REVIEW: Daredevil season 3 is the show's best year yet

It’s been a roller-coaster ride for fans of Marvel’s Netflix universe. Netflix has cancelled Iron Fist season 3, but there wasn’t much complaining. The first season was…baaaad. The second was better but only better than season one. Then Netflix cancelled Luke Cage’s third season soon after. That move came just a few months after the release of season two. Cage’s first outing was hit and miss (mostly hit for the first half and miss for the second). Its second, like with Iron Fist, smoothed things out and it was mostly good from beginning to end. It wasn’t anything special but it was fine. Still, to cancel it so abruptly has me a little nervous.

There’s no word yet on the fates of Jessica Jones (great first season, good second season) or Punisher (really good first season). And there’s always a chance that Cage and Iron Fist can team up as Heroes for Hire on Disney’s upcoming streaming service.

But then there’s Daredevil.

The Man Without Fear was Netflix’ first Marvel series and it’s been the most successful as well as most consistent. There were some gripes about season two, but the criticisms were drowned out by the incredible guest-starring role of The Punisher. Fans were eagerly awaiting DD’s next thirteen episode drop (more than any other Marvel show on Netflix, which might be part of the problem with those cancelled ones), and finally, it’s here.

The show’s third season has been out for about a week and after watching it across three sleepless nights I’m here to break down all the little things I loved about it. If you don’t want spoilers stop after the next sentence:

10/10 Daredevil season three is the show’s best year yet, even eclipsing the amazing first year. Must watch for fans.

Everyone is on the top of their game here but really the season belongs to three men: Matt Murdoch, Wilson Fisk and Benjamin Poindexter.

A lot is asked of these three men and they more than deliver. But it’s the fact that they deliver so wonderfully, despite being expected to convey a wide range of emotions through very little facial expression that makes their performances so remarkable:

D’Onofrino’s Kingpin rarely loses his cool; he’s usually so absolutely in command that he has no need to. Even when you think he’s finally been “gotten,” the shots of him calm and under control hint at just how tight-a-hold he has on the city. Because of that, the gravelly voiced crime boss mostly stands still, barely moves his lips, and rarely speaks above a whisper. And yet, he absolutely captivates. No matter what else is going on, when Fisk is on the screen that’s where your eyes are. He was sorely missed throughout most of season two but it was worth the wait to get him back.

Cox, of course, spends much of the season under a mask that covers half his face. That’s limiting enough as it is, but he has the added handicap of not being able to act with his eyes. Even when the mask is off Cox has to hold the lazy stare of a blind man. And yet, despite that, he pulls you into the role. Were it not for D’Onofrino, Cox would be the star of the show. You’d think that would be obvious but too often these superhero shows tend to explore all the characters except the titular superhero. Not Daredevil; this show understands how much material there is to mine from the blind vigilante and this season puts him through the ringer both physically and emotionally.

Rounding out the top three is the new baddie: Bullseye. He doesn’t wear that title and but for a quick flashback of a baseball cap, he doesn’t sport the infamous logo, but it’s him. Other than Kingpin, Bullseye is Daredevil’s most infamous baddie. Bringing him into the show was a moment most longtime fans of the comics were anticipating and dreading in equal measure. Few comic book villains carry such a reputation of dread. When Bullseye appears you know someone you love is going to die. In the comics, it was Bullseye who did this to Electra, in one of the most famous panels in Marvel history…

So when it was revealed he was coming to season three, most thought Electra—who was introduced last season—was done for. Early on it became clear that Electra was not going to be a player this year, which put all eyes on Karen Page.

But let’s talk about Poindexter (thankfully called “Dex” for most of the season). He’s a psychopath…clinically. Devoid of empathy, violent, unpredictable, there are moments where you worry for Wilson Fisk’s safety when he’s alone with the guy. Once again, the nature of his character means actor Wilson Bethel has to maintain a sort of dead-eye glare. He shows the most emotion of the three, but a lot of it is fake, put-on emotions needed to fool people into thinking he’s a real, normal person. He manages to convey two different people’s personalities in every shot he’s in, both the phony FBI agent and the deranged killer underneath the facade. His arc is equal parts shocking, terrifying, maddening and even heartbreaking.

