Daredevil: Born Again – “Art For Art’s Sake” Episode Review

Disappointment Strikes in Latest Episode
“Art For Art’s Sake” has unfortunately diminished some of the goodwill built up by the previous two episodes of Daredevil: Born Again. As a result, this episode may be the weakest installment of the series to date. While aiming to advance the story, the episode inadvertently highlights what seems to have been compromised during the show’s creative upheaval.

Character Development: Heather’s Underwhelming Arc

Among the main cast, Heather has emerged as the least developed character, despite her connections to the core group. As a therapist dating a superhero and trying to support a villain’s troubled marriage, her potential for depth is intriguing but remains largely untapped. Instead, she serves merely as a sounding board for Matt Murdock and the Fisks, leading to a scenario where she is being deceived by multiple parties. Adding to this complexity, she unwittingly takes on a fourth client with secrets of his own.

Bastian Cooper Unmasked: The Revelation of Muse

Fans may recall Bastian Cooper (portrayed by Hunter Doohan) from episode two, a character who has been noticeably absent since then. In a predictable twist, he is unveiled as Muse. While some might have seen this revelation coming, it is conspicuous at this late stage in the season. With only two episodes highlighting him, it feels as though Bastian’s backstory, originally intended to unfold over several episodes, was drastically cut. This contrasts sharply with the earlier White Tiger storyline, which allowed for a more comprehensive exploration of Hector’s character while seamlessly integrating it into Matt’s own narrative of moral conflict.

Muse’s Character and Heather’s Dilemma

Although Bastian’s character has a mysterious foundation in the comics, his identity as Muse is not an inherent issue. Doohan’s performance delivers a gripping portrayal as he gradually reveals his darker side to Heather, intensifying her concern. However, the rushed nature of this episode compels the series to hastily construct his backstory and relationship with Heather, lacking any prior foundation. As Bastian participates in therapy, the authorities ineptly identify him, and when police sirens sound, the tension and intrigue dissipate, leaving him to grapple with life-altering decisions.

Matt’s Re-emergence as Daredevil: Strained Relationships

Amidst the unfolding Muse plot, tensions rise as Matt resumes his vigilante role as Daredevil. This development creates friction between him, Heather, Kirstin, and Cherry. Cherry is particularly upset, as he explicitly warned Matt against involving himself in the Muse situation and feels burdened with the responsibility of keeping Matt on a righteous path. As Matt seeks to revive his old dynamic with Cherry, the latter’s resentment leads to inevitable conflict.

Fisk’s Downward Spiral and His Plans

Meanwhile, Wilson Fisk spirals into chaos, reminiscing about the intense violence that Daredevil inflicted upon his associates. With a promise to curtail vigilante activity, Fisk eagerly seeks ways to assert his authority once he learns about Bastian’s connection to Heather.

Climactic Showdown: Heather Takes Charge

The episode culminates in an action-packed sequence where Daredevil faces off against Muse while an anti-vigilante task force ascends the building. In a shocking twist, Heather seizes Muse’s gun and kills him, marking a pivotal moment in the series. This action is the most significant thing she has done all season and understandably leaves her shaken, even as Matt attempts to justify her decision without sounding heartless. Conversely, Fisk revels in this development, leveraging the situation to bolster his anti-vigilante campaign.

Setting Up Future Conflicts

The show seems poised to adapt the Devil’s Reign event, as Fisk’s maneuvering with Muse’s mask signals a declaration of war. While a shift towards this storyline is appropriate with only two episodes remaining, this transition feels less stable than preceding events and risks undermining the series’ main antagonist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the main plot of Daredevil: Born Again?

Daredevil: Born Again follows Matt Murdock as he contends with his dual life as a lawyer and vigilante in Hell’s Kitchen, navigating complex relationships, moral dilemmas, and the resurgence of old adversaries.

Who are the primary characters in Daredevil: Born Again?

Key characters include Matt Murdock (Daredevil), Wilson Fisk (Kingpin), Heather, Kirstin, Cherry, and Bastian Cooper (Muse). Each character grapples with their entanglements in a world fraught with conflict.

What can viewers expect from the final episodes of the series?

With only two episodes left, audiences can anticipate escalating tensions, character developments, and potential significant plot twists as Matt faces up against Fisk’s growing influence and the implications of his vigilante lifestyle.

Where can I watch Daredevil: Born Again?

Daredevil: Born Again is available for streaming on various platforms, primarily on Disney+ and Hulu, depending on your region.

Stay tuned for the upcoming episodes and more insights into the Marvel cinematic universe!