Daredevil's Shocking Episode: White Tiger's Secret and a Deadly Twist!

In the ongoing tale of Daredevil: Born Again, the third installment, titled “The Hollow of His Hand,” moves forward, focusing on the character development of Hector Ayala, also known as the White Tiger. Simultaneously, the political landscape in New York City heats up as Mayor Wilson Fisk, portrayed by Vincent D’Onofrio, faces escalating conflicts with his First Lady.

Revelations (and Random Questions) From Daredevil: Born Again Season 1, Episode 3, “The Hollow of His Hand”

Matt Murdock and Hector Ayala Have a Lot in Common

As a movie enthusiast, let me put it this way: The story kicks off with Daredevil, played by Charlie Cox, dropping by Hector Ayala’s jail cell, stirring up memories of his days growing up in Puerto Rico. He vows to Hector that they’ll reunite with family and revisit the old home someday. Post-credits, we transition to a chilly night at Red Hook Port, where two truck drivers meet an unfortunate end at the hands of some ruthless hijackers. Following a series of BB Report interviews showcasing New Yorkers grappling with life in a city plagued by crime, we find ourselves at Mayor Fisk’s mansion, where he and his wife Vanessa (Ayelet Zurer) share an awkward breakfast together.

Mayor and First Lady Fisk Have a Very Awkward Breakfast

In their discussion about art auctions, Vanessa subtly brings up the topic of the Red Hook Port hijacking. This news reminds Vanessa that without Wilson as the city’s crime boss, the various criminal families are locked in bitter conflicts. Wilson downplays these “minor squabbles” as no longer being his business. However, the scene then shifts focus to Wilson’s injured knuckles, suggesting he might still be involved in violent activities, despite claims of controlling his inner demons. This raises questions about Wilson’s actions and whether he truly has mastered his violent impulses.

Things Get Very Tense at Hector Ayala’s Trial

In the courthouse bathroom of the subsequent episode, Matt Murdock encounters Officer Powell (Hamish Allan-Headley), whom he had previously fought and defeated. Powell appears to have suffered noticeable bruises from their last encounter. This scene implies that Powell’s injuries were not severe, unless we consider his damaged reputation after being bested by a blind man. Powell threatens Matt, warning him about meddling with police business. Matt promptly clarifies the situation, labeling it as an instance of police extortion. He subtly reminds Officer Powell that he could potentially face a lengthy prison term for obstruction of justice if he continues his corrupt activities.

In a covert location, character Cherry (Clark Johnson) visits to find Nicky Torres, who’s been concealed by Hector Ayala. He provides him with sufficient medication to endure the upcoming hours, enabling Nicky to affirm that Hector Ayala saved him during court proceedings. Later on, Officer Powell attests in court that Hector Ayala attacked them without warning and fabricates his testimony. Matt makes an effort to soothe Hector’s frustrations as he listens to Powell’s untruths. Matt confronts Powell about a Nicky Torres, aware that this individual was his confidential informant who Powell had been mistreating that particular night. Using his heightened hearing, Matt overhears a police officer whispering to the jury, “Torres won’t be able to testify.” This evidence solidifies Matt’s suspicion that the officers intend to eliminate Nicky before he can testify in court.

In a twist of events, with Cherry’s clever maneuver to divert the pursuing cops, I, as Nicky Torres, found myself safely delivered to the courthouse. But when I cast my eyes upon the sea of police officers in the gallery, it was clear that if I testified, they’d likely end my life. So, under oath on the witness stand, I chose to lie and claim I was home that fateful night. Seemingly, Matt and Kirsten McDuffie (Nikki M. James) have lost their case due to my untruthful testimony.

Confrontation at Red Hook Point

At Red Hook Point, Wilson Fisk’s trusted associate, Buck Cashman (Arty Froushan), convenes with representatives from the crime families. He informs them that Luka, a mafia leader, owes $1.8 million to a fellow crime boss named Viktor. The others resent taking orders from one of Fisk’s subordinates, viewing him as such. However, in addressing the disgruntled Viktor, Cashman says, “I don’t answer to the Mayor. I answer to the Boss.” Here, it’s unclear if he refers to “The Boss” as Fisk, regardless of his current position, or “The Boss,” symbolizing Fisk and his criminal empire. Simultaneously, Wilson and Vanessa attend therapy with Heather Glenn (Margarita Levieva). Before the session begins, Vanessa subtly hints to her husband that interfering with her former criminal operations, which she managed, is retaliation for her affair with an unidentified man named Adam. We’re yet to learn more about this individual.

Matt Murdock Reveals Hector’s Secret Identity as White Tiger to the Jury

The following day in court, Hector Ayala testifies truthfully about the events of the night he rescued Nicky Torres. His wife and niece are present in the courtroom, offering their support. However, Matt unexpectedly undermines Hector by disclosing to the court that Hector Ayala is actually the White Tiger, a vigilante. This revelation infuriates the judge, who summons both legal teams to his chambers. The judge is angry with Matt for betraying their agreement not to use Ayala’s vigilante identity as evidence against him when there were no other options left for Matt.

In my interaction with Hector within his confines, he shared that his role as the White Tiger wasn’t self-selected; rather, it was bestowed upon him. (I wonder how this destiny unfolded and where he acquired those enigmatic talismans.) Moved by his story, I rally support by inviting witnesses who the White Tiger rescued to speak before the jury. Additionally, I present police records highlighting the White Tiger’s brave deeds. The defense counters with the argument that even good people can make wrong choices. To paint Hector as a callous murderer, they describe in gruesome detail the tragic moment when an officer was struck by a train. I hope these disturbing mental pictures cast doubt on Hector’s innocence.

The White Tiger Gets Sympathy from the Jury

In a fortunate turn of events, Hector Ayala was found not guilty by the jury on all charges. The police at the courthouse seemed displeased as Ayala walked free, harboring a desire for revenge against the so-called “cop killer.” Despite it being an accident, their anger overshadowed any concern they had. Mayor Fisk seethed in his office over news reports of Ayala’s acquittal, fueling his anti-vigilante sentiment. Meanwhile, Matt and Heather enjoyed a festive dinner, during which Matt brought up the topic of Foggy Nelson for the first time. She viewed this as a significant emotional advance from Matt, and expressed her hope that “the Lord will protect him tenderly.” With this, the title of our episode now holds more meaning.

R.I.P. Hector Ayala. And Is the Punisher Back Already?

In his office, an enraged Wilson Fisk summons Ben Urich for a meeting, publicly expressing his anger towards the White Tiger who was acquitted of murder. Having endured the traumatic events involving Daredevil and getting shot by Echo, Fisk is adamantly opposed to vigilantes in New York City. Simultaneously, Hector dons the White Tiger costume, rescuing civilians. However, before he can complete his mission, a gunman on the street takes his life with a bullet to the head. The assailant bears a Punisher emblem on his chest, leading us to question if this marks the reappearance of the Punisher in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Given the corrupt cops with Punisher tattoos we saw in the last episode of Daredevil: Born Again, it seems more likely that one of them is responsible for Hector’s death.

In summary, that concludes our review of the third episode from season one of Daredevil: Born Again. Without a doubt, there will be further revelations and unanswered questions as we eagerly anticipate the Devil of Hell’s Kitchen’s return in next week’s installment.

Daredevil’s Shocking Episode: White Tiger’s Secret and a Deadly Twist!