There’s no TV series I’ve anticipated more than Daredevil in this past decade since season 3 abruptly ended on Netflix seven years ago. I put together a Top 10 list of reasons why I’m a fan of the 3rd season of that show, and in that post, I shared my wish that Matt Murdock and the gang would eventually continue their journey on Disney+.

Seven years later, and Hell’s Kitchen’s finest is back! My husband and I binged the entire season within a week; we’re THAT excited. There’s a new showrunner this time around, Dario Scardapane, plus a pair of directing duo Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead. They allow fans to wallow in nostalgia, albeit briefly, when we see the three besties Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox), Karen Page (Deborah Ann Woll), and Foggy Nelson (Elden Henson) heading to Josie’s Bar after a day of work.

Photo by Giovanni Rufino. © 2025 MARVEL

It’s aptly titled Born Again as an incident makes Murdock leave his vigilante days behind and focus on his legal career. The series often draws a parallel between Murdock and his nemesis, Wilson Fisk (Vincent D’Onofrio), who also tries to turn a new leaf as a politician after years behind bars. It’s inevitable that their paths will cross, which will make moving on from their past a lot more complicated. The nine-episode series charts the duality of the two men’s lives as they’re headed for a final showdown.

What I’ve loved about the Daredevil series is how it leans more into crime drama territory rather than just being another superhero show, kind of like Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight trilogy. It’s raw, intense, and unafraid to embrace some of the grimiest aspects of humanity, both physically and psychologically. Luckily, we’re getting that same dark and intense vibe we’ve come to love. Right from the first episode, we’re thrown into a brutal fight scene with an old foe that’s packed with wild hand-to-hand combat and intense one-on-one action in tight spaces and on staircases. It’s as if Disney is trying to reassure us that Marvel Studios can still deliver the hardcore edge we loved in the original Netflix series.

The cinematography is quite beautiful, and the sound design really stands out, playing a key role in making the action feel extra visceral. Remember that nearly 11-minute prison-fight scene that was done in one continuous long take? Well, in terms of the action, this new series hasn’t quite reached the level of badassery of the Netflix version.

© 2025 MARVEL | All Rights Reserved

Now, it doesn’t mean that this new one is lacking in ferocity. There are still plenty of tense, quiet moments that really build up a sense of dread. If you’re counting on seeing Daredevil in his red suit in every episode, though, you might need to adjust your expectations. But the scarcity of his screen time as a superhero makes it more exciting when the Man Without Fear does show up. It’s as if we’ve earned his presence, and it makes us savor every second that he is on screen.

Glad to see Murdock’s talent as an attorney featured prominently. He gets to flex his legal prowess in the courtroom with his new partner, Kirsten McDuffie (Nikki M. James). One of the earlier subplots involving Hector Ayala, aka White Tiger (Kamar de los Reyes, in his last screen role before he passed away), is a compelling one that shows Murdock’s strong sense of empathy and benevolence. The crossover from his attorney life to superhero vigilantism is to be expected, but it’s still interesting to watch it unfold.

© 2025 MARVEL | All Rights Reserved

The writers wisely made the subplots not only relevant but also essential to the main story, which is all about Murdock and Fisk heading for another fierce collision course. The dynamic between Fisk and Murdock is always the highlight of the show. I love the diner scene where it’s just the two of them talking. They’re polite and courteous, but there’s that long-simmering tension that feels like it could erupt at any moment. The script elevates their relationship from a simple black-and-white battle between good and evil. With Fisk rebranding himself as a man of the people, the conflict becomes much more intricate.

The cast really brings their A-game to the new series. Despite the seven-year gap, they jump back into their roles like they never left. Cox is extraordinary in the title role; his portrayal of a blind man feels authentic and believable. I love how the series depicts his heightened senses–how he’s able to hear people talking from across the room or behind a wall and how he uses his incredible sense of touch to ‘see’ a painting, etc. The series also doesn’t sidestep his spiritual side, how his Catholic guilt weighs heavily on him when he crosses a line early on in the episode. Murdock’s moral compass is tested, uncovering a more shadowy aspect of the hero that’s both intriguing and real.

Photo by Giovanni Rufino. © 2025 MARVEL

D’Onofrio is equally phenomenal as Fisk. As massive as Fisk is, he’s not just a brute (though there are definitely times when his temper flares up). He’s more of a cunning strategist, always looking for ways to enhance his approach. He’s scariest when he’s trying his best to control his temper, such as when one of his aides messes up. He’s so ruthless and unpredictable; it’s alarming to just imagine what he’s capable of. When he finally releases that animalistic rage later in the series, it’s truly tough to watch. Yet, Fisk’s softer side is on full display when it comes to his wife, Vanessa (Ayelet Zurer); he’s even willing to go to marriage counseling! Vanessa has a more integral role this time around. As it turns out, they’re two peas in a pod as we get to see her vicious side.

Speaking of vicious, Disney has really embraced hard-R content for mature audiences. The violence made me avert my eyes more than a few times. There’s blood splattered everywhere, bones sticking out, and gruesome mutilations. There’s even a scene that’s as shocking as anything you’d see in Game of Thrones. There are some lighthearted and funny moments as well sprinkled throughout that help break the tension. Fans of The Punisher series would be happy to see Jon Bernthal’s Frank Castle on this series. His fighting style is as ferocious as ever, but his droll quips reveal he’s got a fun sense of humor

© 2025 MARVEL | All Rights Reserved

A major highlight of this new series is how it showcases NYC, almost making the city feel like a character itself. Filmed entirely on location in the Big Apple, it also includes real New Yorkers, like the well-known background actor Radio Man, in BB Report clips from BB Urich (Genneya Walton), in her attempt to expose the city’s criminal empires like her uncle Ben Urich.

The filmmakers did a fantastic job of weaving together legal battles, political ambitions, and personal vendettas, all while paying homage to the comics. There’s a particularly creepy villain that even makes Fisk wince and a heist plot that cleverly links Daredevil to another MCU hero. Overall, I’m happy to say that Daredevil: Born Again is worth the wait!

What are your thoughts about Daredevil: Born Again? Are you a fan of the original Netflix series?