It is finally here. Witness what is about to unfold in Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 Finale.
In Daredevil: Born Again season 2 finale, tensions are now at a breaking point. Could Matt Murdock potentially bring an end to Wilson Fisk’s reign as mayor of New York City?
Disclaimer: This article contains MASSIVE spoilers about the episode. Read at your own risk.
Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 Finale – Episode 8: “The Southern Cross”
The trial of Karen Page continues. Given the public nature of this event, the entire city of New York is closely monitoring it. Moreover, the defense team of Murdock and McDuffie will call on a surprising witness that may help them win the trial. Meanwhile, Fisk’s task force is once again plotting something that may put him in his favor. But a certain vigilante with great accuracy may have a say in that.
Finally, the governor, with Jessica Jones’ assistance, devises a plan to halt Fisk’s regime. Much to the support of the citizens of New York, who also oppose the mayor. Daredevil: Born Again season 2 finale is looking like it’s going all out now.
Murdock/Fisk—Court battle
The defense calls Dr. Heather Glenn to the stand. She states her “findings” on Karen, basically not favoring Karen being free. Kirsten and Karen worry that Matt is still not present. As we all know, he is healing from his injury from their encounter with the task force. But, in Matt Murdock fashion, he makes a grand entrance. Both to the delight of Kirsten and Karen.
Interestingly, this is also the first time Heather sees Matt since last season. Matt questions Heather’s statement about her findings and, basically, her whole stand on vigilantism and siding with Fisk. The judges call a break and inform that the defense team will call on a witness when they resume.
The trial resumes, and the defense calls on Wilson Fisk himself. We are about to see another battle between Matt and Fisk. But this time with their wits and not their fists. Matt, one by one, calls out Fisk for all his wrongdoings as mayor. Moreover, the “safer streets” act, the task force, still brings lawlessness to the city. Predictably, Fisk answers back that statistically, those do more good than harm. The lawyers gather with the judges for a discussion. But Fisk whispers to Matt that he will use the legal system to put him behind bars. To which, says the same.
Matt & Kirsten, with the approval of the judges, show video evidence of the first mate of “Northern Star.” This video basically confirms that Fisk is carrying illegal weapons. This helps on their side, but it is not enough to take down Fisk and free Karen.
“I am Daredevil”
The only way for the defense team to turn the tide in their favor is a witness on the “Northern Star.” Matt slowly builds up who this witness might be; Fisk has an idea what is about to happen. In a shocking turn of events, Matt reveals to everyone that he is Daredevil. Additionally, he uses this revelation to fully put the trial in their favor as he is on board the “Northern Star” and the task force is smuggling illegal weapons. The judges dismiss the case, and Karen is free.
Charlie Cox’s performance in this scene is arguably one of the best moments of the entire show. We got goosebumps watching it. Amazing.
Faux Bullseye
During the trial, the task force with a fake Bullseye was on another building. The plan looks to be to assassinate someone after the trial ends. But Bullseye is already a step forward. He takes care of the task force and the one posing as him. Thereafter, he looks from afar to the courthouse, waiting on a potential target.
After the trial, everyone was out. Powell, unknowingly, radios to take the shot. Bullseye informs him he’s got the wrong one and pulls the trigger on the sniper. The bullet hits Buck, instead of Fisk. The incident causes another fiasco, and everyone goes back to the courthouse.
Courthouse lockdown
Inside the courthouse, Fisk broadcasts to declare a state of emergency in New York. In one final attempt to sway the people to his side. But BB Urich interrupts with another “City without fear” video. Moreover, she urges the people of New York to stand up to Wilson Fisk, that this is their city, not his. With this, people from all over gather together and march towards the courthouse.
BB’s stand on Fisk is a hype moment for the episode, with the music in crescendo. This is a great payoff to her arc this season. Additionally, she avenges both his uncle and Daniel.
“Resist. Rebel. Rebuild.”
