'Daredevil: Born Again' Episode 4 Review
Image Source: Bluesky
Daredevil: Born Again has been doing well in the ratings, and many fans seem to be connecting, or at least adapting, to the new version of their favorite characters explored in the Disney+ show. After a shocking ending to Episode 3, Episode 4, entitled “Sic Semper Systema” had a lot riding on it to land the reaction to and consequences of that event, and this reviewer finds the results a bit surprising.
WARNING: This review will contain MINOR spoilers for Daredevil: Born Again.
As mentioned above, Born Again’s Episode 3 ended in shock, and Episode 4 resumed shortly after. However, in a surprising move, little of the nearly 50-minute runtime is spent on the direct reaction, as life moves on for Matt Murdoch and he finds himself drawn into another case. That is not to say the events of the last episode leave no impact, but they are more muted than might be expected. This is later built into a point stated at the end of the episode, and we think it works.
Matt’s new case, though, contains a biting realism that also characterized his previous case. It is much smaller scale, paltry even, but it explores the minutiae of simple court procedures and dealmaking in the justice system, but also the problems of life for certain people.
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Image Source: Bluesky
On a different note, this episode features the return of the Punisher, Frank Castle, played brilliantly by Jon Bernthal. Time has not been kind to Frank, and his situation, while not dire, is that of a worn man. He has a mania and energy to him, a struggle, but he is poignant and aggressive in cutting through those elements of his personality. His portrayal here is hopefully exciting to those looking forward to the upcoming Special Presentation set for release next year that will focus on his character.
Elsewhere, Wilson Fisk is struggling on two levels, but we’ll focus on his more public-facing issues. He is coming to terms with the rigors of city governance, and the role the mayor has to play as part of the system. Like Murdoch, he is constrained by the system he is part of, and he is growing to dislike it with each passing day. The simmering energy, mentioned in our last review, remains, but with cracks in his implacable demeanor, the constant tension is beginning to seep away as he has outbursts and teeth-grinding moments. This is not a bad thing, as it seems to be attempting to show how Fisk is wearing down, but it is intriguing to watch him come to terms with this new reality. We might even feel sorry for him in this episode, his grand, meaningful plans, blocked by red tape, had we not seen a particular event at the end of the episode.
One final point of praise has been the continued focus and development of the new side characters. This episode focused on those at Fisk’s side in particular, but this is something the series overall has handled well thus far into its run. The episode as a whole was also handled well, commenting and showing real problems and situations, and letting its characters explore them, while meaningfully interacting with each other in the process.
Rating: 9/10
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Source(s): Daredevil: Born Again, The Wrap
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