Sorry, Daredevil: Born Again, But This Is Still the MCU’s Best Disney+ Show

As a die-hard cinema enthusiast, I must confess that “Daredevil: Born Again” is another outstanding addition to Disney+’s Marvel Cinematic Universe shows, yet it hasn’t quite managed to surpass the franchise’s top-tier series thus far. The revival of the Netflix “Daredevil” series in Season 1 finds Matt Murdock/Daredevil (Charlie Cox) balancing his legal career in Hell’s Kitchen with his role as a masked avenger, wrestling with his identity. The election of Daredevil’s arch-nemesis, Wilson Fisk/Kingpin (Vincent D’Onofrio), as New York City’s mayor brings about chaos, as the ruthless crime lord embarks on a violent campaign under the guise of crime solution. The first nine episodes of “Daredevil: Born Again” serve as a compelling continuation of the Netflix series, offering intense fight sequences and unexpected drama in Season 1.

Regarding the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), while “Daredevil: Born Again” has achieved notable success, it is important to note that “WandaVision,” which premiered on Disney+ in 2021, stands out as the platform’s most exceptional series. As the first Marvel show introduced on streaming, “WandaVision” narrates the story of Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen), who grapples with loss following the demise of Vision (Paul Bettany) during the Avengers’ battle against Thanos (Josh Brolin). In an attempt to cope, Wanda crafts a fictitious town named Westview where she revives Vision and establishes a family. As Wanda confronts her traumatic history, she ultimately embraces her destiny as the formidable Scarlet Witch. From its inception to conclusion, “WandaVision” captivates audiences with intriguing enigmas, compelling character growth, and outstanding acting performances. To this day, no other MCU series on Disney+ has managed to match the exceptional caliber of “WandaVision.

WandaVision Is an MCU Show Like No Other

Developed by Jac Schaeffer, the series WandaVision employs a distinctive episodic format, setting each of its first seven episodes in different eras of sitcom television. From the monochrome aesthetic of the 1950s to the mimicking of ’80s and ’90s TV, this storytelling approach endows WandaVision with a stylish panache. The show explores Wanda’s history of loss, intertwining humorous elements and meticulous detail. A profound exploration of the process of grief, WandaVision substantially develops its central character, providing a rewarding culmination to her previously limited role as a supporting character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

Before WandaVision, Elizabeth Olsen’s magic-wielding anti-hero had been largely devoid of autonomy throughout her MCU narrative, frequently portrayed as a villain for struggling to manage her powers. In WandaVision, Wanda unjustly confines the citizens of Westview, but comes to terms with the pain that led her down this dark path. The series’ finale marks Wanda’s transformation into the Scarlet Witch, symbolizing her renewal and self-determination after years of being manipulated.

In “WandaVision,” Wanda’s character development serves as the core, but the appearances of Agatha Harkness (played by Kathryn Hahn) and Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris) are equally captivating, along with the reappearances of Vision, Darcy Lewis (Kat Dennings), Jimmy Woo (Randall Park). Elizabeth Olsen’s performance in “WandaVision” is widely considered her best yet, and Hahn’s portrayal of Agatha is so compelling that Marvel later gave her character a spin-off series. Four years after its release, “WandaVision” stands out as a rare gem in storytelling. The show takes its time to unveil its mysteries, leading to a satisfying conclusion in the final two episodes.

Not Even Daredevil: Born Again Can Dethrone WandaVision as the MCU’s Best Disney+ Show

Ever since the debut of “WandaVision” initiated the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s (MCU) foray into television on Disney+, no subsequent series has been able to equal its exceptional caliber. Among the following series, “Agatha All Along,” a spinoff of “WandaVision” slated for 2024, came closest due to its innovative narrative approach and nearly flawless execution. However, there’s a noticeable divide separating these two shows from the rest of the MCU’s TV collection. The reason “WandaVision” stands virtually unrivaled in the realm of MCU television can be attributed to its outstanding quality, coupled with its strategic timing at launch.

Moving away from the typical hero-vs-villain narrative, the series WandaVision delves into an exceptionally relatable human story that strikes a chord with every viewer. Furthermore, WandaVision marked a significant milestone in Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) history, returning after a year-long break due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This show reignited the excitement for the MCU like never before since the phenomenal 2019 release of Avengers: Endgame. The brilliance of WandaVision hasn’t faded over the past four years, maintaining its captivating nature and high re-watchability. It stands as the pinnacle of MCU television.

All episodes of Daredevil: Born Again Season 1 are available to stream on Disney+.

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2025-04-20 00:40