The Marvel Cinematic Universe has never been afraid to reinvent its villains. Yet, with what’s going on with Bullseye in ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ season 2 is particularly audacious.
This isn’t just a tweak. It is a complete change of perspective on how we are supposed to view him. And to be honest, it is a bit disturbing in the best sense of the word. When a character like Bullseye begins to refer to himself as one of the good guys, fans are intrigued.
Bullseye Is More Dangerous Than Before In ‘Daredevil: Born Again’
Played by Wilson Bethel, Benjamin Poindexter is no stranger to violence. In fact, it is one of his distinguishing characteristics. However, season 2 introduces a new, dangerous element: belief. In what is perhaps the most violent scene so far, Bullseye kills a whole squad with common household items, making a diner a battlefield.
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And then, a few seconds later, he assures a bystander who is innocent that they are safe. In his mind, he’s not the villain anymore. This is what makes this version so compelling. He has not altered his techniques; he is still brutal, still cold-blooded, still frightening.
What’s changed is his justification. Dex actually appears to believe that he is doing what Daredevil won’t. And that’s where things get messy. Is a villain trying to be a hero without giving up what makes him dangerous? That’s not redemption. That’s escalation.
A Dark Comic Influence May Be Taking Shape
When this direction seems familiar, it is because Marvel Comics has already ventured into it. But only in a sanitized and reassuring manner. Bullseye has even worked with heroes, such as brief stints with teams like the Thunderbolts and even the Dark Avengers. However, let’s be clear: he didn’t suddenly become noble. He was controlled, redirected, or simply useful.
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The same uncomfortable energy appears to be infiltrating the MCU. Bullseye aligning himself, however loosely, with Daredevil’s mission creates a tension that’s hard to ignore. Particularly when his notion of assisting includes going directly to Kingpin and Vanessa Fisk with a murderous purpose.
It poses a larger question: Is the MCU establishing a morally grey character? Or is this another step towards chaos? In any case, it works because it keeps you guessing. Bullseye is no less dangerous. He is even more unpredictable than ever. And that could make him one of the most interesting characters in the whole street-level corner of the MCU.
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