Review: Marvel’s Daredevil Episodes 3 and 4
As positive reviews and discussion float around the Internet, it is quite clear that Netflix’s new show, Daredevil is leaving its mark. Already a success, the show has become a main topic of conversation within the Marvel community and film and TV lovers in general. With its very well written script and distinguished acting, the next two chapters of the show is leaving the audience hooked and desperate for more.
The third instalment in the series, Rabbit in a Snow Storm, continues this critically acclaimed captivating and well-made comic adaptation, while continuing on the darker path most of the comic book film and television franchises have been taking in the past decade. However, this element of darkness in the show works incredibly well and through its fun and violent nature, lures us as the audience to become addicted to the show.
Three episodes in, we are able to see the heavy focus on Matt’s nocturnal activities and the struggles it is causing him. This episode, however, makes a turn to the courtroom, where the audience is able to see Matt and Foggy’s legal minds. The show used a ‘comic book’ classic theme through using Matt’s vigilante persona to seek justice when the typical legal system fails.
The major turning point of this episode is the reveal of Vincent D’Onofrio’s character of Wilson Fisk/The KingPin at the wake of the chapter. The character’s build up had been awesome, getting us all hooked on this final reveal. The character does not disappoint being intelligent, cocky and incredibly lethal all at the same time.
The third chapter continued this dark nature of the show, with assassin John Healy, played by Alex Morf, brutally murdering a crime boss, who owns a local cab company, with a bowling ball in the episode’s opening scene. Eventually, the assassin takes his own life after giving up Fisk’s identity in a well-shot and choreographed fight sequence with Matt.
This darkness is continued in episode 4, In the Blood, through the introduction of an incredibly violent villain. D’Onofrio’s take on Fisk is absolutely mesmerising to watch on screen. Both the writers and the actor were able to take a fresh look on the villain’s persona without falling into the pit of clichés, which is quite commonly the downfall of most comic book adaptations. Ever since the introduction of Ironman in 2008 and the creation of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, we haven’t truly seen a character that is as violent or vicious as this character is seen to the viewer. This allows The KingPin to stand out as one of the most memorable Marvel villains on screen.
This episode marked the change of the series so far, showing a heavy perspective of the villain, while still having a plotline through Matt and Foggy. The audience is still able to witness the dynamic relationship between Matt and Clare, as well as Karen’s teaming up with Ben in order to learn more about Fisk. However, as an audience, we still seem to be more invested in the twisted violence and characterisation to come out of this new villain and very well written character.
In the Blood follows Russian mobster brothers Vladimir and Anotoly, who were rotting in a Serbian prison. The brothers were able to escape to America using the ribs of a recently dead inmate to claw their way out of jail, who eventually had to answer to Fisk. For their first appearance in the show, these brothers as characters are extremely well developed especially through a flashback, allowing us to see their backstory.
All- in all, the fourth chapter in the series gave us all quite a suspenseful experience, with well-rounded and developed characters that are able to get us emotionally connected to them early on in the story arch. If this is only the beginning of the series, I cannot wait to continue through this vortex and fall in love with this already well-established show.
Marvel studios seem to be on a high. With much pressure and faith in the studios, it seems like they can do no wrong when it comes to making shows. Despite the critique of Agents of Shield, this new take on Daredevil is able to resound well with critics, while creating an entertaining and captivating show that not only interests fans of comic books, but is great for all.
Review by Emilia Aslan