REVIEW: Daredevil Season 3
What a world we live in when less than 3 months after the improved Iron Fist we get an improved season of Daredevil. Considering all the cancellations that have been coming lately, I doubt we’ll ever be in this position again. But if that position at least gets us better seasons, then I almost don’t care, and Daredevil is the perfect start to a new level of quality.
Season 3 picks up about 5 months from The Defenders where Matt has healed from his near death and is now hiding underneath the church. No one else knows that he’s alive, so he continues his vigilante streak now with a chip on his shoulder and without his personal connections. Meanwhile, Wilson Fisk manipulates the FBI to help plan his release from prison, and Foggy and Karen have to deal with the aftermath. Not even once is the subject of zombie ninjas mentioned.
It’s not really just the lack of zombie ninjas that improves the story so much as the return to personal stakes. Choices make sense, lives are at risk, and the sense of right and wrong hangs in the balance. When we aren’t focused on trying to explain confusing mystical somethings, it’s surprising how much we can care about what happens to these characters, both new and old.
The new characters play a fun role as well, mostly with the new FBI agent and Sister Maggie. Considering the FBI agent is slated for death, I wouldn’t advise getting too attached, but he has a unique role that pushes the story. I’d be lucky if you find any review that doesn’t mention the great character that is Sister Maggie, who obviously is Matt’s mother. Although she doesn’t factor directly to the plot as the FBI agent does, she has such a dry with and complex mindset that relates to Matt thematically. Plus, someone who embodies an unfailing faith is especially good around this time of the story.
If the supporting characters are that good, wait until you hear about the villains. We have a great return of Wilson Fisk, this time going by the name Kingpin. We have the crazy introduction of Bullseye, though mostly going by the FBI agent Dex who cosplays as Daredevil for bad press. Both manage to be both intricate in their planning and murderous psychopaths. They really challenge Matt on both a physical front, where he already struggles, and a public eye, where he has the disadvantage. From the constant back and forth of the characters, it makes it that much rewarding when Matt finally wins and gets a semblance of a happy ending.
There are also the returning characters who are finally given something to do this time. Foggy enters the public sphere by directly challenge Fisk’s release to the FBI, and Karen does her own investigation to take him down legally. Not only are they important to the plot, but they’re both working towards the same goal without always sniping at each other. Who would think that’s possible anymore?
If I can give one major criticism to the story (besides the fact that 13 episodes is still too long), it would probably have to be the fact that there’s not a single scene of Matt in his Daredevil costume. I understand that the series is about Matt believing he can’t be that symbol anymore, but it’s the one bummer the season leaves us. This series is the only Marvel one that has a working one, so why not keep it? And what could be a better symbol of regaining his faith than regaining his suit? At least don’t have the last use of it be by the bad guy.
Besides that, I’m pretty content with the ending, even if it’s not the ending yet. The scene of Matt, Foggy, and Karen sitting around drinking and planning their futures is a perfect top-off to how far they’ve come. I’m a sucker for happy endings, and I’m even more of a sucker for good relationships. Even though the climax mostly focuses on Matt’s singular decision, it’s no secret that the actions and risks from Foggy and Karen inspired him to make the right decision. In spite of some hard times, the three have never been closer or more reliant on each other, and that’s a great basis for a new story.
Daredevil season 3 might not be the most original season of the bunch, but it certainly is the most uplifting. It’s, in fact, probably the best season of any of these shows beyond season 1 and Jessica Jones. If this is the new standard of shows, then sign me up. And bring on the real Bullseye.