Arguably, the climax of Daredevil: Born Again season 2 finale. Cherry, Mahoney, Angela, and other cops who are against Fisk are at the courthouse with the protesters behind them. They are face-to-face with Powell and the task force. Understandably, Cherry does not want this to escalate further and asks to let them in peacefully. But Powell does not budge and threatens to shoot them. Angela reveals the truth that his uncle Hector was set up. Finally, Cole North regains his composure, knocks Powell out, and allows them to enter. With this revelation, the protesters storm the courthouse to find Fisk.
Wilson loses it and rushes through the demonstrators as mayhem breaks out. It is scary how strong he really is; he just punches, throws, and drags random protesters with ease. Similarly, on the other side, Daredevil, Angela, and Jessica team up to knock out the remaining task force. Cool editing here, as it interchanges between Fisk rampaging through with Daredevil and Angela and Jessica taking care of the task force.
The chaos climaxes at the entrance of the courthouse. Fisk makes another desperate attempt, saying that what he is doing is for the good of New York. But, at this point, they no longer believe him. Moreover, the protesters all gang up on Fisk. Thankfully, Matt disagrees with the crowd and rallies people to the idea that they are better than this and should spare Fisk.
We have another Matt and Fisk moment. However, this time, it is a unique and intimate conversation. Neither has to hide anything from anyone anymore. We see them being vulnerable. Matt convinces Fisk to step down as mayor, finally putting an end to this chaos.
“I believe you love this city. Same as me. We have the opportunity to give it peace. Even if we have none. That’s grace.”
Aftermath
After the events at the courthouse, we finally see a quiet and peaceful New York. Matt and Karen have a date at their favorite restaurant. Additionally, Matt and Karen feel a bit off because things are finally starting to look normal again; they deserve to engage in some typical couple activities. But that goes to a halt as the police arrive to arrest Matt for his crimes as Daredevil.
Meanwhile, we go back to Jessica and her daughter. We see a man arrive, and Danielle approaches her “dad.” It is none other than Luke Cage himself, back to his family. Understandably, Jessica worriedly asks Luke if that is the last time he will do a “job.” Luke reassures her it is, and they hug. He mentions that Mr. Charles has found someone else, and we discover it is Bullseye who is going to do his bidding. Interestingly, how will this duo do?
Also, Heather is still having trouble internally. Opening her drawer to look for the Muse mask, she finally puts it on and looks at the reflection. She does not see Muse in the reflection; she sees herself.
Lastly, we see both Fisk and Matt in their respective exiles. Fisk is at the beach he used to visit with Vanessa, completely alone and far away from New York. Matt is in prison, together with Cole, North, Powell, and other task force members for their crimes. We see Matt going to his cell, with a smirk on his face as the door closes in on him.
Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 Final thoughts
Daredevil: Born Again season 2 finale is a banger. We see a conclusion to the Mayor Fisk arc that started in season one. The episode is definitely a solid way to end this story; they stick the landing strong. Additionally, with that chapter done, another one opens. Will Matt ever get out and be with Karen again? What is Luke Cage’s role going to be? Bullseye and Mr. Charles duo. This is the MCU at its best, setting things up. Daredevil: Born Again’s season 2 finale ties up this story very well.
As for the whole season? It is the best single season of the MCU shows so far. Comparatively, it is on par with the original series, a definite improvement over season one. We believe this second season takes a straightforward, direct, and no-holds-barred approach to its story and themes. The performances? Amazing. Charlie Cox IS Daredevil, Vincent D’Onofrio IS Kingpin. Both should be in conversations for the best comic-book castings of all time.
Deborah Ann Woll shines this season as Karen Page, making her one of the best supporting characters. Krysten Ritter’s return as Jessica Jones is always welcome, a fan-service decision done right. Additionally, her return opens up Mike Colter’s return as Luke Cage! We are slowly getting the Defenders back together.
Overall, Daredevil: Born Again season 2 is one of the MCU’s best. Yes, we have Spider-Man: Brand New Day and Avengers: Doomsday is coming, but it is just that good. We are so glad we have these characters; we cannot wait for season 3.
Daredevil: Born Again season 2 finale and all its other episodes are now available to stream on Disney+.
