Daredevil: Born Again – Excessive Force: Matt Murdock Returns, New Revelations Unveiled

In the sixth installment of “Daredevil: Born Again“, Matt Murdock, who had waited five entire episodes, donned the Daredevil suit once more. And there was a significant reason behind this action. Let me share with you what unfolded in the sixth episode titled “Excessive Force.

The Serial Killer/Artist Muse Takes Another Victim

We kick off today’s broadcast featuring additional episodes of BB Reports. First up is an honest conversation with a New York graffiti artist who has been unfairly stereotyped due to Muse’s artwork appearing on city buildings. Later, a man recounts his friend’s encounter with a mysterious vigilante wielding a sword, earning him the moniker “The Swordsman.” Comic book aficionados might recognize this alias, as it was once used by an Avenger named The Swordsman who was married to Mantis, a character from Guardians of the Galaxy. However, don’t expect to see that storyline unfold in the Marvel Cinematic Universe anytime soon. Elsewhere, near a dilapidated dock area, a sanitation worker discovers the corpse of a young man whose eyes have been removed, with blood seemingly painted onto the sockets – another chilling creation from the graffiti artist/serial killer known as Muse.

Matt Murdock, Still a Good Catholic Boy

In his apartment, Matt stands with Foggy’s memorial card, contemplating his recent sorrows, not just for Foggy but also Hector Ayala. He recalls the thrill of donning a mask and fighting villains, which leaves one questioning if he is secretly seeking divine guidance to keep his pledge of abstaining from being Daredevil. Heather Glenn (Margarita Levieva) appears taken aback that Matt still practices his faith, and he explains that despite past lapses, he always returns to his Catholic beliefs. She mentions she’s writing a new book delving into the minds of vigilantes, hoping for Matt’s perspective as someone familiar with both the Punisher and Daredevil (one of whom he knows particularly intimately). Unsurprisingly, Matt seems reluctant about discussing the subject.

Mayor Fisk’s Criminal Past Keeps Coming Back to Bite Him

In the mayor’s office, Wilson Fisk (Vincent D’Onofrio) unexpectedly meets Luca (Patrick Murney), leader of one of the five families. Luca is displeased about having to pay $1.8 million to a rival mafia family, as he didn’t receive the diamond from the bank robbery in the last episode. This payment is for reparations following the killings at Red Hook, and Fisk reminds him of his duty to obey orders. Luca angrily tells Fisk that he can keep the 1.8 million where the sun doesn’t shine. Fisk then informs Luca that the initial 1.8 million has increased to 2.8 million. The money will go to fellow mafia boss Victor, while the rest is for Fisk directly. Enraged by this, Luca warns Fisk that he’s out of the game and should stay out of it. This remark provokes Wilson greatly, and the mob boss within him starts to emerge. The mayor struggles to contain his anger as the mafia leader takes over.

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The following day, a sanitation employee from New York City, assigned to remove Muse’s murals throughout the city, discloses that after lab tests, the paint proved difficult to clean due to its partially human blood composition. This revelation makes Fisk aware that a serial killer is active in the city, prompting him to step up and handle the situation. However, he strongly opposes the police sharing this information with the public, primarily because it might reflect poorly on his reputation. Ironically, informing the public could potentially save countless lives. Once more, Fisk prioritizes his own image over the greater good.

White Tiger’s Niece Calls Matt Out (And She’s Right)

In the law firm of Murdock & McDuffie, Hector Ayala’s niece Angela (Camila Rodriguez) visits Matt. Angela shares with Matt that her uncle was investigating cases of missing people, but passed away before he could solve them. She expresses her belief that someone needs to complete her uncle’s investigation. She suspects the missing individuals vanished near the abandoned Q Line, and suggests that Matt should look into it. Matt explains that he is merely a lawyer, and she should approach the police for assistance. Angela recalls how the cops were involved in her uncle’s death, and refuses to seek their help. When Matt asks what he can do to assist, Angela angrily responds, “How about something, anything at all?” She leaves Matt’s office, realizing she must handle this situation on her own. This is another difficult moment for Matt, who as Daredevil has the ability to intervene, but has chosen not to do so.

Muse Takes Two More Victims

Police Chief Gallo communicates to Mayor Fisk that the DNA evidence from Muse’s artwork indicates at least 60 different victims, which represents a significant oversight on the mayor’s office and their commitment to ensure public safety. That very night, two female admirers approach Muse while he works on another mural, and he brutally murders both women by gouging their eyes out. He then carelessly leaves their bodies for the police to discover. Since his violent acts have now been noticed by law enforcement, he seems to be more openly displaying his violent tendencies.