As for the rest of the stars, there’s an obvious dip in magnetism.

Karen Page and Foggy Nelson have their arcs, say their lines and do their things, but they’ve lost the most appeal since the first season. They were at their best as part of a trio with Matt. With the two of them estranged from their crime-fighting buddy, they’re missing a spark. It’s like Ron and Hermione without Harry around. Karen is given half of an episode to tell her backstory. It’s the weakest link in the season and does nothing to garner extra sympathy for her or develop her character that couldn’t be done without a flashback segment. In fact, one episode later Karen basically retells the pertinent details and it’s a much more effective scene than anything the flashback offered.

Other than that, I will have only one additional criticism for the rest of this review.

Special Agent Nadeem is the other new character who is given time to develop. His arc is most interesting. His early episodes try your patience, but as his life crumbles around him and you watch him take us behind the scenes of Fisk’s control of the city (specifically the FBI) you slowly become attached to him, to the point where his final scenes are genuinely moving.

Speaking of the show trying your patience; if there’s one other criticism it would be how the first few episodes introduced storylines that seemed primed for season-long exploration, but instead, they last no more than a few hours. Matt loses his heightened senses in the season’s opening, which certainly could have been something worth developing over the course of a dozen episodes. Instead, he chugs a nettipot and poof: all better. Early on we explore Matt’s wavering Catholic faith (one of the key character traits that define him) but after a few episodes, the concept is almost entirely dropped.

On the other hand, Dex is developed perfectly. He starts out as a good enough guy that is hard to picture as a homicidal psychopath before slowly cranking up the heat, episode by episode, until by the end he’s an even bigger threat than Kingpin.

Watching Fisk manipulate Dex, twisting him and honing his psychopathic tendencies, seducing him into his army was everything I ever wanted out of the Palpatine/Anakin relationship in the prequels. It’s exactly what Episode II and III should have been. Of course, everything they did with Fisk this season is excellent. Maybe my favorite line this year was spoken by the FBI asst. director in charge of the Fisk case: “I’m not your boss anymore…Wilson Fisk is.” So chilling.

The best thing a writer can do with a villain is give him power. Making Lex Luther President was brilliant on DC’s part. Fisk didn’t become President because he didn’t need to. He’s like Voldemort, ruling behind the scenes. It’s even more effective that way.

The best shows get better as they go on. You don’t want to say “the show is good but the first season really is the best. Nothing else has topped it.” Daredevil had a fantastic first season and though season two was hit and miss it was still better than just about anything else in the Marvel/Netflix library.

Season three blows it all away. The fights are more intense, the deaths more painful, the twists more shocking and the acting more genuine.

The final showdown at the end of the episode was a fight unlike any I’ve seen on TV before, in any show. You had three characters with different levels of motivation in the fight: Daredevil wanted to kill Fisk and stop Bullseye. Bullseye wanted to kill Fisk and was fine with killing Daredevil to get to him. Fisk wants to kill Daredevil but realizes he will have to kill Bullseye too. It was like a classic Mexican Standoff…except everyone started ~~shooting~~ punching.

By the time the dust cleared and I was catching my breath, the season was over and all I could think was: Please don’t cancel this, Netflix. It’s among the best shows on the platform and a worthy addition to the MCU.

10/10 – Again, it’s DD’s best outing and one heck of a thrill ride from beginning to end.

COMMENTS

Please read our Commenting Policy before you join in with the discussion.

Note: If you have email notifications enabled, please check your email spam folders to ensure emails are not missed.

