Daredevil: Born Again Reveals Adam’s Shocking Fate in Episode 4

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Marvel Television’s “Daredevil: Born Again” cleverly brings Wilson Fisk (Vincent D’Onofrio) back to New York City after a lengthy absence, placing him on a political path that seems to distance him from his criminal past. The Disney+ series further reveals that during Fisk’s mysterious disappearance, his wife Vanessa (Ayelet Zurer) continued and expanded their criminal empire. Not only did she excel professionally, but Vanessa’s personal life also changed in her husband’s absence, as she began a romantic relationship with a man named Adam (Lou Taylor Pucci), who was previously unknown to viewers. This relationship causes tension when Fisk returns, particularly since he vows not to harm Adam despite his palpable anger. However, the recurring image of Fisk’s bloodied knuckles in early episodes hints that his self-restraint could be more about appearance than truth. The fourth episode eventually reveals the shocking truth about Adam’s fate, shedding light on why Fisk appears so composed.

WARNING: Spoilers below for Daredevil: Born Again Episode 4

In the gripping fourth episode of Daredevil: Born Again, I found myself utterly stunned by a startling twist concerning Adam’s predicament, skillfully woven into a scene that encapsulates Wilson Fisk’s intricate psyche perfectly. Instead of following the expected path of a ruthless crime lord and eliminating his wife’s lover, as one might assume, Fisk decided to incarcerate Adam in a dingy basement cell. This imprisonment keeps Adam alive but under deplorable conditions. A spine-tingling moment in the episode saw Fisk partake in a lavish dinner right outside Adam’s cell, while the emaciated captive watched in despair. This scene sheds light on the bloodied knuckles glimpsed earlier in the series, hinting at recurring confrontations between Fisk and Adam that usually culminate in brutality. What makes this arrangement particularly unsettling is that it allows Fisk to keep a technical promise to Vanessa while simultaneously exacting his vengeance. After all, he hasn’t technically taken Adam’s life.

In their therapy session with Dr. Heather Glenn (Margarita Levieva), Fisk and Vanessa both claim ignorance regarding Adam’s location when directly asked. However, while it might be an honest response from Vanessa, Fisk is intentionally deceiving by hiding the fact that he has imprisoned Adam as part of a complex scheme. This portrays the inherent conflict within Fisk’s character in the new series – he appears to be making sincere attempts at change, demonstrated through his therapy attendance and commitment not to kill Adam. Yet, Fisk struggles to let go of his violent past as the Kingpin, suggesting that his dark side remains a significant part of who he is.

The Duality of Identity Defines Daredevil: Born Again‘s Characters

As a movie critic, I find Adam’s confinement in “Daredevil: Born Again” to be an impactful allegory for the series’ deep dive into character transformation and identity. Wilson Fisk’s handling of Adam mirrors his struggle to break free from the Kingpin, even as he pursues political ambitions and seeks to mend his marriage. On the public stage, Fisk appears as a legitimate Mayor, advocating for law and order, but behind closed doors, the criminal within threatens to emerge once more.

The narrative of Adam serves to vividly depict Kingpin’s character complexity, moving beyond stereotypical villainy. His choice to imprison instead of killing Adam suggests a yearning to uphold his promise to Vanessa, hinting at his aspiration for self-improvement, while simultaneously revealing his inability to pardon what he sees as deceit. This internal struggle generates suspense among viewers, leaving them questioning which aspect of Fisk will triumph in the end: the man striving to transcend his criminal history or the ruthless enforcer who solves issues through intimidation and violence.

As a dedicated film critic, I found myself deeply moved by the intricate portrayal of identity struggles within this series. Matt Murdock, brilliantly played by Charlie Cox, mirrors his own internal turmoil throughout the show. Just like Wilson Fisk can’t shake off the Kingpin moniker, Matt grapples with shedding his Daredevil persona and maintaining a simple lawyer identity.

The narrative consistently underscores Matt’s inherent response to violence when faced with injustice – most poignantly demonstrated when he defends witness Nicky Torres against corrupt cops. The visual symbolism of their bloodied knuckles serves as a haunting reminder that both characters’ transformations are far from complete. This parallel tale of struggle and identity is a compelling element that sets this series apart, making it an engaging watch for any viewer.

New episodes of Daredevil: Born Again premiere on Disney+ every Tuesday.

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2025-03-19 20:09