Daredevil: Born Again just killed off its best new character in the perfect way

Image: Marvel Studios

Since Marvel Studios brought Matt Murdock back to the screen in Daredevil: Born Again, the series has largely succeeded in capturing the gritty, atmospheric essence of the original Netflix production. Much like its predecessor, this revival balances visceral action with a thoughtful exploration of the moral complexities defining both its heroes and their adversaries.

However, the series falters when it comes to its newcomers; frankly, the fresh faces simply lack the magnetic presence of the original cast. Murdock’s chemistry with his new legal associate, Kirsten McDuffie (Nikki M. James), fails to sparkle with the same warmth as his iconic bond with Foggy Nelson (Elden Henson). Similarly, the segments involving aspiring digital journalist BB Urich (Genneya Walton) struggle to carry the emotional gravitas once provided by her uncle, the indomitable Ben Urich (Vondie Curtis-Hall). Yet, there was one notable exception—a character who felt like a seamless addition to the Daredevil mythos and offered a compelling new lens for the narrative. Predictably, the show decided to cut that journey short.

[Ed. note: The following contains spoilers for episode 7 of Daredevil: Born Again, season 2.] Image: Disney

Daniel Blake (Michael Gandolfini) arrived in the series premiere as a wide-eyed, fervent devotee of Wilson Fisk’s (Vincent D’Onofrio) mayoral campaign. His admiration for the “no-nonsense” approach Fisk promised provided a necessary look at why an average citizen might align with a figure like the Kingpin. After years of witnessing Fisk’s brutality firsthand, having a character who embodied the terrifying allure of his populism felt like a vital narrative beat.

As Fisk rose to political power, he took Blake under his wing, grooming him from a campaign foot soldier into an influential mayoral aide. Immersed in the high-stakes world of political theater, Blake became intoxicated by his own proximity to influence. When BB Urich once questioned his motivations—asking if he was truly a believer or merely a cynical player—Blake’s faltering response, “I don’t know what I am,” captured the profound identity crisis of a man losing his moral compass.

Image: Disney

Beyond his sycophantic devotion to Fisk, Blake’s life was defined by his fraught dynamic with BB Urich. His vulnerability—fueled by an unrequited crush and a sense of belonging—eventually led him to leak classified information, a move that sealed his fate. In the seventh episode, the realization that BB was exploiting his affections hits him with full force. Following a nudge from Buck Cashman, the enforcer who surprisingly became his only genuine friend, Blake is ordered to eliminate her. Unable to cross that final line, he chooses self-sacrifice, leading to a fatal confrontation with Cashman that ends the life of the series’ most intriguing new addition.

Michael Gandolfini delivered a nuanced, layered performance, grounding the character’s descent into corruption with humanity and empathy. By stepping out from his father’s legacy, he managed to breathe life into a man who was ultimately caught in the gears of a city’s moral decay. While his departure feels like a loss, there is a narrative finality to it that suggests his tragedy was the inevitable conclusion of his choices.

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Daredevil: Born Again is currently streaming on Disney Plus.

 

Source: Polygon