Season one of Daredevil: Born Again has been a mixed bag, but the finale sticks the landing. Matt Murdock and Wilson Fisk’s parallel journeys finally collide in dramatic fashion, leading to major turning points that reshape the series. Though the show was initially planned as one 18-episode season, it’s now been split into two, making the finale’s cliffhanger expected, but no less effective. With Fisk tightening his grip on New York and Daredevil up against his greatest challenge yet, the stage is set for a gripping continuation.
When Jon Bernthal’s Punisher first appeared earlier this season, he was the only one who truly got under Matt Murdock’s skin—he knew exactly how to provoke him. Frank finally steps fully into his role, unleashing brutal justice on the task force and making it crystal clear to his so-called admirers that they didn’t understand him at all. They hadn’t lived through the kind of pain he had. His scenes with Daredevil stand out, especially as their opposing beliefs clash once again over the question of whether killing can ever be justified. And while Frank’s return is thrilling, it is not the only comeback worth celebrating.
Karen Page’s return is most welcome, especially as she helps ease the tension between Matt and Frank. Her deep bond with both men makes her the ideal person to bring some perspective and redirect their energy toward the bigger picture. And Matt using her heartbeat to understand how she really feels? A subtle but classic Daredevil moment that adds emotional depth.
In the previous episode, Murdock discovered that Vanessa was behind the hit on Foggy Nelson after he uncovered the Fisks’ Red Hook scheme. This episode brings everything full circle by revealing how Vanessa carefully manipulated Benjamin Poindexter, isolating him from his support network in a way that mirrors Fisk’s tactics. Even better, Bullseye is no longer just a mindless weapon—he’s given the complexity and tragic depth that made him such a compelling villain back in season three.
Credit: Disney+
Fisk’s bold plan to transform New York City into his empire is the kind of high-stakes villainy that’s thrilling and chilling. While similar to classic comic-book plots—like Bane’s takeover of Gotham in The Dark Knight Rises—this version hits harder because it feels so grounded. Watching Fisk manipulate, mansplain, and manslaughter his way to absolute control is genuinely unsettling. His embrace of the iconic white suit for public appearances is a brilliant touch, signaling that the line between Mayor Fisk and Kingpin no longer exists—he’s fully owning both roles now.
Fisk has become so assured of his absolute power—and so untouchable—that he doesn’t hesitate to brutally crush the defiant commissioner’s head without a second thought. It’s a gruesome, shocking display of dominance. Showrunner Dario Scardapane promised a moment of pure madness in Born Again, and this certainly lives up to the hype. It might just be the most jaw-dropping violent scene the MCU has ever delivered. This makes Matt shattering that guy’s knee in episode five look like an episode of a Saturday morning cartoon!
As the episode ends on a poetic and somber note, it’s tough to picture how Daredevil could possibly reclaim the city. Murdock once relied on the law to fight his battles—but now that Fisk has twisted the system to legitimize his every move, that weapon feels useless.
That said, Daredevil could have rallied a few more heavy hitters for his resistance. His speech about rebuilding a fearless city felt like it was building to a surprise reveal—perhaps some familiar New York-based heroes like Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Spider-Man, or even the new Hawkeye. Instead, we got a handful of cops and returning allies, the same ones who had just come up short against Fisk.
Ultimately, Daredevil: Born Again wraps up its first season with a finale that delivers in all the right ways, laying the groundwork for an even bigger showdown in season two. The episode is packed with standout moments—from an unforgettable team-up with the Punisher to a jaw-dropping burst of brutality from Mayor Fisk. It’s the kind of thrilling, no-holds-barred conclusion that leaves you reeling in the best way.
‘Daredevil: Born Again’ Episode 9 Finale Sticks the Landing
Ultimately, Daredevil: Born Again wraps up its first season with a finale that delivers in all the right ways, laying the groundwork for an even bigger showdown in season two. The episode is packed with standout moments—from an unforgettable team-up with the Punisher to a jaw-dropping burst of brutality from Mayor Fisk. It’s the kind of thrilling, no-holds-barred conclusion that leaves you reeling in the best way.
