Daredevil

Finally, Marvel for adults. The action is strictly street-level (and surprisingly brutal), the acting's strong, and the tone is engagingly dark and mature. If you're tired of Marvel's usual bright, shiny blockbusters, give this a shot. EDIT: Season 3 is a friggin' masterpiece.

This is one of the best superhero-related installments I have seen on either the big screen or the small screen. I think what makes this series so spectacular is its localized environment. No, this isn't Superman globetrotting about and saving people, or Batman attempting to save all of Gotham; it is one hero attempting to save one neighborhood from corruption and evil. While the quality fluctuates a bit, Dardevil maintains a consistent tone and does some fantastic character and world building.

A shame I got to this so late - I have a signed variant from Quesada somewhere, and loved the character growing up, but the hype kept me away. It shouldn’t. Seasons 1 & 3 are true masterpieces - when Karen, Matt, and Foggy are with each other, the series blends like a rabbit into a snowstorm. (But everything with Elektra in S2 is distant and weird.) Otherwise, tenacious, innovative, and daring. Importantly, it keeps the heavy Catholicism intact: an authenticity in keeping to Hell’s Kitchen.

I know this is considered The Godfather of all the Marvel/Netflix shows, but I didn't get into like that. Cox was fine as Daredevil, but I never really felt into him as a character, or really anyone for that matter like I am Luke Cage or The Punisher. He does well, but I don't know if I see a definitive Daredevil in him. That's my main complaint, the show's writing and production is stellar, and a bit surprising given the other projects done on the character. Very solid.

Season 1 Review: Meh...but like a BIG FUCKING MEH. I was never a fan of the comics (despite being a comic book fan) so that might have something to do with it. Charlie Cox was good, and D'Onofrio is always great (very underrated actor), but I was left wanting more. Each episode had some high points but were boring overall. Maybe Punisher's arrival in Season 2 will turn this ship around for me. Then again...it also has Elektra (bleh!)

Season 1-2: Season 2 of Daredevil doesn't do all that much to add to the first one. While the fantastic tone, writing, and acting is all consistant, Season 2 just feels a bit less focused, focusing on both the Punisher and Elektra, rather than just Kingpin. It's definitely a great show still, but Season 2, doesn't hold up to the pure ecstasy that was Season 1.

Essensially Batman Begins in serial form, but between D'Onofrio's great turn as the villain and the pretty brutal and well choreographed fight scenes (the long take hallway fight being an obvious high note) the first season became a welcomed surprise. Skeptical of where they'll go from here though.

Surprisingly superb. Marvel's ability to produce series' of such different tone and style in the MCU is admirable. D'Onofrio is the series highlight. S1 - 85 S2 - 79 S3 - 86

S1: 75 | S2: 75 | S3: 80 | They could’ve easily compressed each season into 10 episodes, but aside from that I don’t have many complaints. Solid action, especially the “one take” scenes, and Cox is great as Murdock. D’Onofrio doesn’t have Fisk’s height, or natural voice, but he does what he can to be like him, and for the most part fits the role well. Honestly the Punisher was one the most interesting parts of the show, and Electra/The Hand one of the weakest.

Intriguing throughout, it benefits from good writing, well-established characters, captivating action and a convincing cast from which D'Onofrio inevitably stands out. My main gripe is that certain aspects of it become a little repetitive after a while, such as the discussions with Father Lantom and later, Sister Maggie, or the unresolved communication breakdown between our three protagonists. Nevertheless, it has its fair share of thrills to offer and maybe even a little food for thought.