Daredevil: Born Again’s Mini-Hawkeye Crossover

Wilson tells Vanessa that Luca dropped by his office, acting disrespectfully. It’s a humiliating reminder that she was more effective as a crime boss than he ever was. Later, at a charity event, Fisk interacts with wealthy New York families who could potentially fund his redevelopment projects. One of them is Jack Duquesne, known from the series ‘Hawkeye’. He was Kate Bishop’s mother’s rich boyfriend and used his sword fighting skills in the final episode. Since then, he’s continued to act as a vigilante, now calling himself the Swordsman. At the party, he hinted at threats against Fisk, implying that without the support of the elite, he’s insignificant – another hit to Wilson’s self-esteem.

Matt Murdock Learns About New York’s New Serial Killer

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Detective Cherry (Clark Johnson), in his visit to Matt’s office, reveals a private detail: A new serial killer has emerged in our city, with an estimated 60 victims so far. Despite this information not being public yet, Cherry urges Matt to stay out of it and let the police handle the case. However, Matt is troubled by the thought of innocent lives being lost without action. Meanwhile, at the mayor’s party that same evening, Daniel Blake (Michael Gandolfini) confronts Fisk, revealing the bodies of two latest victims from Muse. These bodies were left in plain sight under one of Fisk’s art pieces, a clear provocation to the police force, who are now aware of his involvement in these crimes.

Mayor Fisk Creates His Own Private Militia

In the mayor’s office, Police Chief Gallo (Michael Gaston) implores Fisk for additional officers to capture Muse. Instead, Fisk instructs him to assemble a unique task force, composed of cops personally chosen by him. As the chief contemplates this, he discerns that every cop in this task force that Wilson desires is either corrupt or has a history of severe disciplinary issues. Fisk proposes to lead this task force himself, and the next day, he convenes with them. He informs them all they are now charter members of his anti-vigilante task force, and “this city is yours.” He incites them, essentially granting them permission to act beyond the law in their pursuit of Muse.

The Devil of Hell’s Kitchen Returns at Last

In an old, deserted railway location, I find myself on the hunt for the perpetrator, unaware that it’s Muse all along. As I delve into online investigations about these abandoned tracks, my aunt contacts me with troubling news – Angela has vanished, and I’m left at a loss as to where else to seek help. Pondering my next move, I hesitate before dialing 911…but ultimately do so, then hang up in frustration, muttering “F it.”

In a last-ditch effort, I retrieve the Daredevil costume and make my way towards the railway where Angela disappeared. Unbeknownst to me, Muse has already apprehended her and transported her unconscious form to his hideout. Upon entering his lair, I witness the chilling sight of several of his past victims hanging from the ceiling. Muse then lays Angela out on a table.

Daredevil vs. Muse (Round 1?)

Initially, the man starts sapping Angela of her blood. Shortly afterwards, a noise draws Muse’s attention, and lo and behold, Daredevil emerges from the shadows, pummeling him mercilessly. However, Matt is a bit out of practice as a vigilante, and Muse puts up quite a fight. This unknown assailant appears to be highly skilled in combat, managing to keep pace with Daredevil. The battle takes place while Angela gradually loses blood. In the end, Matt manages to choke Muse unconscious, mere moments before Angela’s heart stops. He decides to revive Angela instead of allowing Muse to escape, aware that he will undoubtedly go on to murder others. Yet, Matt cannot bear the thought of Angela perishing.

Fisk Pummels His Prisoner, Reverting to Type

In the basement, Fisk confronts Adam, who’s imprisoned there at his residence. His actions evoke memories of Jack Torrance from ‘The Shining.’ Wilson suggests freeing Adam, but Fisk finds it impossible. He tosses the ax towards Adam, allowing him a chance to fight back. Enraged, Adam assaults Fisk with the ax, yet Fisk manages to subdue him effortlessly. In a fit of fury, Fisk hurls Adam across the room and beats him mercilessly next to his treasured painting “Rabbit in a Snowstorm.” As Fisk roars “Mine!”, we infer he’s referring to Vanessa. Simultaneously, miles apart, both Fisk and Murdock succumb to their innermost selves. Fisk embodies an aggressive, territorial beast, while Matt becomes the valiant yet constantly enraged figure.

With Daredevil once again patrolling the city, one might wonder if Wilson Fisk’s anger will reach boiling point yet again. Meanwhile, will Daredevil manage to apprehend Muse and prevent further murders? The answers lie ahead as Daredevil: Born Again moves forward in its inaugural season.

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2025-03-28 04:03