5 Daredevil Characters the Netflix Show and Born Again Got Wrong (And 3 It Made Perfect)

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In the annals of Marvel Comics, few characters have transitioned from printed pages to on-screen performances as convincingly as Charlie Cox’s portrayal of Matt Murdock/Daredevil. Beginning his life on Marvel’s Daredevil, a Netflix series that ran from 2015 to 2018, this show rapidly emerged as a benchmark for comic book narratives, not just in television but across the entire medium. The gritty, character-focused plot revolving around the unwavering dedication of our titular hero to his neighborhood, Hell’s Kitchen, served as a compelling demonstration that these Marvel characters could be effectively adapted, even after previous attempts had fallen short.

Following the debut of “Daredevil: Born Again“, a fresh take on the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Disney+ series lineup, the new show introduced several modifications, some more favorable than others. While “Daredevil: Born Again” preserved what made the original series stand out (principally the consistent performance of Charlie Cox), certain aspects fell short. Some characters underwent drastic transformations or were eliminated altogether, while others finally received the attention they had long deserved. With that in perspective, here are five characters that the Netflix show and “Born Again” mismanaged…and three they nailed perfectly.

8) Got Wrong: Foggy Nelson in Born Again

In the Netflix series Daredevil, Foggy Nelson was at the center of a surprising and seemingly unnecessary event in the storyline “Born Again”. Previously, Foggy had been a crucial figure alongside Karen Page, offering more than mere comic relief. He served as a kind of moral guide for Matt Murdock, urging him to strive for good and resist succumbing to his dark instincts. Movingly, he remained loyal to Matt when the latter isolated himself from others. Their friendship was complex, sometimes strained and even resembling a break-up, but it was realistic, relatable, and deeply emotional, making it an essential part of the Daredevil narrative.

In “Born Again,” Foggy’s connection is severed swiftly in the initial episode. His death occurs during the opening sequence, leaving minimal significance on the season’s plot until the final episodes. This treatment of a beloved character and one of the series’ standouts seems wasteful, especially compared to Matt, who held faith in bringing justice to Kingpin without resorting to vigilantism. Eliminating Foggy left Matt bereft of a significant part of his identity and one of his few links to normality. What makes it even more frustrating is that it denied the opportunity to explore Foggy’s growth within the broader Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The abrupt departure of Foggy in “Born Again” served as a painful blow for fans of the original series, and his absence leaves a palpable void at the heart of the show’s emotional narrative. The character deserved more, and his lack is deeply missed.

7) Got Right: Daredevil in the Netflix Series

Since his debut wearing the homemade black mask in Season 1, Charlie Cox has delivered an exceptional portrayal of Daredevil in live action. He skillfully infused humanity, anger, compassion, and spirituality into the role, making it challenging yet compelling to pull off simultaneously. From battling his primary adversary Kingpin, navigating the turmoil of his romantic entanglement with Elektra, or grappling with the internal struggle of self-punishment, Cox breathed life into Matt Murdock in a way that few other superheroes have managed. His portrayal offers an emotional foundation reminiscent of only a select few superhero adaptations, making Charlie Cox’s Daredevil a true standout among his peers.

In this series, Cox shares the screen with a fantastic ensemble of characters, but it’s his understated, thoughtful, and powerfully intense portrayal that elevates the entire production from feeling like a comic book adaptation to a high-end drama. A clear demonstration of this can be seen in the courtroom scenes, such as the Punisher trial in Season 2, which carry the same gravity and tension as his single-take hallway action sequences.

6) Got Wrong: Elektra

Elektra Natchios plays a pivotal role in the Daredevil comic book series. Not only does she possess deadly skills as an assassin and maintain associations with some of the most perilous figures globally, but she also serves as a heartbreaking love interest for Matt.

In the Marvel comics, I find myself treading a fine line between the mythical and emotionally vulnerable, making me an ideal match for characters like Matt Murdock who carry their own complexities. Regrettably, in the Netflix series, Elodie Yung captured the comic character’s appearance quite well, but the script didn’t deliver the depth that Elektra truly required.

Furthermore, it’s worth noting that another significant problem seemed to be the lack of chemistry between Elektra and Matt. Their complex past love story often felt more like obligatory backstory than a chance to explore Matt’s life before he became the vigilante of Hell’s Kitchen. Despite the writers’ persistent efforts to depict them as romantic partners, their interactions felt forced and artificial. The dialogue between them was rigid, and their bond lacked authentic depth. While the fight scenes featuring Elektra were skillfully choreographed, they were overshadowed by the intricate mythology surrounding The Hand and the “Black Sky.” This aspect of the storytelling suffered from a lack of clarity in its presentation, making it difficult for viewers to fully appreciate or connect with this part of the narrative.

As a passionate cinephile, I must say that “The Defenders” offered a chance for Elektra’s storyline to regain its course, and for a while, it seemed successful. The emotional depth given to her death and subsequent resurrection was far more impactful than any previous involvement, but even then, Elektra’s character arc felt less like a deep-rooted relationship with the show’s protagonist and more like a tool to advance the plot. Moreover, the fact that her actions were so closely linked to the supernatural realm often made Elektra seem detached from the rest of the narrative, giving the impression that she resided in a separate world.

5) Got Wrong: Daredevil in Born Again

Charlie Cox continues to excel as Matt Murdock/Daredevil in “Born Again,” maintaining his signature solemn delivery, haunted gaze, and unique talent for portraying both physical fatigue and moral distress. Regrettably, “Born Again” offers Cox fewer opportunities to shine, which was one of the main drawbacks of the first season.

