Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 Episode 7 Review: The Hateful Darkness

Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 Episode 7 “The Hateful Darkness” is not only a gratifying penultimate episode, but is also quite hard-hitting because of how two particular characters suffer. Specifically, Karen and Daniel face their toughest challenges yet.

After Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 Episode 6 “Requiem”, these two characters are at their lowest point. Karen was arrested at the protest trying to protect Angela’s friend while Daniel continues to be spied on by Buck.

Unlike last episode, “The Hateful Darkness” feels much more emotionally focused while still bringing back older faces from Daredevil. It does seem like Matt’s lingering in the background again, but that’s because of the final build-up.

In terms of Karen’s storyline, it definitely wants to explore those Punisher-esque traits that she’s been developing since the start. When Fisk tries to anger her, through his own physical ways, she really doesn’t want to hold back. Ultimately, that’s her weakness.

Although she shares the same mentality as Matt regarding Fisk’s rule, her methodology has shifted between Matt’s and Frank Castle’s. She’s wanted to get more involved with vigilantism, which she’s done through her espionage in Episodes 2 and 3. She’s still being driven by her anger at Foggy’s death, which almost comes full circle here.

At that moment where Fisk has her in the palm of his hand, Karen’s anger has made her lose direction of what’s important. Fisk knows that he can play her right into his hands, but the resistance she does have still makes her formidable. Fortunately for her, there’s another face that returns to support her: Brett Mahoney.

It’s been quite a while since Brett was present in Daredevil, but it’s nice to see him support Matt and Karen again. This short talk between both of them about Karen’s upcoming trial and the future carries some weight to their dynamic. Plus, it also shows Matt’s hope for his antiheroic rival, Bullseye.

Since Episode 1, Bullseye has been quite the important character, seeking to “redeem” himself. Albeit, he’s still the bloody, ruthless murderer that he was before, but he’s wanted to do good in his own twisted ways. Luckily, he manages to get that opportunity when the governor is put at risk.

Throughout Daredevil: Born Again Season 2, there’s been this political storyline where Fisk has tried to shift himself away from the bureaucracy of it all. Although the governor tried influencing Vanessa to turn, her impact hasn’t necessarily been felt.

Yet, she’s been set up as an influential background figure for the heroes to support. However, Bullseye’s really the only one who can do anything and he finally takes action in his stealthy ways. The talk he had with Matt before this does a good job in showing his story’s importance as well.

However, the one character that really gets his dues in is Daniel, who’s faced with his biggest challenge yet. Being so conflicted about his position and doing the right thing, Daniel decides to support BB and turn against Buck.

Everything about the build-up to this very moment, and what happens after, is genuinely heartbreaking to watch. We’ve only considered Daniel to be the “next Kingpin”, but the way that Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 flips this around makes me feel bad for him.

There’s been a multitude of factors to support Daniel’s innocence, from his birthday with BB to the small hot dog talks with Buck. Yet, it wasn’t until BB’s leave that finally sparked something within him. He’s wanted to have this relationship with BB for so long, which was so close.

When that sequence between Daniel and Buck eventually plays out, you just really wish it ended differently. Although that’s what the writers originally had in mind, you also get this feeling that this was always meant to be.

Daniel was too conflicted and well-positioned of a character to continue on. He was one of the pawns in Matt and Fisk’s larger game, but he was too focused on BB to fully realize it. It feels depressingly dark to watch, which definitely fits the tone of this grim ultimatum.

Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 Episode 7 is a dark penultimate episode thanks to Karen and Daniel’s arcs, but some choices set up a cramped finale. Depending on what Episode 8 does, fans can hope that Season 2’s finale will have huge, satisfying repercussions for these characters.

Stray Thoughts:

• It honestly does feel like Matt Murdock is slightly being sidelined in favor of the other characters now. Although, this episode’s ending does hold some potential to go all in with him in the finale.
• I do think Mr. Charles was extremely hyped up to be another “big bad” of Season 2, yet it doesn’t feel like that.
• However, I am happy that Bullseye is getting the arc he’s getting. I just wish it wasn’t at the expense of Matt.
• The good news is that lawyer Matt Murdock is finally back in action after so long! Here’s to hoping the last episode brings the best from him.

Critic Rating:

User Rating:

—

The finale of Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 releases Tuesday, May 5, at 9 PM EST on Disney+.

Follow us on Twitter and on Instagram!

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!