**Spoilers Ahead**
The last episode of season one of “Daredevil: Born Again” undoubtedly ended in a way that’s shocking and consequential, both for the show and to a certain extent the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With Mayor Fisk declaring martial law while outlawing all vigilantes in New York, Daredevil is forced to go into hiding and build a resistance group in order to fight back. With the odds stacked against Matt, fans of the man without fear were more than ecstatic to see how he manages to pull himself back up and become a symbol of rebellion and hope. After what’s practically been a year of waiting, Daredevil is back and ready for round two.
The premiere episode, titled “The Northern Star,” follows up after the Kingpin’s fateful order. Matt continues his crimefighting crusade as he intercepts a cargo ship harboring arms meant for Fisk, which he plans to expose him for. The episode wastes no time setting up exposition, particularly when it comes to who’s on whose side. With Matt, Karen and patrons from Josie’s Bar going up against Wilson Fisk, Heather and members of the Anti-Vigilante Task Force (ATVF), the factions are set in the war for New York City.
That is except for the arrival of the mysterious Mr. Charles, played by Matthew Lillard, whose ulterior motives are unknown. Further complicating the situation is the fact that Bullseye remains at large, leading to a potential teamup with Daredevil as the two are staunchly against Fisk.
The show’s consistent commitment towards groundedness is evidently expressed within the first episode. Propaganda against vigilantism is utilized by Fisk to great extent. People are seen being hassled by members of a militant task unit free from all accountability, and those who’re suspected as vigilantes are kept in off-the-book detainment centers where signs of torture are present and chances of freedom remains bleak.
For the more apolitical and unmindful viewers, the AVTF being an allusion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is as clear as it gets. Despite being a show centered around a blind man who moonlights as a superhero at night, the allegories to real life events are both one-to-one and startling.
The action scenes within the first episode are spared no expense either. Spectacles of bloodshed accompanied by guttural yelling drive home the point that Matt is still that same primal warrior audiences saw last season. Albeit these violent scenes can be gratuitous at times akin to a Quentin Tarantino film, the depictions help to distinguish it from the more cartoonish and low-stakes fight scenes plaguing most superhero films while reinforcing how the show is meant to mirror everyday life. With a plethora of visceral beatdowns courtesy of the devil of Hell’s Kitchen, “The Northern Star” serves as further testament to “Daredevil: Born Again” being one of Marvel’s most unhinged projects.
It’s additionally nice to know that Fisk’s decision to outlaw all vigilantes in New York isn’t just for show. The consequences of this decision is evidently seen when Jack Duquesne, a familiar character from Marvel’s previous show “Hawkeye” who goes by the alias “The Swordsman,” is imprisoned in an AVTF detention facility. The show is more than likely setting Duquesne up to be a prominent figure as he is set to be put on trial, in which one can only hope that he doesn’t suffer the same fate as Hector Ayala.
Despite Matt and Karen’s potential for a romantic relationship which was always in the cards since season one of “Daredevil: Born Again,” as well as in the original “Daredevil” series on Netflix, no one could’ve expected for them to hook up as early as the first episode, especially with the risks being too great. Although their intimate relationship being formed as a result of shared trauma is most likely the plausible explanation, the buildup towards it was close to nonexistent.
The first episode constructively poses more questions than answers. Why is Daredevil’s new suit black? Are there any other recognizable vigilantes affected by Fisk’s new law? Alongside Jessica Jones, whose presence in the show has been hyped throughout the series’ marketing, are there any other members of the Defenders and as well any other familiar superhero who could maybe lend a hand? Though some of these questions may not be answered, far greater truths are likely to be revealed within the coming episodes.
Verdict: Season two of “Daredevil: Born Again” hits the ground running with a balance of action and suspense. With epic twists and plenty of spectacular fight scenes, “The Northern Star” is without a doubt one of the most definitive episodes within the series.
