Daredevil’s second season officially streamed in 2016 (same year Deadpool came out) on Netflix and moved to Disney Plus in 2022. Charlie Cox reprised his role as the titular character in “The Defenders” mini-series, a third season in The Man Without Fear’s solo series and guest starred in “She-Hulk.” Anyway, Mr. Cox recently portrayed Matt Murdock/Daredevil again in a revival titled, “Daredevil: Born Again.” It’s now streaming on Disney PLus. Before I watch the aforementioned revival, I wanna share my thoughts on Daredevil’s second season. By the way, Jon Bernthal announced he’s coming back as The Punisher in a special on Disney Plus.
This review contains no SPOILERS.
Clear & Dusty Qualities
Clear: The Cast from Season 1 reprise their roles and they all did an excellent job for their respective performances.
Jon Bernthal & Elodie Yung both did a fantastic job for their respective performances.
Drew Goddard & Steven S. DeKnight mapped out all thirteen episodes.
Action Sequences retains Season 1’s bloody and brutal atmosphere. If you have a weak stomach, bring a barf bag. This ain’t your typical superhero show catering to a family friendly audience.
John Paesano (Insomniac Games’ Spider-Man, Invincible, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes) orchestrated the soundtrack.
Daredevil retains his red suit from Season 1’s finale.
The Tone has a dark feel reflecting the show’s grounded setting within the MCU.
Set after Season 1’s finale, Matt Murdock continues his double life as a lawyer by day and superhero at night. He crosses paths with Frank Castle/The Punisher & Elektra Natchios. Meanwhile, various criminal organizations attempt to take control of Hell’s Kitchen.
Season 2 slightly adds a pinch of supernatural stuff.
I know I often bring up Wolverine as my favorite Marvel superhero, I also like Daredevil. He’s one of my favorite characters.
As the story progresses, we learn about Punisher & Elektra.
My favorite episode from Season 2 is “A Cold Day in Hell’s Kitchen. Which is the Season Finale.
Dusty: Cinematography can be janky at times.
Episode 14 – Bang
Opening Scene establishes Daredevil doing what he does best. Taking down bad guys.
After defeating Wilson Fisk, Matt, Karen & Foggy (now aware of Matt’s secret) financially struggle to keep their law firm open. A lowlife from the Irish Mob becomes a client. This prompts Matt to investigate the perp’s affiliation with the Irish Mob.
One scene features a bloody massacre, indicating Daredevil has a new adversary. Still a better story than “Batman vs. Superman.”
Episode 15 – Dogs to a Gunfight
Due to sustaining injuries, Matt’s senses go haywire. To prevent that from happening again, he seeks an upgrade for armor.
Karen & Foggy obtain some info.
Punisher continues his war on crime. H has an awesome moment beating up a creep.
Daredevil’s recognition as a hero causes a ripple effect inspiring copycats. A reference to “The Dark Knight.”
Episode 16 – New York’s Finest
Daredevil & Punisher have a chat over their conflicting ideologies regarding good and evil. They engage in combat.
Daredevil has a hallway fight scene. A callback to the previous season. This time he wields a chain like Ghost Rider. I have no choice, but to give it Bonus Points. I want a Daredevil video game taking cues from Rocksteady’s Batman games.
Foggy does something good.
Episode 17 – Penny and Dime
Punisher removing a bullet from his arm without flinching pays homage to “The Terminator.”
We learn about Punisher’s tragic backstory. It’s gonna make you cry.
Matt reunites with an old friend.
Episode 18 – Kinbaku
A flashback shows Matt befriending, Elektra Natchios. Cut to the present, she’s a deadly ninja wielding a pair of sais like Raphael vce4 from “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.”
In the present Elektra seeks help from Matt.
A future member of The Defenders is mentioned.
Last scene gets pretty serious.
Episode 19 – Regrets Only
Matt & Elektra team up to steal an important item.
Unlike several episodes, this one feels like a heist. Good thing Matt & Elektra didn’t reenact that one scene from “Austin Powers in Goldmember.” The part when Austin and Mini-Me infiltrate Dr. Evil’s submarine. Austin disguises himself as a sailor while standing on Mini-Me’s shoulders.
Episode 20 – Semper Fidelis
Daredevil & Elektra continue their mission battling the Yakuza.
Foggy & Karen participate in a trial.
A shocking discovery sets up the next episode.
Episode 21 – Guilty as Sin
A prominent figure from Matt’s past makes an unexpected surprise. The person explains important info.
Cold Opening pays homage to Leonidas kicking a Persian messenger into the pit from “300.” “THIS IS MADNESS!” “Madness, THIS IS SPARTA!”
Somebody painfully seeks medical attention.
Clancy Brown (Mr. “I took the boots” Krabs) makes his MCU debut as a former marine named, Ray Schoonover. Mr. Brown later portrayed Sal Maroni in “The Penguin.”
Another familiar face makes an epic return.
Episode 22 – Seven Minutes in Heaven
Punisher accepts an offer he can’t refuse.
Punisher has an awesome moment mowing down crooks.
Foggy & Karen obtain info.
Daredevil has an intense one-on-one fight with a highly trained ninja.
Episode 23 – The Man in the Box
The title of the episode is named after an Alice in Chains song.
Matt confronts an enemy.
One scene pays tribute to Michael Corleone nearly assassinated in “The Godfather Part II.”
A Plot Twist changes the trajectory of Season 2.
Episode 24 – .380
Punisher seeks a target called, The Blacksmith.
A serious yet intense moment on a boat.
Punisher listens to Earth, Wind and Fire’s “Shining Star.” It was later used in “Doctor Strange.”
Punisher has a brutal fight with thugs.
Episode 25 – The Dark at the End of the Tunnel
Daredevil infiltrates a hideout to rescue somebody important. He fights his way through ninjas.
Flashbacks show Elektra training in her early days.
The Blacksmith’s identity is revealed.
Episode 26 – A Cold Day in Hell’s Kitchen
Carrie Anne-Moss reprises her role as Jeri Hogarth from Jessica Jones.
Daredevil gets a “new toy.” Plus, Elektra dons a new outfit.
Thirteen episodes in, Punisher gives his body armor a “makeover.”
Matt has a confession.
A shocking scene will make you cry. More emotional than Superman’s unnecessary sacrifice in Batman vs. Superman.
Final Scene sets up a storyline.
The Final Verdict: A-
Daredevil’s second season is near-perfect. It’s good to see Punisher in his MCU debut. I got plans to watch and review Daredevil’s third season and The Defenders mini-series so I can get caught up. Then, I’ll watch Daredevil: Born Again.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 