‘Daredevil: Born Again’ season 2 didn’t have a big win or a rousing speech or even Wilson Fisk getting his brutal end that many fans desired. Instead, it gave a much less comfortable, and, well, much more potent, experience.
An entire season had been spent leading up to Daredevil and Kingpin’s explosive confrontation, and it was down to one decision: revenge or mercy? But in usual Matt Murdock fashion, Charlie Cox’s hero took the difficult road.
Why Daredevil Showing Mercy To Kingpin Makes Sense
This unsurprisingly turned into a hot topic online, particularly since Fisk eventually escapes unharmed while Matt is left in prison at the end of the season. It’s not fair on paper. However, that imbalance is the key to that wonderful ending. Daredevil’s mercy towards Fisk should never have been easy.
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The finale’s most memorable scene is when the citizens go on a rampage against Wilson Fisk after his crimes come to light. Daredevil physically stands between Fisk and the mob, preventing him from getting killed. It’s a startling image, as viewers are well aware of the pain Fisk has caused.
For years, the Kingpin has twisted New York and even murdered and terrorized it. His demise would be a triumph in most superhero tales. However, ‘Daredevil Born Again’ won’t take the easy way out. Matt offers Fisk a deal: resign as mayor, leave New York, and put an end to the vicious cycle of violence. Fisk asks if that is punishment, and Matt replies unexpectedly, “Grace”. And that says everything about Daredevil.
The Finale Understands What Makes Matt Murdock Special
The difference between Daredevil and most other heroes in the MCU is that his fights aren’t solely physical. Matt is forever battling between rage, guilt, faith, and the desire to step over the moral line. This finale brings all of those conflicts right to the forefront.
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The most convenient thing would have been to let Fisk die. Rather, Matt gives up his freedom to save someone he despises. It is frustrating, messy, and morally complicated, and that is what makes it feel so human.
The conclusion is also a nice wrap-up of the themes of Netflix’s Daredevil, particularly Foggy Nelson’s idea that justice is more than revenge. And, truth be told, that’s why Daredevil remains one of the most successful characters in the MCU. He doesn’t just fight villains. Sometimes, he fights every violent instinct inside himself and still chooses mercy anyway.
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