Episode four of Daredevil: Born Again keeps the tension high, especially with a standout scene featuring Jon Bernthal’s Punisher. As Matt Murdock digs deeper into White Tiger’s murder, the emotional weight of guilt and frustration becomes increasingly evident. With each revelation, it seems more likely that this turmoil could be the final push he needs to embrace his Daredevil persona once again.
At the beginning of the episode, Matt has a heartfelt encounter with Hector Ayala’s niece, Angela, that reignites something within him. In the comics, Angela del Toro steps into the role of White Tiger after inheriting her uncle Hector’s amulet. It wouldn’t be surprising if the show follows a similar path, with Angela eventually claiming the amulet and continuing his legacy. Whether that happens in a future season or as part of the long-rumored Young Avengers project remains to be seen.
Credits: Disney+
The standout moment is undoubtedly Jon Bernthal’s return as the Punisher. His chemistry with Charlie Cox is electric. When Matt tracks him down to question the use of his skull logo by corrupt cops, Castle quickly dismisses the topic and zeroes in on what’s truly eating at him – the death of Foggy. Usually, Murdock maintains control in conversations, but Punisher’s raw fury and relentless conviction push him to his breaking point. Their heated exchange erupts into an emotionally charged clash over justice and vengeance, injecting the episode with a much-needed intensity.
Meanwhile, Mayor Fisk finds himself having to navigate bureaucracy and follow protocol to accomplish anything in the city—an unfamiliar and frustrating experience for him. His tour around town takes an unintentionally comedic turn when he’s subjected to a children’s choir performance of “We built this city”, only to endure the same song again at his next meeting, this time sung by a Latvian choir. For a man who has endured brutal beatings from Daredevil, this might just be the most agonizing moment we’ve ever seen him endure.
Murdock’s growing disillusionment with the justice system mirrors Fisk’s struggle with the political system. Attempting to wrap up a petty theft case with a reduced sentence, Murdock is confronted with a harsh reality—his client explains how the system repeatedly degrades him, leaving little room for real change. Murdock, who had seemed comfortable and even a bit self-satisfied in his approach to defending clients, is forced to reevaluate his perspective.
Fisk and Vanessa’s marriage counseling sessions have taken a compelling turn, blending tension with moments of dark humor as they disguise their criminal activities with vague euphemisms. The real bombshell, however, is the revelation of Vanessa’s infidelity during Fisk’s absence, shedding light on the strain in their relationship. Their therapist, Heather Glenn—who also happens to be Murdock’s love interest—carefully navigates their cryptic language, trying to unravel the truth. But she becomes increasingly entangled in their secrets, putting herself at greater risk. And for anyone who thought Fisk’s new role as mayor had softened him, the truth is far more sinister. We get the reveal that he has the man Vanessa cheated with locked away in a hidden bunker, savoring his suffering while he indulges in fine dining.
This episode opens and closes with glimpses of the eerie, art-obsessed serial killer known as Muse. His gruesome method appears to involve draining his victims’ blood to use as paint for his macabre creations. Disturbing, to say the least. While his presence is only teased for now, it’s clear that the groundwork is being laid for Daredevil to face off against one of his most twisted and terrifying foes from the comics.
Overall, this episode provides strong reasons for Murdock to finally put on the suit again, and the return of the Punisher adds an intense and fiery perspective that gives both Murdock and the show a much-needed boost.
‘Daredevil: Born Again’ Season 1 Episode 4: The Punisher Returns
Episode four of Daredevil: Born Again delivers high tension with the impactful return of the Punisher, whose intense confrontation with Matt over Foggy’s death catalyzes Murdock’s growing disillusionment. As Matt investigates White Tiger’s murder and grapples with the justice system’s failures, coupled with Fisk’s frustrating navigation of political bureaucracy and the unsettling introduction of the serial killer Muse, the stage is set for Daredevil’s resurgence.
