Daredevil: Born Again Ending Explained

Contains spoilers for “Daredevil: Born Again“

The Netflix “Daredevil” series was truly exceptional, offering a unique blend of intricate storytelling centered around character growth and intense action sequences that have left fans in awe for years. With “Daredevil: Born Again” making its debut on Disney+, expectations were high, and based on the overwhelmingly positive reception, it seems to have successfully recaptured the original series’ brilliance.

Marvel has occasionally misrepresented Daredevil in the past, yet they were truthful with “Born Again.” This series lives up to its tension and excitement just as much as the Netflix version, and it’s a delight to see the original cast reappear for this tale. It’s important to note that “Daredevil: Born Again” is merely the start of the story. The end of the first season left several intriguing suggestions about what lies ahead for the Hell’s Kitchen hero, and we’re more eager than ever for Daredevil’s future adventures.

What you need to remember about the plot of Daredevil: Born Again

The tale “Daredevil: Born Again” begins with an unexpected tragedy. Matt Murdock (portrayed by Charlie Cox) and his companions are enjoying a toast at Josie’s bar when Benjamin Poindexter, also known as Bullseye (played by Wilson Bethel), suddenly strikes, murdering Foggy Nelson (Elden Henson). Prompted to action as Daredevil, Matt pursues Bullseeye in combat. During their battle, Matt hurls him off a rooftop; however, Bullseye miraculously survives the fall. Overwhelmed by Foggy’s death and concerned about his own rage, Matt decides to hang up the Daredevil costume.

The series takes a turn exactly one year following that dramatic night. Matt, making his best effort to lead an ordinary life as a lawyer alongside Kirsten McDuffie (Nikki M. James) at their law firm, finds himself getting recommended a therapist named Heather Glenn (Margarita Levieva). Interestingly enough, Heather is conducting therapy sessions for Wilson Fisk (Vincent D’Onofrio) and his wife Vanessa (Ayelet Zurer). Post the finale of Marvel’s “Echo,” Kingpin has resurfaced in New York City, but this time he assumes a different role: that of mayor.

Matt and Fisk convene for a discussion that delves into their past encounters, as portrayed in Netflix’s “Daredevil.” Unsurprisingly, Matt is wary of Fisk’s intentions for pursuing the mayoral position, suspecting ulterior motives. Similarly, Fisk doubts Matt’s claim of abandoning his role as Daredevil. Despite this mutual suspicion, they decide to maintain their distance. However, Matt’s resolve towards a life free from superheroics begins to waver. This changes when he encounters Hector Ayala, better known as the White Tiger (played by Kamar de los Reyes), and his world takes on a new direction.

What happened at the end of Daredevil: Born Again?

In simpler terms,

Hector, who is also known as White Tiger, unintentionally led to a police officer’s death during an altercation where he was defending a civilian from excessive force. This incident has landed him in legal trouble. The case is complex because Hector is a vigilante and the mayor’s office is against vigilantism. Matt and Kirsten manage to free Hector, but on his first night back as White Tiger, he is murdered.

Meanwhile, Fisk and Vanessa are trying to mend their relationship with Heather’s help, and they have a plan to take over the city using the mayor’s office for their benefit. As a serial killer named Muse starts terrorizing the city with grisly artwork, crime tensions rise even further. When Muse attacks Heather, Daredevil is compelled to rejoin the fray.

Following Muse’s demise, Matt experiences an unexpected breakthrough concerning Foggy’s murder. He deduces that Vanessa Fisk hired Bullseye to kill Foggy as Foggy was working on a case that would unveil the Fisk family’s criminal empire. Confronting the Fisks, Matt takes a bullet while shielding the mayor from another Bullseye attack. Managing to survive, Mayor Fisk exploits this incident to declare war on all vigilantes. Assuming his Daredevil persona, Matt allies with the Punisher (Jon Bernthal) to combat some of the mayor’s enforcers and protect the city under martial law. With dawn breaking over New York, Matt has accepted his heroic role but now prepares for a conflict with the mayor and his personal police force.

Has Daredevil’s relationship with Kingpin changed forever?

From the inception of the Netflix series, Daredevil and Kingpin have been sworn adversaries, with their enmity tracing back decades in the comics. This rivalry has been instrumental in shaping both characters. The finale of “Daredevil: Born Again” has complicated their relationship further by introducing a public aspect to it. For years, Matt Murdock and Wilson Fisk have been aware of each other’s hidden identities, but now that Matt saved Fisk’s life, the citizens of New York City view them as connected. This will make it more challenging than ever for Fisk to act against his enemy. On the other hand, Matt will find it difficult to distance himself from Fisk’s agenda publicly, given that he also saved the mayor’s life.

Matt significantly altered his bond with Fisk when he accepted that bullet, yet this transformation had an even greater impact on his relationship with himself. In an episode of “Phase Hero: A Film & TV Podcast,” Daredevil directors Aaron Moorhead and Justin Benson shared their initial vision for the camera to ascend from Matt’s body to religious symbols hovering above him, symbolizing Matt’s soul departing from his physical form. This visual effect would imply that Matt’s selfless act of protecting his greatest adversary granted him a grace he felt he had lost since the first episode. Intriguingly, it was this decision to save the Kingpin that enabled Matt to resume his role as Daredevil once more. Ironically, that action might have been one of the Kingpin’s deepest fears, surpassed only by being shot.