In the Netflix series “Daredevil,” the portrayal of Matt remained authentic, immersing him in a personal struggle steeped in Catholic guilt, spiritual exploration, and an intense obligation to endure hardships for others, including strangers. The complex interplay between his multiple roles (his faith, justice, vigilantism, etc.) wasn’t merely a secondary concern; it was the core theme that shaped Matt’s character development over three seasons. Conversations with Father Lantom and Foggy weren’t simply filler; they were instrumental in shaping the heart and soul of the show.

In “Born Again,” the religious aspect is significantly reduced, deviating from the original comics and failing to delve deeply into Matt’s internal struggle, which leaves him appearing more like a typical MCU hero: someone who is witty, capable, and heroic. The inconsistent tone of the series doesn’t help either. While some episodes maintain a dark tone similar to the Netflix series, others attempt to blend humor with street-level crime drama, creating an awkward mix that makes the show feel uneven. Matt’s daytime battles with criminals contrast sharply with his usual night-time operations, stripping away the gritty, desperate atmosphere that made the Netflix version unique. Despite being a strong hero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the absence of Hell’s Kitchen’s darkness and Matt’s religious burden has diminished the compelling nature of this new Daredevil.

4) Got Right: Frank Castle/The Punisher

Presenting Frank Castle, portrayed by Jon Bernthal in Season 2 of Daredevil, who made his debut as the Punisher. His portrayal was intense, brooding, and deeply emotional, reflecting a tragic past. Rather than glorifying his violent nature, the writers emphasized the pain of his family’s murder, making him unyielding to reason. Furthermore, Bernthal skillfully highlighted the shared traits between the Punisher and Daredevil, resulting in an undeniable chemistry between their characters.

3) Got Wrong: Karen Page in Born Again

In the Netflix series “Daredevil”, Karen Page played a crucial role, serving as the emotional core of the show. Initially introduced as the focus of Murdock and Nelson’s initial case, a terrified young woman wrongfully accused of murder, she soon formed a close bond with the pair. Over time, she worked alongside them, transforming into a tenacious investigative journalist. Simultaneously, she provided emotional support for Matt, Foggy, and the viewers. She was intelligent, flawed, yet undeniably resilient, and her presence significantly enriched the series throughout. The frequent flashbacks to Karen’s perspective in the first episode of “Daredevil” underscores her importance, offering the audience their first glimpse into Matt Murdock’s world through Karen’s eyes.

It’s quite perplexing how little presence Karen has in “Born Again,” given her significance to the storyline. Unlike Foggy who is deceased, Karen simply vanished, with only a vague reason given – leaving the city after her friend’s ordeal. Matt Murdock carries on, but his struggle seems more mysterious because Karen seldom gets mentioned. It gives the impression that the new showrunners tried (unsuccessfully) to excise Karen from the story, perhaps aiming for a fresh start within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, Karen Page wasn’t just a supporting character; she formed a crucial part of the series’ emotional and moral foundation.

2) Got Wrong: Muse

Muse had the capability to steal the spotlight in “Born Again,” portraying a chilling, utterly deranged artist who employs the blood of his victims for his so-called “masterpieces.” In the comics, Muse stands among Daredevil’s most sinister adversaries, consistently showcasing his unpredictable nature, philosophical leanings, and genuinely disturbing demeanor. The death toll attributed to him is substantial, yet it’s his compulsions and motivations that set him apart from common murderers. In many aspects, he embodies the archetype of an art-house horror villain transplanted into a realistic superhero narrative, a combination that holds immense promise.

In the novel “Born Again,” Muse is initially portrayed as a formidable character, with his first murder scene creating a chilling atmosphere through eerie lighting, cryptic verses, and disorienting camera angles, leaving readers on edge and setting him up as a menacing villain. However, this initial intrigue swiftly dissipates. His true identity is revealed prematurely, thus eliminating any possibility for suspense or mystery. His motivations are predictable, lacking originality, and to make matters worse, he is defeated in combat by Daredevil during daylight hours.

In simpler terms, Muse had the chance to embody a chaotic, untrustworthy antagonist for Daredevil, similar to the Joker, but driven by something other than wealth, influence, or popularity. Unfortunately, his character was often reduced to a recurring, one-episode villain, limiting his impact. If Muse had been given a more substantial storyline, he could have left a significant mark on the series. However, by the time he was defeated, he felt like just another criminal that Daredevil has defeated countless times before, fading away as quickly as he emerged.

1) Got Right: Bullseye

In Season 3, Wilson Bethel’s character Benjamin Poindexter (also known as Bullseye) demonstrated an extraordinary ability to develop a compelling villain on screen. To begin with, he appeared as a ruthlessly efficient FBI agent, devoid of emotion. As the season progressed, viewers discovered his turbulent past and the mental instability that resulted from it. Eventually, he spiraled into full-blown madness, reaching its peak in one of the series’ most impressive fight scenes where he confronted Daredevil and Kingpin in a fierce three-way battle.

Bullseye stands out as an exceptional antagonist in this series due to his authentic portrayal. Unlike the comic book character who is a comical assassin, this version of Bullseye is a man who has been let down by every institution he relied on – mental health support, law enforcement, and society at large. By the time he reaches his breaking point, it seems almost inevitable. His transformation is chilling, tragic, and most importantly, utterly convincing.

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2025-07-29 21:12