NINETOES VS. DAREDEVIL BORN AGAIN EP204

Ninetoes digs into DAREDEVIL BORN AGAIN season 2 episode 4. He loves a good boxing match, but damn! Can he recover from this one?

Bullseye adopts a new morning routine. Fisk takes the ring.

Directed by Solvan Naim

Written by Dario Scardapane

Starring Charlie Cox, Vincent D’Onofrio, and Debra Ann Woll

Hey there, television lovers. It is your old pal, Ninetoes, coming to you from Ninetoes HQ. Today, I am looking at episode four of Daredevil: Born Again. I have coffee in my system, and my thinking cap on, so let’s get to it!

We start this episode with a day in the life of Benjamin Poindexter (Bullseye). It is simple: make the bed, fry an egg, pet the neighbor’s cat, and go to a diner. Like I said, simple, until he makes a phone call and all hell breaks loose. Keep in mind, Bullseye can make a weapon out of anything. ANYTHING!

This opening sets the tone for the show as things get darker in New York City. Mayor Fisk is wielding unmitigated power (sound familiar?), and the people of New York, for the most part, are down with it. Crime is down, the city is getting cleaned up, and as long as it does not affect them, they have zero “F’s” to give. The AVTF goes around without a need for warrants or due process because they are Fisk’s personal police force and can lock up whoever they so please (again, sound familiar?).

The backdrop of this episode is a boxing match between Mayor Fisk and the heavyweight champion of the world. All proceeds going to charity. Now, for those who may not be aware of some Marvel lore, here is the skinny on Wilson Fisk. He is regarded as the “Fat Man” because of his size. It is not fat; it is all muscle. So, when Fisk’s name is announced, and his weight is 325 pounds, it is 325 pounds of muscle, and he uses every single ounce. It is by no means a fair fight.

Two things happen at the fight that you really need to pay attention to, because this is going to shape future episodes, and it is only going to get darker. In fact, it could very well tear the city apart.

The writing just gets better and better with each episode, and the tone gets darker and darker. The feeling of “everything on the line” gets bow string tight with each episode, and eventually, that string is going to break, and when it does, I have to wonder if New York City is going to be left standing.

The acting is fantastic across the board. The standout in this episode is Wilson Bethel (Poindexter/Bullseye). His calm delivery, even when he is breaking loose, is exceptional. Another actor to watch in this episode is Ayelet Zurer (Vanessa Fisk). As the woman behind the man, she goes about her business in such a way that is perfection, even though you realize she is up to no good.

Using the boxing gym as the setting for the fight is a master stroke. It is the gym Matt Murdock’s father trained in. It is gritty, dirty, and the setting for the perfect trap. Can Daredevil stay away from the gym?

The pieces on the board are set in place. How many will be left standing in the end? Here we are at the halfway point for season two (there will be eight episodes), and this snowball is gaining speed!

Until the next time, I bid you happy viewing!

Darren “Ninetoes” Perdue is a book and media reviewer. When he is not reading, he is watching true crime shows, cooking for his family, or working on a plan for universal domination. If you see him on his porch, say hi. He does not bite…much.

PLEASE NOTE: The views and opinions of the staff of Memento Mori Ink do not necessarily represent those of Memento Mori Ink or Crystal Lake Publishing. Thank you for understanding.