Daredevil: Born Again

Wow, it's been two months since I posted? Life has been lifing hard, so it has taken this series, to break me out of my slumber. Let me tell you, this took me back to those Netflix Marvel days in a good way. Daredevil was always the strongest show of that bunch and seeing the majority of the cast back has filled me with joy.

Before you go any further, yes, I loved the show. Now, let's get into the reasons as to why. I'm going to do this a little differently. I tend to ramble and I want to at least break out my points so you can take them in bite sized chunks, my tens of readers. 

Also, these are my OPINIONS. I want to be clear about that. But if you want to argue with me about any of this, my watch says I always have time. This should be easy to follow, so let's go.

The GOOD (or what I loved)

• The hand to hand fighting in this series has always been unrivaled. Even with all these shows that Marvel has done since going to Disney plus, this series beats all of them hands down. 
• The acting is always top tier. Charlie Cox and Vincent D'Onofrio are acting as if this is the last time they'll ever work. They're leaving it all out there. I know Kingpin's verbal ticks and mannerisms are always mocked, but if you watch the show, you know how unhinged and calculating he is.
• I can't explain it, but I've always loved the gritty look of the show. The production values are slick and even though I don't know anything about New York, it feels to me like this is authentic.
• Admittedly, the slow burn this show takes in ramping up, but man does it pay off. I also like that this season is the first arc of a larger story, so they didn't wrap things up quickly. I was afraid they would once we got to episode 8.
• There is something to the chemistry that Matt Murdock and Karen Page has that shows they are so good together. AS FRIENDS. Because Jesus, a man can be a friend to a woman without wanting to get in her pants.
• I liked the new supporting cast (for the most part) In this show. Specific shout out to "Cherry", the guy that knew Matt's double life and was a sounding board and moral compass for him.
• Geniune shocking moments. 
• Part of me wanted more of Muse, but I also am glad they wrapped him up pretty quick. He was a terrifying villain but doesn't have staying power.
• Bullseye is a menace. That fight in the first episode between him and Daredevil is what I'm talking about with my very first bulllet point. 
• They finally just call him Daredevil and not "The Vigilante". Cause seriously, New York is flush with Vigilantes. You need to be spceific!
• Even if it was short, I loved seeing a reference to White Tiger in this show and setting the stage for more. (I'm purposely being vague)

The BAD (what I didn't like)

• I love the Punisher in this show and I'm happy when he shows up as a foil to Daredevil. But damn, cartoony, excessive violence follows him and it is too much.
• Characters like Cole North, Krysten McDuffie are name checked for long time fans, but they serve no purpose here.
• Matt's relationship with Heather just felt off. I was never buying it or fully invested. She makes some questionable ass choices.
• For a show called Daredevil, we sure did have to wait a long time to see him in costume. There is a tipping point for how long you can draw out "anticipation" for a thing. This show crossed that line. 
• To follow up on the above point, I KNOW the point of the show is for him to get back after an extended time. They did a full year time jump, that's good enough. You don't have to make the audience suffer TOO.
• I've watched a lot of violent stuff over the years and to an extent, I'm desensitized. But this show (episode 9 in particular), when it wants to go hard, it goes way over the top. The fact that I mentioned the specific episode, you know what I mean. Gruesome, yes. But come on. I don't want to see that.