Kingpin Just Killed Daredevil & Confirmed Worst Suspicions

At the end of the first season of “Daredevil: Born Again“, there was a somber note for the main character. On the other hand, Mayor Wilson Fisk boldly accepted his role as Kingpin and publicly committed a murder, which reinforces what many viewers had already guessed about him – he’s now more enlightened than ever. This act also suggests that he’s stronger than ever before. The show aims to make us question if the Kingpin is still solely a villain, but instead, “Fisk is becoming increasingly Fisk-like” as we approach the premiere.

The series kept viewers hooked due to the question of whether Fisk truly believed what he was doing or not, a point left for each viewer’s interpretation. However, it can be argued that the person Fisk deceived most this season was himself. Much like how Matt Murdock was led on an emotional path to accept his Daredevil persona, Fisk’s attempts at reform – whether genuine or not – seemed destined to result in a “reborn” Kingpin. In essence, he appeared trapped in repeating these behaviors because he lacked alternative leadership abilities. Upon his first days as Mayor, Fisk manipulated Police Commissioner Gallo into staying by threatening his family. Ironically, this seemingly cruel act was actually one of kindness from Kingpin.

After the Events of Echo, Daredevil: Born Again Suggested Wilson Fisk Changed

Little by Little Over Season 1, the Kingpin Side of His Character Began to Emerge

The catalyst for this situation unfolded when he resumed his role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe through “Hawkeye.” In that series, his protege, Maya Lopez, gravely wounded him by shooting him in the face. His recovery from this assault caused him to leave New York and his wife Vanessa. When he encountered Maya again in “Echo,” it appeared as though he was ready to meet his end if she decided to take his life. Wilson Fisk aimed to make her the new Kingpin, reasoning that eliminating a father figure could be an effective way to achieve this goal.

Wilson Fisk’s MCU Appearances

SeriesTotal EpisodesRelease Year
Daredevil272015-2018
Hawkeye22021
Echo42024
Daredevil: Born Again92025

Instead of attempting to heal him through her ancestral powers, Maya aimed to make him forgive himself for killing his own father. However, this spiritual attempt fell on deaf ears as he expressed, “it messed with him.”

It’s quite plausible that Kingpin was sincere in his words to Vanessa and Matt Murdock in the opening episode. He seemed to be undergoing a transformation at the start of his political campaign. But very quickly, he demonstrated that this change was merely an illusion, even though viewers wouldn’t realize it until much later.

During Daredevil’s emotional wandering and search for Maya, Kingpin had previously captured Fisk and imprisoned him in a hidden dungeon before he took office. The narrative of “Daredevil: Born Again” starts with Fisk on a staircase, gradually revealing his descent into darkness. To emphasize this concept, the scene shows Fisk passing by a “snowstorm-stricken rabbit,” stained with his own blood from Daredevil Season 3, suggesting that Kingpin and Adam were trapped together in that place.

The Kingpin Finally Committed a Murder In a Horrifically Brutal Way

Born Again Evokes an Iconic Moment from Daredevil and Ups That Ante

Even though there have been numerous promises about improving New York, when Commissioner Gallo announced his intention to approach the Governor, Wilson Fisk opted against making threats. Instead, he took Gallo to a room sealed in plastic and guarded by his loyal troops. In a scene reminiscent of the violence depicted on Game of Thrones, Wilson Fisk used his bare hands to brutally squash Gallo’s skull. The sight of Gallo’s dislocated, bloody jaw hanging from his head was quite unsettling, but perhaps even more so was Fisk’s calm demeanor as he wiped his blood-stained hands with a handkerchief.

This situation recalls an event from Daredevil Season 1, where the Kingpin beheaded a Russian associate using a car door, but instead of unbridled rage, here we see a display of sheer power.

In the gripping series, “Daredevil: Born Again,” I found myself captivated by the parallel struggles of Wilson Fisk and Matt Murdock as they wrestled with their destinies, seemingly unable to break free from their cycles of violence, be it for righteousness or wrongdoing.

A striking example of this mirroring is observed when Kingpin strengthens his relationships, while Matt’s own connections start to crumble. He took up the mantle of Daredevil to protect lives, including Angela and Heather Glenn, but in an unsettling echo, Angela sees his alter-ego not as a savior, but as a Muse – a villain.

In the poignant climax, she accepts a position within Fisk’s administration, serving a twofold purpose: to tarnish the image of heroes and to wield against Matt Murdock a powerful weapon. This chilling scene left me pondering the complexity of their relationships and the blurred lines between good and evil.

Wilson Fisk Killed the Police Commissioner In Front of Witnesses and Cops

Kingpin Is More Powerful Than Ever Before, in More Ways Than One

Throughout his lengthy career, Fisk has managed to avoid prolonged imprisonment on multiple occasions. During his mayoral campaign, he skillfully redefined his past as the crime kingpin into a narrative of an innocent man unfairly targeted by those lacking legal authority. However, even at the peak of his power, Fisk recognized that murdering a public figure such as the Police Commissioner in broad daylight before numerous witnesses would be unwise. In the first season of ‘Daredevil,’ he went so far as to forbid his criminal allies from uttering his name, subtly demonstrating his belief in his invincibility and superiority over any law.

It’s clear that you won’t escape this situation. Remember, I’m still the one in charge… Indeed, I was correct. Your reign as Kingpin has never truly ended, and it seems it still hasn’t.” – Commissioner Gallo to Wilson Fisk.

Prior to the creative revamp of “Daredevil: Born Again”, the character depiction of Wilson Fisk within the MCU exhibited some subtle differences compared to previous representations. This discrepancy was particularly evident in “Hawkeye”, as fans observed how effortlessly he manhandled Kate Bishop. Vincent D’Onofrio himself acknowledged that Kingpin’s strength remained consistent, citing instances such as tossing Daredevil around during the finale of the original series. The sheer force required to dispose of Gallo in the manner Fisk did is beyond human capabilities. However, the character has consistently been depicted as extraordinarily strong, both on-screen and in the comics. It’s also worth mentioning that Kingpin was previously made to appear larger during early appearances. During their initial encounter in “Heaven’s Half Hour”, Matt remarked that Fisk moved with a lighter step.

In newly leaked images from Daredevil: Born Again Season 2, we catch a glimpse of the protagonist’s updated costume. Yet, these snapshots hint that Mayor Fisk continues to maintain an iron grip over the city. He has declared martial law in New York City, possibly empowering his Vigilante Task Force to disregard civilians’ rights even further. Unlike his efforts in Season 1 to win over the populace, the brutal killing of Commissioner Gallo indicates that Fisk no longer worries about appearances as much. Just like he did with Gallo’s head, Kingpin has New York City firmly clutched in a vice-like grip. It remains to be seen how Daredevil, the Punisher, and any others joining their makeshift “army” will manage to break his control.

Daredevil: Born Again Season 1 streams on Disney+ and filming is underway for Season 2.

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2025-04-18 00:53