3 Comments

Inline Feedbacks

View all comments

Snarky-Guru

1 year ago

I think people just got bored with all the Marvel programmes. Netflix was daft for cranking so many out to begin with. Daredevil has always been the standout. There’s plenty of action and great acting each season.

Sharq

I still have not watched the third season of Daredevil but from your description it sounds awesome. I also hope The Punisher does not get cancelled; I really enjoyed the first season and from what I’ve read it seems to have been a success with the fans.

Reply to Sharq

Mate, I’m fairly certain that The Punisher was renewed. They’ve already completed filming and season two is supposed to premiere in February or March. I’m looking froward to watching it.

Cookie	Description
_pxvid	This cookie is used for detection of the browser and distinguishing whether it is a real user or malicious bot.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-advertisement	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Advertisement".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics	This cookies is set by GDPR Cookie Consent WordPress Plugin. The cookie is used to remember the user consent for the cookies under the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-non-necessary	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Non Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance	This cookie is used to keep track of which cookies the user have approved for this site.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-preferences	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Preferences".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-uncategorized	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Uncategorized".
CraftSessionId	This cookie name is associated with the Craft web content management system, where is functions as an anonymous session identifier.
csrftoken	This cookie is associated with Django web development platform for python. Used to help protect the website against Cross-Site Request Forgery attacks
DSID	To note specific user identity. Contains hashed/encrypted unique ID.
JSESSIONID	Used by sites written in JSP. General purpose platform session cookies that are used to maintain users' state across page requests.
PHPSESSID	This cookie is native to PHP applications. The cookie is used to store and identify a users' unique session ID for the purpose of managing user session on the website. The cookie is a session cookies and is deleted when all the browser windows are closed.
viewed_cookie_policy	The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.

Cookie	Description
b30msc
btc
CMST
cref
d
gpl
i
icts
ig_did
mdata
na_rn
na_sc_e
na_sr
na_srp
session_depth
visitor-id

Cookie	Description
__gads	This cookie is set by Google and stored under the name dounleclick.com. This cookie is used to track how many times users see a particular advert which helps in measuring the success of the campaign and calculate the revenue generated by the campaign. These cookies can only be read from the domain that it is set on so it will not track any data while browsing through another sites.
__stid	The cookie is set by ShareThis. The cookie is used for site analytics to determine the pages visited, the amount of time spent, etc.
_ga	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to calculate visitor, session, camapign data and keep track of site usage for the site's analytics report. The cookies store information anonymously and assigns a randoly generated number to identify unique visitors.
_gat_gtag_UA_60765351_1	Google uses this cookie to distinguish users.
_gid	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to store information of how visitors use a website and helps in creating an analytics report of how the wbsite is doing. The data collected including the number visitors, the source where they have come from, and the pages viisted in an anonymous form.
ad-id	Provided by amazon-adsystem.com for tracking user actions on other websites to provide targeted content
demdex	This cookie is set under the domain demdex.net and is used by Adobe Audience Manager to help identify a unique visitor across domains.
DigiTrust.v1.identity	Registers data on visitors’ website-behaviour. This is used for internal analysis and website optimization.
dmvk	This cookie is set by DailyMotion who display videos, it registers statistical data of visitors' behaviour on the website.
gid	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to store information of how visitors use a website and helps in creating an analytics report of how the wbsite is doing. The data collected including the number visitors, the source where they have come from, and the pages viisted in an anonymous form.
GPS	This cookie is set by Youtube and registers a unique ID for tracking users based on their geographical location
is_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
is_visitor_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
sc_is_visitor_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
v1st	This is set by DailyMotion to display videos.

