By [ad_1]
The Marvel Netflix experiment has given viewers some of the best superhero television in history. Particularly, the partnership’s first outing, Daredevil, expanded the superhero landscape by approaching the material from a more grounded perspective. Emotionally resonant and wonderfully acted, DD set the bar marvelously high for the rest of the shows that followed.
Charlie Cox easily inhabits the courageous blind Defender and promises to further explore Matt Murdock’s activities in potential upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe projects. The future is uncertain, but viewers still have plenty of the past to check up on in the meantime. For a precise viewing of DD, IMDb gives several episodes priority over others.
10 “A Cold Day In Hell’s Kitchen” Is A Somber Season Finale (9.2)
The second season of DD is the weakest, but that doesn’t mean it possesses NO bright spots. The appearance of the Punisher and Elektra fuel a characteristically reflective 13 episodes, concluding with “A Cold Day In Hell’s Kitchen.” Matt Murdock has lost everything and given all that he has: his career as a lawyer has fallen apart and his friends are next to go. All in all, it places the character in a precarious situation for The Defenders miniseries to pick up from. This proves a cathartic and emotional sendoff to another compelling season of television.
9 “Speak Of The Devil” Brings Daredevil Face-To-Face With Kingpin (9.2)
Alongside the brilliance of Cox’s Daredevil is his nemesis Wilson Fisk, brought to life by Vincent D’Onofrio. Both of these characters are officially back in the MCU and no episode is more deserving of a rewatch than their very first meeting in person, which takes place in “Speak of the Devil,” the ninth episode of the first season.
It takes a little longer than viewers anticipated, but the atmosphere is sluggish with the tension as the two briefly exchange pleasantries while at an art gallery. Fans can only hope these two characters meet in a similarly-fitting way on the big screen.
8 “One Last Shot” Demonstrates How Untouchable Kingpin Is (9.4)
After the aforementioned quality dip in its second season, DD returns with a stellar third outing that ups the stakes on both sides of the heroic spectrum. Adapting Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli’s iconic storyline “Born Again,” Matt Murdock abandons his faith amidst Kingpin’s takeover of Hell’s Kitchen. The hero is able to demonstrate his characteristic bravery by effectively fighting the entirety of the police force in the 12th episode, “One Last Shot.” It sets up a confrontational season finale that sends the show off on a high note.
7 “Daredevil” Marks The Dawn Of The Titular Vigilante (9.4)
The first season’s finale sees Murdock don the Daredevil costume for the first time and though it wasn’t as comic-accurate as some fans hoped, it is still satisfying to see him in the familiar colors. The episode also brings him face-to-face with Kingpin for a final battle ripped straight from the pages. Cox’s reserved hero further demonstrated his prowess on the streets of Hell’s Kitchen, making it a satisfying watch for the fandom. The season left viewers restless for what else Marvel Netflix had to offer and cemented the universe’s brutal, realistic tone.
6 “Seven Minutes In Heaven” Foreshadows The Havoc To Come (9.5)
“Seven Minutes In Heaven” is deceptively named: the ninth episode of the second season involves a brutal prison brawl where Jon Bernthal’s Frank Castle staves off an entire cell block essentially unarmed. By the time it’s all said and done, the Punisher is right where he’s most comfortable, drenched in the blood of those who mean him harm. Kingpin is perhaps the most astonished of all, as he intended for Castle’s death to be the result. Perhaps if the Punisher targeted Fisk, his criminal empire would topple in a matter of days.
5 “Penny And Dime” Gets Daredevil And Punisher To Work Together (9.5)
Every viewer loves a good team-up, particularly when the heroes are vastly different in pertinent ways. This dynamic has led to Daredevil and Punisher developing quite the love/hate relationship in the comics, which translated to Netflix’s Daredevil.
Following the intense first couple of meetings between the two vigilantes, season two’s fourth episode sees the two combine their forces to overpower the Irish mob. Daredevil and Punisher butt heads, but it makes for an entertaining and surprisingly emotional night for viewers.
4 “New York’s Finest” Recreates An Iconic Comic Scene (9.5)
The aforementioned comic book rivalry between Daredevil and the Punisher yielded an emblematic scene in Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon’s “The Devil by the Horns,” presented in The Punisher #3. Daredevil is chained, unable to get himself free, and has a gun forcibly attached to his hand. He must decide whether to shoot the Punisher, who is nearby about to murder a gangster, or allow him to do it, therefore challenging the Man Without Fear’s rule against killing. Episode three of season two, entitled “New York’s Finest,” recalls this scene in its rooftop discussion between the two characters. It’s one of the best episodes in the series with captivating performances by Cox and Bernthal.
3 “A New Napkin” Is Cathartic And Refreshing (9.6)
The series finale of the show, “A New Napkin” ties up all the loose ends laid out over the course of the third season. Daredevil is no longer doubting his path in life and is relentless in his pursuit of Kingpin, who is equally determined to maintain power over his city. Throw in a vengeful Bullseye, and this episode is simply too good to be true. It’s satisfying and leaves the characters in interesting positions in the lead-up to their MCU debuts.
2 “The Devil You Know” Imagines A Legendary Confrontation (9.6)
Bullseye is a secondary antagonist in DD‘s third season, but he wields a fatal arm in the sixth episode, “The Devil You Know.” Adapting another iconic comic scene from “Born Again,” Bullseye poses as Daredevil in an attack on the New York Bulletin.
It adopts the tones of a slasher film as the villain carves a bloody swath through innocent reporters. Given the targeting of journalists and the news media by presidential administrations that was going on around the season’s debut, this episode becomes more chilling in its violence.
1 “Blindsided” Is Daring And Impressive (9.6)
The best episode of the series is the fourth episode of season three, “Blindsided.” Murdock visits the prison to seek information on Fisk, but the Kingpin is already prepared for him. What follows is a stunning single-shot fight scene that demonstrates why Daredevil is such a menacing presence to those doing wrong. He simply does not stop, much like his buddy the Punisher, and eventually escapes thanks to his skill in combat. Further, the incident drives Matt to further disrupt Kingpin’s plan and eventually stop him.
About The Author
[ad_2]
