After years of waiting following the cancellation of the Netflix series in 2018, the return of Daredevil finally arrived in the Marvel Cinematic Universe through the Disney+ series Daredevil: Born Again. Produced by Kevin Feige under Marvel Studios, the show marks the first major MCU project centered entirely around Matt Murdock since the original series ended. With Season 2 on the way, fans may want a refresher on the dramatic events that reshaped the lives of Matt and his allies in Season 1.
Before the events of Born Again, Matt Murdock had already appeared in several MCU projects including Spider-Man: No Way Home, She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, and Echo. These appearances reintroduced the character to the MCU and hinted that his story would eventually continue in a larger way. Daredevil: Born Again also reunited Matt with his longtime friends and law partners, Foggy Nelson and Karen Page. The trio had rebuilt their law firm under the expanded name Nelson, Murdock, and Page, and for a brief moment it seemed like their lives were finally stabilizing after years of conflict.
Unfortunately, peace never lasts long in Matt Murdock’s world. Trouble begins when Foggy becomes involved in a case connected to the criminal empire of Wilson Fisk, also known as Kingpin. During Fisk’s absence after being shot by Echo, his wife Vanessa Fisk had taken control of the organization. When a client connected to Foggy threatens to expose the Fisks’ illegal operations at Red Hook Port, Vanessa secretly hires the deadly assassin Bullseye, also known as Benjamin Poindexter, to eliminate the threat. The attack occurs at Josie’s Bar and results in a tragic outcome when Foggy is killed along with several innocent bystanders. Matt confronts Bullseye in a rage-filled battle and nearly crosses his long-standing moral line against killing, dropping the assassin from a building in anger, although Dex ultimately survives.
Foggy’s death devastates Matt and changes the direction of his life. The law firm dissolves, Karen leaves New York for San Francisco, and Matt decides to abandon his life as Daredevil entirely. During this period he forms a new legal partnership with Kirsten McDuffie and attempts to focus solely on his career as a lawyer. At the same time, the absence of Daredevil allows other vigilantes to begin appearing across New York City, including the hero known as White Tiger and the swordsman Jack Duquesne, who had previously appeared alongside Kate Bishop in other MCU events.
While Matt struggles with grief, Wilson Fisk works to rebuild his public image. Determined to gain legitimate power, Fisk runs for mayor of New York City. Presenting himself as a reformed figure who wants to improve the city, he successfully wins the election and begins shaping policies aimed at eliminating masked vigilantes. Behind the scenes, however, the Fisks continue using Red Hook Port as a hub for their criminal activities, taking advantage of its unique legal status to move illegal goods without interference.
One of the most significant legal battles of the season occurs when Hector Ayala is accused of killing a police officer during a street confrontation. Matt agrees to defend him in court and eventually reveals that Hector is actually the vigilante White Tiger. By highlighting Hector’s history of protecting the city, Matt manages to secure his acquittal. However, the victory is short-lived, as Hector is later murdered by a corrupt police officer who belongs to a growing group of violent law enforcement officers that idolize the methods of The Punisher.
At the same time, New York is terrorized by a disturbing serial killer known as Muse. Muse creates grotesque artwork using the blood of his victims, leaving disturbing displays across the city. When Muse kidnaps Angela Del Toro, Matt realizes he can no longer ignore the growing danger and finally returns to the streets as Daredevil. The confrontation with Muse becomes one of the most intense battles of the season, and although Daredevil manages to stop the killer, it is Matt’s girlfriend Heather Glenn who ultimately kills Muse to save herself.
As the season progresses, Matt begins investigating the truth behind Foggy’s murder. His search leads him back to Bullseye, who eventually escapes from prison in classic fashion. During a major event attended by New York’s elite, Matt secretly listens in on a conversation between Wilson and Vanessa Fisk and discovers the shocking truth that Vanessa was the one who ordered Foggy’s assassination. Moments later, Bullseye attempts to assassinate the Fisks, but Matt intervenes and takes the bullet meant for Kingpin.
Instead of gratitude, Fisk uses the situation to further his own agenda. Believing Daredevil remains a threat to his power, Fisk orders that Matt be killed while he is recovering in the hospital. At the same time, Fisk launches an aggressive campaign against vigilantes by forming an anti-vigilante task force made up of corrupt police officers. He also orchestrates a massive blackout across New York City, creating chaos that allows him to impose strict control over the city under the guise of public safety.
During the blackout, Matt is rescued by Frank Castle, better known as the Punisher. The two reluctantly work together to survive an attack by Fisk’s task force. Karen Page also returns to New York after learning about Bullseye’s escape and helps Matt uncover the full scope of Foggy’s investigation. They realize that Red Hook Port is the center of Fisk’s entire criminal network, serving as a gateway for smuggling operations that could expose the mayor’s corruption.
By the end of the season, Fisk’s influence has grown stronger than ever. He eliminates political opponents, tightens his control over the police force, and declares a harsh anti-vigilante initiative that effectively places New York under martial law. Meanwhile, Matt and Karen begin assembling allies to resist Fisk’s growing power. Their resistance group includes trusted investigators, sympathetic police officers, and others who refuse to let the city fall completely under Kingpin’s control.
The first season of Daredevil: Born Again concludes with the city in a dark place and the balance of power clearly favoring the Fisks. However, Matt Murdock has finally accepted that Daredevil must return if New York is to have any hope of freedom. With a resistance forming and enemies gathering on both sides, the stage is set for an even larger conflict .