Daredevil’s Dark Love: Why Wilson and Vanessa Are the MCU’s Most Twisted Couple

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The relationship between Vincent D’Onofrio’s Wilson Fisk and Ayelet Zurer’s Vanessa Marianna, portrayed since their initial encounter in the original Netflix ‘Daredevil’ series, has been captivating in the Marvel Cinematic Universe due to their shared understanding and acceptance of each other’s deepest impulses. In ‘Daredevil: Born Again’, their marriage faces a major test. During Fisk’s long absence from New York City, Vanessa not solely managed their criminal empire but also found herself in a romantic involvement with a man named Adam (Lou Taylor Pucci). This extramarital affair causes an instant rift upon Fisk’s return, driven by his political aspirations. Although Fisk vowed to Vanessa he wouldn’t hurt Adam, he covertly imprisoned her lover in a basement cell, thus preserving his promise while still meting out retribution.

In therapy sessions with Dr. Heather Glenn, the Fisks’ efforts at reconciliation uncover hidden issues of trust, most notably Vanessa’s increasing doubt about Adam’s whereabouts. By Episode 7, Vanessa faces a crucial decision: betray Wilson or stay loyal when Luca proposes they assassinate Mayor Fisk and revert to their old alliance. This alluring offer could have restored Vanessa’s authority she seemed to enjoy during Wilson’s absence. However, she devises a lethal trap, covertly alerting Fisk of the attack plan, enabling him to take out Luca instead. This scene demonstrates that despite their disagreements, the Fisks share a common understanding of power, and their bond becomes stronger through mutual violence.

WARNING: Spoilers below for Daredevil: Born Again Season 1, Episode 8

In Episode 8 of Daredevil: Born Again, the Fisks’ troubled marriage reaches its harrowing end as Wilson discloses the truth about Adam to Vanessa. A crucial scene, serving as the emotional peak of their narrative, unfolds when Wilson guides Vanessa to his hidden basement, where Adam is confined. This revelation forces both characters to grapple with the unsettling truth of their bond. Wilson admits he upheld his promise by not killing Adam, yet his actions demonstrate a perverted sense of moral compromise. “I can’t. I’m sorry,” Wilson confesses to Vanessa upon her discovery of Adam’s state. “His voice, his hands… it’s unbearable.” The scene effectively portrays Wilson’s psychological turmoil. Despite his desire for change and respect for Vanessa’s wishes, jealousy continues to immobilize him.

The remarkable aspect of this series unfolds in the way it puts Vanessa at the crossroads of moral dilemma, allowing her to decide between compassion and aggression. Wilson skillfully constructs a scenario where Vanessa is compelled to unveil her true character. When Adam pleads for freedom, imploring Vanessa’s mercy, she retaliates by firing several shots, terminating his existence. This chilling act underscores Vanessa’s acceptance of Wilson’s darkness as a part of herself. Later, Wilson reassures her, “I won’t abandon you again,” to which she responds tersely, “I understand,” thereby solidifying their corrupted pact with Adam’s blood.

Vanessa and Wilson Fisk Are the Best MCU Couple (In a Twisted Way)

Adam’s incarceration serves as a pivotal moment for Vanessa, strengthening her dedication to Wilson, because it reveals the ruthless Kingpin hidden behind his mayoral persona – the man she originally fell in love with. During Wilson’s political evolution, Vanessa began to question the essence of his character, as she witnessed him stepping away from their criminal empire towards legitimate authority. This doubt led to a growing rift between them, which was exacerbated by her relationship with Adam.

Adam being locked up symbolizes the crucial stage in Vanessa’s loyalty to Wilson due to its exposure of the Kingpin lurking beneath his mayor mask – the man she fell for initially. As Wilson moved through political transformation, Vanessa started doubting his true character, observing him abandon their criminal world for legal power. This doubt deepened the divide between them, a chasm that widened with her affair with Adam.

In a chilling display of manipulation, Wilson’s handling of Adam underscores his cold-hearted ruthlessness, making Vanessa aware that the Kingpin is still ready to go to any lengths for her. The raw intensity of his affection, expressed through this malicious act of jealousy and control, stirs a deep, primal response in their bond. For Vanessa, witnessing Wilson retain such darkness confirms that beneath his formal attire and oratory, the dangerous man she deeply cares for remains alive. This insight empowers her to fully reaffirm her commitment to their alliance with renewed determination.

It’s delightful that the series “Daredevil: Born Again” never portrays Vanessa as a mere extension of Wilson, instead granting her autonomy to act independently with strategic thinking that matches Wilson’s. Throughout the storyline, we see Vanessa displaying independent actions, even expanding their criminal organization during Wilson’s absence and commanding respect from tough criminals who were previously subordinate only to the Kingpin. The way she handles Adam clearly demonstrates that she is not just Wilson’s companion but his equal in every sense.

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, what distinguishes the relationship between Wilson and Vanessa is that it grows stronger through mutual acceptance of moral ambiguity instead of being forged by redemption. Unlike many MCU relationships which nudge characters towards heroism, the Fisks bond over their readiness to transgress ethical boundaries. This makes them particularly potent adversaries in Daredevil: Born Again, as their reunion creates a powerful partnership between Wilson’s political influence and Vanessa’s business savvy, posing a significant threat to Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox) and his associates.

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

Were you satisfied with the resolution of the Adam dilemma in “Daredevil: Born Again”? What are your thoughts on where things might go for characters Wilson and Vanessa moving forward? Feel free to share your opinions in the comments section below!

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2025-04-11 00:13