Why Punisher’s team-up with Daredevil is significant

From a devoted fan perspective, it’s clear that Daredevil and The Punisher have never seen eye to eye. Though they both recognize evil, their approaches as heroes couldn’t be more distinct. The Punisher embraces violence as a means of achieving justice, even finding a twisted sort of pleasure in the fight against crime. In stark contrast, Daredevil views violence as an unwelcome obligation. Underneath his mask, Matt Murdock often wrestles with the guilt that accompanies his participation in such violent acts.

In “Daredevil: Born Again,” the climax compels Daredevil to join forces with the Punisher against Fisk’s henchmen, showcasing their contrasting ethical stances. Despite life-threatening situations, Daredevil pleads with the Punisher not to kill those attacking them. Unsurprisingly, the Punisher disregards this, even encouraging Daredevil to adopt more aggressive methods. In the final episode, the Punisher compels Daredevil to revisit his actions from the premiere, as he would have urged Daredevil to let Bullseye fall to his death. Working together in the finale, Matt recognizes that he can indeed be a hero while adhering to his personal moral standards.

The ending sets up Vanessa Fisk as a major villain

Any lingering questions about whether the Kingpin’s wife shares his ruthless nature have been put to rest. In “Daredevil: Born Again,” we witness Vanessa being equally adept and dedicated in the criminal world as her husband. Interestingly, their marriage is strained due to Vanessa’s suspicion of the Kingpin’s true intentions. She doubts his genuine desire for power, believing he might secretly aspire to be a benevolent mayor, which she finds hard to accept.

At the start of the series, it’s revealed that Vanessa assumed control of the Fisk criminal organization when the Kingpin departed from town during “Echo” TV episodes events. This piece of information gains significance towards the end of the show, as we discover that Vanessa arranged for Foggy’s assassination. Her motivation behind this act was that Foggy was part of a legal defense case that could have unveiled aspects of the Fisk empire, and she came very close to concealing it forever.

Currently, Karen Page (played by Deborah Ann Woll) and Matt are meticulously revisiting Foggy’s old case, delving deeper into the Fisks’ history. This season has been primarily focused on establishing Vanessa as a significant antagonist. As she gains more power, working side by side with her husband in the city, Vanessa is poised to become an even greater menace leading up to “Daredevil: Born Again” Season 2.

Are we really done with Muse?

Initially, it appeared that Muse would play a significant role in the citywide drama depicted in “Daredevil: Born Again,” as suggested by the show trailers that spotlighted his intense conflicts with Daredevil. The series introduced Muse as Bastian Cooper (a troubled young man under Heather’s care) at the start of the season, but he subsequently receded into the background until Episode 6 when he reappeared as Muse. Given the buildup, it was a surprising turn of events when Heather fatally shot Muse during their encounter in Episode 7. Despite his brief reign of terror in New York and his untimely death before the finale, there’s a chance that Muse may not be completely out of the picture yet.

In the comics, the tormented character of Muse persisted beyond his death, being condemned to spend eternity in Hell. However, he found a means to connect with another distressed artist named Morgan Whittier from this underworld. As a result, Muse manipulated Morgan into becoming a lethal individual that ultimately crossed paths with Daredevil. While the Netflix show didn’t delve too deeply into supernatural elements, it is set in a universe where such occurrences are not uncommon. Therefore, it could be intriguing to see this storyline unfold on screen during “Born Again” Season 2, given the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s acceptance of characters like witches and sorcerers. In essence, Muse’s comic-book tale might prove to be an excellent fit for the second season.

Is Karen going to be back in New York permanently?

Although the cast from Netflix’s “Daredevil” resumed their roles in “Born Again,” the Disney+ series presents a noticeably unique atmosphere. This is primarily due to the limited appearances of key characters from the initial series, such as Foggy Nelson and Karen Page. However, there might be more screen time for Karen in Season 2, as the finale of “Daredevil: Born Again” finds her back in New York at a crucial moment when Matt Murdock needs her assistance. Together, they delve into the legal case that led to Foggy’s demise.

As the final episode concludes, Matt and Karen are merely scratching the surface of evidence linkable to the Fisks, leaving much work ahead. While it isn’t definitively shown that Karen will stick around, there are hints suggesting she may return. Notably, Karen has been a recurring character in the Matt Murdock storyline since her debut in “Daredevil” #1 way back in 1964, making her an essential romantic figure for Matt over the years.

As a gamer, I eagerly anticipate my character, Karen, reappearing in Season 2, and there might just be some romantic sparks flying between her and Matt’s character. The demise of Foggy was one of the toughest blows Karen has ever faced, and since Matt tends to shoulder responsibilities, it seems like we can’t keep them apart. With the investigation into Foggy’s murder and the Fisk criminal empire, Matt and I will likely find ourselves drawn together, whether that’s for better or worse remains to be seen.

