Daredevil: Born Again Season 1 (2025)
Story: 9 of 10 Stars
Marvel's latest venture into the world of Daredevil has arrived, and with it, a whole new chapter in the saga of Matt Murdock. After a six-year absence following the conclusion of the beloved Netflix series, Daredevil: Born Again returns with a fresh yet familiar approach, successfully blending the dark, street-level storytelling fans adored with the expansive scale of the MCU.
The first two episodes of Born Again-released on Disney+ on March 4, 2025-reintroduce us to Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox), the blind lawyer who walks the line between justice and vengeance as Daredevil. After the tumult of The Defenders, the new series places Matt squarely in a changed New York City. The Kingpin, Wilson Fisk (Vincent D'Onofrio), now holds the power as the city's mayor, and the stakes have never been higher.
From the very first scene, the show does an excellent job of maintaining the gritty, grounded feel of its predecessor. The streets of Hell's Kitchen come alive, and Cox's portrayal of Matt feels more nuanced than ever, balancing his deep internal conflict with the compassion he still holds for the city he fights to protect. D'Onofrio's Kingpin, too, brings a menacing presence back to the screen, proving that the power dynamics in New York are as precarious as ever.
The direction by Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead is slick yet authentic, perfectly capturing the dark atmosphere the series is known for, while keeping things fresh and energetic for a modern audience. As always, the action sequences are meticulously choreographed, and the tight choreography of Daredevil's fights in narrow alleyways and crowded streets is a reminder of why fans have such a fondness for this character.
The supporting cast also shines in these opening episodes. Returning characters like Karen Page (Deborah Ann Woll) and Foggy Nelson (Elden Henson) bring a comforting sense of continuity to the narrative, while new faces, such as Margarita Levieva and Michael Gandolfini, add interesting layers to the ever-expanding web of characters.
Though there's no doubt that Born Again is an exciting continuation of the Daredevil saga, the first two episodes are not without their slow moments. The pacing occasionally takes a breather, opting for deep dives into character development over breakneck action. While this is a welcome shift for some, others might feel the slower moments detract from the momentum of the first half.
Overall, Daredevil: Born Again shines with a sense of ambition and purpose. It's a great balance of continuity and reinvention, expertly weaving Matt Murdock's personal struggles with the ever-present, larger-than-life threats facing his city. With an unforgettable return to form for Charlie Cox and Vincent D'Onofrio, this first taste of the series promises much more to come, with a second season already confirmed for 2026.
For fans of the original series and newcomers alike, Daredevil: Born Again delivers the grittiness, drama, and thrills that make this corner of the MCU feel uniquely grounded-and it's a welcome sight to see Daredevil back into action.
I'm Rae Serbeck, I Watch and Review all shows Large and Small!
