Born Again Is Risking Holding Back Too Long

Superhero television has always had to strike a delicate balance between character development and action-packed sequences. Audiences expect to see the human side of their heroes, but they also tune in for thrilling battles, dynamic stunts, and high-stakes conflicts. Daredevil: Born Again has taken an especially grounded approach in its early episodes, focusing intensely on Matt Murdock’s struggles outside the suit and inside the courtroom. While this choice has added depth to his character, it’s also left many viewers wondering when Daredevil will genuinely return to Daredevil: Born Again.

Daredevil: Born Again’s slow build has certainly been deliberate, offering a deep exploration of Matt’s psyche, his moral dilemmas, and the toll that being Daredevil has taken on him. However, with a third of the season already aired, the absence of significant Daredevil action is becoming more noticeable. The audience signed up for a show about the Devil of Hell’s Kitchen, and so far, they’ve gotten a lot more Matt Murdock, attorney at law, than the costumed hero they expected. If the series continues to hold back for too long, it risks losing the momentum that makes Daredevil one of Marvel’s most beloved street-level heroes.

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Not Enough Daredevil In Born Again

The decision to minimize Daredevil’s action so far is a bold one, but it comes with risks. Superhero shows thrive on their ability to weave intense action sequences into compelling character arcs. Daredevil: Born Again is clearly invested in Matt’s internal struggle, but at what cost? Other than a quick fight in the premiere episode, most of the action has been seen through the lens of Matt Murdock rather than his alter ego. Even in the second episode, when Matt did get into a physical altercation, it was as himself, not as Daredevil.

This approach makes sense from a narrative standpoint—Matt has reasons for avoiding his costumed identity. The series has made it abundantly clear that he’s reluctant to embrace Daredevil again, though it hasn’t given fans enough of a reason to stay patient. While internal conflict is a crucial part of what makes Daredevil a compelling character, it shouldn’t completely overshadow the action.

Fans of Daredevil have always appreciated the show’s willingness to dig into the character’s personal and moral struggles, but they also expect the crime-fighting side of the story to hold just as much weight. When the balance shifts too far in one direction, it can leave the audience feeling disconnected from the core of what makes the character work. Daredevil: Born Again seems to be testing the limits of how much it can hold back before fans start checking out.

Daredevil: Born Again With A Slow Burn Or A Misstep?

There’s something to be said for a slow burn. Daredevil has always had a different tone compared to other Marvel properties, favoring gritty realism over flashy spectacle. The Netflix series excelled at blending courtroom drama with brutal, street-level crime-fighting.

A show like Daredevil: Born Again can’t afford to spend too much time keeping its hero out of the action. A nine-episode season means there’s only so much room to build momentum, and if the show continues to hold back, it runs the risk of rushing Daredevil’s return in a way that feels forced or unearned. If fans don’t feel that they’re getting enough of the masked vigilante’s presence, they may lose patience before the show has a chance to deliver a satisfying payoff.

Will The Payoff In Daredevil: Born Again Be Worth It?

The biggest challenge Daredevil: Born Again faces now is ensuring that when Daredevil does finally return in full force, it’s worth the wait. If the buildup results in a spectacular, emotionally charged moment that fully justifies Matt’s reluctance, then the slow start may ultimately be forgiven. However, if the show delays his return for too long and then delivers an underwhelming payoff, it could leave fans feeling frustrated and unsatisfied.

The risk is that the series will try to cram too much into its final episodes. While the first few episodes have done a solid job establishing Matt’s state of mind, they haven’t done enough to make up for the glaring lack of masked crime-fighting. If the show waits too long to course-correct, it may struggle to regain its audience’s trust.

Fans want a return to the brutal, high-stakes action that made the Netflix series so successful. If Born Again leans too heavily on introspection at the expense of action, it risks losing the very audience that has been waiting years for Daredevil’s return.

When Does Action Return In Daredevil: Born Again?

• There will be more fights, a new villain hasn’t made an appearance yet.
• Punisher is set to return at some point as well.
• Will it all be too smashed together and too late?

Superhero storytelling is all about balance—between character and action, drama and spectacle. Daredevil: Born Again has done a commendable job exploring Matt Murdock’s inner conflict, but it’s time to shift gears. The Devil of Hell’s Kitchen needs to step back into the spotlight before it’s too late.

If the show manages to deliver an explosive, satisfying return in Daredevil: Born Again in the coming episodes, it may be able to win back any fans who have started to lose interest. But if it continues holding back for too long, it risks becoming a show that audiences tune out of, rather than one they can’t wait to watch.

Daredevil: Born Again

5/10

Release Date

March 4, 2025

Showrunner

Chris Ord

Directors

Michael Cuesta, Aaron Moorhead, Justin Benson, Jeffrey Nachmanoff

Writers

Chris Ord

• 

  Charlie Cox

  Matt Murdock / Daredevil

• 

  Vincent D’Onofrio

  Wilson Fisk / Kingpin

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