Could Foggy actually still be alive?

In “Daredevil: Born Again,” Foggy’s demise serves as the catalyst for my journey this season. His heartrending death propels me into retirement as Daredevil, reshaping my entire narrative with the Kingpin along the way. However, there are fans who believe his death might not be as final as it seems. They speculate that Vanessa might be secretly keeping him alive, setting the stage for a mind-blowing revelation in Season 2.

Indeed, there are those who challenge this theory, citing Matt’s capacity to hear heartbeats as evidence supporting Foggy’s demise. However, in the “Daredevil” comic book series, the storyline favors conspiracy theorists. In this narrative, Foggy appears to perish, and even Matt’s extraordinary hearing confirms it. Yet, in truth, his death was staged, and he was secretly relocated for protection as part of an intricate plot involving the FBI, organized crime, the Hand, and Elektra.

In the comic books, the storyline involving Foggy’s death comes to its peak when Matt uncovers Vanessa Fisk as the mastermind behind it. At that stage in the comics, Vanessa was dying herself, suggesting that the TV series might be taking a slightly divergent route. However, given the other similarities between “Daredevil: Born Again” and the source material, a major Foggy revelation appears to be on the horizon. It has been confirmed that Elden Henson will reappear in some capacity for Season 2, but it remains unclear whether this will take place through flashbacks or his return being more substantial.

How has the ending of Daredevil: Born Again changed New York City?

In “Daredevil: Born Again,” New York City plays a more prominent role than it did in the initial series, as the Disney+ show starts off with a significant shakeup within the city. By the end of the season premiere, Wilson Fisk is elected mayor, but it takes time for him to truly assert control over New York. The climax of the first season brings about a much greater transformation by depicting how Mayor Fisk implements new regulations and enforces them with assistance from corrupt law enforcement officers.

As we approach Season 2, New York City will undergo significant changes. Expect a substantial police force patrolling the streets, keeping a close eye for any signs of vigilantism. Daredevil hasn’t exactly found favor in New York, but operating in the city will be more challenging than ever for him. The conclusion of “Born Again” Season 1 paves the way for a confrontation between Daredevil and the New York City administration, which could put Matt Murdock in a tricky spot with his day job as a defense attorney. For now, the public supports Wilson Fisk due to the Muse killings and assassination attempt, but in Season 2, they may question the mayor’s new strict policies.

What can behind-the-scenes details tell us about the ending?

In our assessment of “Daredevil: Born Again,” we noted that while the series is outstanding overall, remnants of its turbulent creation process are occasionally noticeable. Certain storylines, such as the bank heist in Episode 5, offer thrilling moments but may feel slightly discordant against their surrounding narrative elements. The production underwent significant alterations and revisions midway through, which can provide us with some insight into why Season 1 concludes as it does.

If you found the “Born Again” finale to be somewhat in the middle of the season, then your intuition is spot on! Originally, this season was intended to span 18 episodes but ended up being only 9. This adjustment significantly affected the first season’s pace, yet it likely didn’t cause a major shift in the show’s long-term vision. The executive producer of “Born Again,” Brad Winderbaum, has hinted that “Daredevil” may become an annual series, which might be one reason for the decision to keep the season shorter.

The captivating series “Born Again” left viewers intrigued by the enigma of Foggy’s demise and the Kingpin’s aspirations for New York City. Throughout the season, we joined Matt on his journey to rekindle his heroic spirit. However, many of the season’s major questions remain unanswered, a testament to the fact that the true conclusion of “Born Again” is yet to unfold. Clarity will be brought when the show resumes for its second season.

Did the ending of Daredevil: Born Again set up the future of the MCU?

Occasionally, the Marvel Cinematic Universe can feel overloaded with intertwining crossovers among various franchises. Yet, the universe established within “Daredevil: Born Again” seems primed for such connections. New York City, a hub of action in both the MCU and Marvel comic books, would be intriguing to see as it grapples with Wilson Fisk’s control. Watching other superheroes respond to Kingpin’s rise to power could make for captivating viewing.

Based on what we understand about “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” it appears that Marvel’s original family won’t encounter any issues with Kingpin’s New York. However, there are numerous other Marvel heroes who could engage in the Kingpin’s war against vigilantes, and those involved in “Born Again” seem to be aware of this fan anticipation. During an interview with Josh Horowitz for the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast, Vincent D’Onofrio expressed enthusiasm about the prospect of the Kingpin appearing in other Marvel productions, but also suggested that such an occurrence might not happen.

The actor mentioned, “I’m only certain about one thing not being favorable.” He found it extremely challenging to portray his character and for Marvel to use it in their series. This difficulty arises due to ownership issues and complications, he explained. Unfortunately, the Kingpin character, similar to Spider-Man, exists in a legally questionable area, limiting what Marvel can freely do with him. The conclusion of “Born Again” presents intriguing opportunities for the New York superheroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), but whether or not Marvel will be able to fully exploit these possibilities remains uncertain.

2025-04-16 05:32