Cookie	Description
__asc	This cookie is used to collect information on consumer behavior, which is sent to Alexa Analytics.
__auc	This cookie is used to collect information on consumer behavior, which is sent to Alexa Analytics.
__qca	This cookie is associated with Quantcast and is used for collecting anonymized data to analyze log data from different websites to create reports that enables the website owners and advertisers provide ads for the appropriate audience segments.
_cc_aud	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_cc	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_dc	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_id	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_kuid_	The cookie is set by Krux Digital under the domain krxd.net. The cookie stores a unique ID to identify a returning user for the purpose of targeted advertising.
_px2	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
_pxff_tm	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
_pxhd	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
ab	This cookie is generally provided by agkn.com and is used for advertising purposes.
ad-privacy	Provided by amazon-adsystem.com for tracking user actions on other websites to provide targeted content to the users.
ayl_visitor	This cookie registers data on the visitor. The information is used to optimize advertisement relevance.
bafp	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bafp_t	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_pl	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_rf_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_rt_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_t_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_td_2d31c94105a0aa6d1ceaea0c86c6b656	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bito	This cookie is generally provided by bidr.io and is used for advertising purposes.
bitoIsSecure	This cookies are generally provided by bidr.io and is used for advertising purposes.
bsc	The cookies is set by ownerIQ for the purpose of providing relevant advertisement
CMID	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
CMPRO	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
CMPS	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
dc_id	This cookie is used to deliver adverts more relevant to you and your interests. They are also used to limit the number of times you see an advertisement as well as help measure the effectiveness of the advertising campaign. They are usually placed by advertising networks with the website operator's permission. They remember that you have visited a website and this information is shared with other organisations such as advertisers.
did	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
didts	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
dpm	The cookie is set by demdex.net. This cookie assigns a unique ID to each visiting user that allows third-party advertisers target that users with relevant ads.
eud	This cookie is from Rocket Fuel and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
euds	This cookie is from Rocket Fuel and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
everest_g_v2	The cookie is set under eversttech.net domain. The purpose of the cookie is to map clicks to other events on the client's website.
evo5_popin_instance	Prevents an interaction from reoccurring for visitors not accepting 3rd party cookies.
id	This cookie is set by DoubleClick (which is owned by Google) to build a profile of the website visitor's interests and show relevant ads on other sites.
IDE	Used by Google DoubleClick and stores information about how the user uses the website and any other advertisement before visiting the website. This is used to present users with ads that are relevant to them according to the user profile.
io.narrative.guid.v2	This cookie is generally provided by io.narrative.io and is used for advertising purposes.
KADUSERCOOKIE	This cookie is generally provided by pubmatic.com and is used for advertising purposes.
KTPCACOOKIE	This cookie is generally provided by pubmatic.com and is used for advertising purposes.
matchliveramp	This cookie is provided by w55c.net and is used for advertising purposes.
mc	This cookie is associated with Quantserve to track anonymously how a user interact with the website.
mxpim	This cookie is generally provided by mxptint.net for advertising purposes.
na_tc	This is a Social Media sharing tracking cookie.
NID	This cookie is used to a profile based on user's interest and display personalized ads to the users.
nnls	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
pxrc	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
pxvid	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
rlas3	The cookie is set by rlcdn.com. The cookie is used to serve relevant ads to the visitor as well as limit the time the visitor sees an and also measure the effectiveness of the campaign.

Cookie	Description
__jid	Cookies set on the website by the third-party commenting platform Disqus.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
disqus_unique	These cookies are set by Disqus so that users can comment on website/platform.
G_ENABLED_IDPS	The cookie is used by Google and is used for Google Single Sign On.
mid	The cookie is set by Instagram. The cookie is used to distinguish users and to show relevant content, for better user experience and security.
na_id	This cookie is set by Addthis.com to enable sharing of links on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter
ouid	The cookie is set by Addthis which enables the content of the website to be shared across different networking and social sharing websites.
ov	This is a generic functional cookie that provides enhanced functionality and personalisation.
ts	This cookie is generally provided by PayPal and supports payment services in the website.
vuid	These cookies are used by the Vimeo video player on websites.

REVIEW: Daredevil season 3 is the show’s best yet

You might also like

FIND THE TOPICS YOU WANT...

Recommended for you