Daredevil: Born Again Review – A Chaotic Turn for Matt Murdock

Introduction

The latest episodes of Daredevil: Born Again have left fans divided. While the series initially balanced procedural depth with its signature street-level intensity, episodes 5 and 6 introduce an abrupt tonal shift. From a bizarre St. Patrick’s Day bank heist to the rushed development of serial killer Muse, the show seems to be juggling multiple identities. Is Born Again losing its way, or is this just a necessary transition?

The St. Patrick’s Day Bank Heist – A Misplaced Distraction

Episode 5 shifts away from the dark, intricate world of Daredevil and throws Matt Murdock into an unusual hostage situation inside New York Mutual Bank. Alongside Ms. Marvel’s Yusuf Khan (Mohan Kapoor), Murdock finds himself in a scenario that feels like an out-of-place MCU One-Shot rather than a continuation of the tension built in previous episodes.

What Works:

• Charlie Cox’s comedic timing shines as Murdock tricks the Irish-themed robbers using a fake accent.

• The episode offers a rare break from Matt’s constant brooding, showing his lighter, improvisational side.

What Doesn’t Work:

• The episode’s humor and pacing disrupt the established noir tone.

• The connection to Ms. Marvel feels forced and unnecessary.

• The heist subplot contributes little to the larger storyline, making it feel like filler rather than a meaningful development.

Muse Finally Steps Into the Spotlight – But at What Cost?

Episode 6 redirects focus to Muse, the serial killer teased earlier in the season. However, instead of a slow burn introduction that builds intrigue, Muse’s emergence feels rushed and ill-timed. The show seemingly abandons the more compelling Punisher cops and Mayor Fisk subplot in favor of a violent, chaotic new storyline.

Key Developments:

• Muse’s body count is revealed to be shockingly high—over 60 victims—raising questions about how he has managed to evade authorities for so long.

• Hector Ayala’s tragic murder ties loosely into Muse’s actions, but the connection feels like an afterthought.

• Angela Del Toro, Ayala’s niece, takes matters into her own hands, leading to her inevitable capture by Muse.

• Matt Murdock finally dons the Daredevil suit again, but the moment lacks the emotional weight expected after episodes of internal conflict.

The Kingpin’s Rise – A Slow-Burning Threat

While Muse steals the spotlight in episode 6, Wilson Fisk’s arc continues to build behind the scenes. His interactions with Vanessa Fisk and a growing list of shady allies, including Luca and Swordsman, hint at a much bigger power move in the making. His creation of a rogue NYPD task force without oversight also suggests a major showdown between his forces and masked vigilantes.

Where Is Daredevil: Born Again Heading?

The biggest concern after these two episodes is whether Born Again knows what it wants to be. The show has veered between procedural legal drama, MCU tie-ins, and psychological character study, but now it risks losing its core identity. The sudden pivot to Muse’s grotesque violence, combined with misplaced humor, leaves the pacing uneven and the stakes unclear.

What Needs to Happen Next:

1. A More Focused Narrative – The show should commit to either the political intrigue of Fisk’s reign or the psychological tension of Matt’s internal struggles, rather than juggling both unevenly.

2. A Stronger Emotional Payoff – Matt’s eventual return as Daredevil should feel earned. His hesitation and grief over Foggy’s death should play a larger role in his decisions moving forward.

3. Better Villain Development – Muse, while terrifying, lacks clear motivation. If he is to serve as a major antagonist, his goals need to be more than just artistic murder.

4. Less MCU Crossover Distractions – While occasional references can be fun, they should not take away from the unique tone that makes Daredevil stand apart from other Marvel projects.

Conclusion

Episodes 5 and 6 of Daredevil: Born Again introduce unexpected tonal shifts and narrative choices that disrupt the strong start of the season. While some moments shine—like Charlie Cox’s performance and Fisk’s slow-burn power play—the overall direction feels uncertain. With the second half of the season ahead, the show still has time to course-correct and deliver the Daredevil fans have been waiting for.

What do you think? Has Daredevil: Born Again lost its edge, or are these episodes just bumps in the road? Let us know in the comments!