literal) case of seeing red was when Fisk’s true colors came out.
As much ridicule as he placed upon masked vigilantes, Fisk had been donning a (figurative) mask of his own. Fisk only became mayor because of the facade of this savior and protector of New York City. But when Matt outed himself as Daredevil, he was also able to out Fisk for corruption. This put Fisk in a position where he had nothing left to lose, so he let loose and had no problem attacking the very New Yorkers he claimed to be serving.
Drawing blood, cracking spines and (seemingly) murdering civilians were among the brutally violent actions Fisk took when the people stormed City Hall. It was uncomfortable to watch but incredibly true to his character. After all, just episodes ago Fisk killed the surgeon who operated on Vanessa. That was a private moment in which Fisk let his anger and aggression get the best of him. It was only going to be a matter of time until his legitimate self was going to be exposed. Fisk going on a violent rampage on his city was the only way to effectively and authentically mark his downfall.
The End of an Era
There’s so much irony in the fact that Fisk could only be saved and given grace by the person he hates most. Yet, as ironic as that is, it makes sense. They understand each other in a way no one else does.
Throughout the original Daredevil series and Daredevil: Born Again, he and Matt have been on opposite sides of several battles. Their war has been ongoing, but that’s what makes their connection and understanding of each other inevitable.
The attorney general offers Fisk a deal, and it’s not surprising that he doesn’t initially take it. Fisk is a stubborn man who has built a life of adulthood where he gets what he wants. He won’t listen to his own Chief of Staff, Sheila Rivera. He doesn’t even hear the attorney general out. But Matt? He listens to him.
Fisk values what Matt has to say. Matt has proven over and over that he’s a formidable opponent. Fisk wouldn’t waste his time with him if not. So when Matt pleads for Fisk to take the deal and give the city peace even if it’s at the sacrifice of their own peace, he agrees. It marks the end of their war, both men coming out as the losers so that their city can be the victor. That feels like the ultimate way to prove their insistent love for New York.
The Start of Something (Sort of) New
Matt’s imprisonment will surely be the primarily focus of season 3, as the Daredevil reveal will bring about a multitude of controversies and concerns. New York has already known a world without Daredevil, but how will that be different when it’s because Daredevil’s identity is public knowledge? It’s a captivating idea to consider. Outside of that, the Daredevil: Born Again season 2 finale also set up a couple other alluring narratives.
Heather Glenn has become more unlikable with each episode. However, her mental instability and haunting obsession with Muse has created a riveting storyline. The fact she puts on the Muse mask is messed up but is undeniably compelling.
Jessica Jones’s return was always something to look forward to, and the finale sets her up for a more complex story. Seeing her back in the Alias Investigations office with her daughter, Danielle, was exciting. Seeing Luke Cage return — not just in general but also as Jessica’s romantic partner and Danielle’s father — made things more interesting. His now-previous involvement with Mr. Charles could potentially add some complications, but seeing him, Jessica and Danielle as a family is heartwarming.
Ben Poindexter/Bullseye has seemingly taken Luke’s place in whatever shady schemes Mr. Charles is working. It leaves the door open for Bullseye to be incorporated into future stories. But it’s not really clear whether leaving with Mr. Charles means his role in Daredevil: Born Again is done — at least for now.
Other Thoughts on Daredevil: Born Again Season 2, Episode 8
- “You’ve never tried childbirth.” You tell him, Jessica!
- Fisk had Dex impersonate Daredevil in the original series, which ultimately failed. Now, he has someone impersonating Bullseye and expects it to go well? He should know better, so of course he doesn’t!
- The “when I was a boy” line! Another subtle but appreciated homage to the original show.
- Powell is the one character who is more irritating than Heather.
- Matt saying, “I am Daredevil” has the same energy as Tony Stark saying, “I am Iron Man,” and it’s SO GOOD.
- It can’t be a proper Jessica Jones appearance if she doesn’t drink alcohol.
- Thank you, Cole North, for doing what we’ve all been waiting for by taking out Powell! But also, hopefully, Jessica got her chance to properly beat him up.
- Angela del Toro is action as White Tiger is SO impressive. It’s awesome how well she is holding her own (alongside Daredevil and Jessica Jones!) and adapting to the hero lifestyle.
- Although bittersweet, it’s nice that Karen and Matt got in at least a partial date at their favorite Indian restaurant before he got arrested.
- BB Urich officially working at the New York Bulletin now, as she should! Her Uncle Ben would be so proud.
- The fact that Heather — a therapist who is the Commissioner of Mental Health — is the person on this show who needs mental health help the most is incredibly concerning. The irony!!!
- Fisk getting to just hang out on a beach while Matt and the Anti-Vigilante Task Force officers are in prison is absurd. Is the beach supposed to be his idea of prison? Maybe he hates sand like Anakin Skywalker does?
Daredevil: Born Again season 2 is streaming on Disney+.
