DAREDEVIL Season Three
Hopefully not a Matt finish
Viewing the new season of Daredevil as the wheels of the Netflix/Marvelverse appear to be coming off – it launched the same week Iron Fist and Luke Cage were cancelled – is a disconcerting experience. It’s almost impossible to watch without thinking, “Is this getting axed too?” You desperately want it to be something special to ensure the show’s future.
Instead, it’s pretty much business as usual. Normally this wouldn’t be a bad thing; the first two seasons of Daredevil were impressive. Not flawless, but with plenty to recommend them, including hard-hitting themes, a street-level vibe, complex villains, excellent supporting casts and great action scenes.
We get that all again here, wrapped up in a new tale vaguely based on comic-book storyline “Born Again”. Matt’s gone even more angsty after almost dying in The Defenders, refusing to let Foggy and Karen know he’s alive. He hangs out in his priest mate’s church being given tough-love advice from a no-nonsense nun (Joanne Whalley, in fine form). Meanwhile, the Kingpin orchestrates a return to prominence while still officially in custody by manipulating the FBI.
Mostly, it’s very good. After a rather slow-moving premiere, the series kicks into gear with a story full of twists and cleverly crafted moments. The series also introduces its own twist on comic villain Bullseye (Wilson Bethel), who is brilliantly creepy.
There are also the usual Netflix/ Marvel problems, though. It’s too long, and sags, padding things out with indulgent backstory flashbacks. And Daredevil is one of the least interesting characters here; you’ll find yourself rooting more for tarnished FBI agent Nadeem (Jay Ali).
Overall, season three feels like it’s preaching to the converted. It’s more than good enough to satisfy fans, but unlike season one, it’s not going to explode through word of mouth Dave Golder