The fifth and sixth episodes of Daredevil: Born Again are a study in contrasts. After the episodes aired together, many viewers questioned how the two episodes could have such drastically different tones. However, this sudden shift is not uncommon in the Daredevil comics that inspired the series. This makes the MCU show accurate to the source material.
(Image Source: Marvel Studios)
The fifth episode of Daredevil: Born Again Season 1, “With Interest,” was largely separated from the show’s storyline so far. The episode centered on Matt Murdock trying to stop a bank robbery while maintaining his secret identity. The tone was relatively light-hearted, though the stakes were serious. The episode also made multiple references to the MCU at large, with Mohan Kapur appearing as assistant bank manager Yusuf Khan, the father of Ms. Marvel.
(Image Source: Marvel Studios)
The sixth episode, “Excessive Force,” was far darker by comparison. This episode resumed the on-going subplot centered around the serial killer artist known as Muse. The action centered around both Matt Murdock and Wilson Fisk and their reactions to the discovery of Muse’s crimes. The episode culminated in twin action sequences, with Matt coming out of retirement as Daredevil to bring Muse to justice, as Kingpin indulged in a brutal battle with Adam; the man who slept with his beloved wife, Vanessa.
The tonal shift between the two episodes encompasses the wide variety of stories featured in the comics. It also showcases the versatility of the Marvel Comics setting. The science fiction of Fantastic Four easily exists alongside the weird horror of Doctor Strange. The Daredevil comics showcased similar shifts in stories. Depending on the issue, Matt Murdock might be involved in a legal drama, street-level superheroics, or a supernatural thriller.
(Image Source: Marvel / Chris Samnee)
While different writers favored different kinds of stories, the best maintained a balance between seemingly conflicting story elements. Mark Waid famously turned Daredevil into a more light-hearted comedy, with Matt Murdock having fun denying his secret identity once exposed. Yet Waid’s run also featured some incredibly dark stories involving human trafficking and one villain’s obsession with a dead body.
(Image Source: Marvel Comics / Klaus Janson)
Frank Miller found fame reinventing Daredevil as a neo-Noir drama. Yet he also introduced mysticism into the series with the Hand ninja clan. He also allowed for the occasional bit of comedy, such as when Stilt-Man’s armor was stolen by a petty thug with delusions of grandeur. Given that, the sudden shift in tone between Daredevil: Born Again episodes is true to the aesthetics of the comics.
Daredevil: Born Again Episodes 1-6 are now streaming on Disney+.