The Prison Fight
Daredevil is, of course, well known by now for its seasonal hallway fights, battles that pit Matt against a series of foes in a confined space for our viewing pleasure. They have been impressive feats in the past but none compare to the sheer scale and visceral nature of season three’s prison escape. With Matt trapped inside the facility by Fisk, our hero has to fight in plain clothes, as Matt Murdock, against a never-ending series of brutes that include orderlies, prison guards, prisoners, and swat members. The scene lasts a monstrous 10-minutes and most remarkably of all is filmed in one single take. The fact that they were able to pull of such a sequence live, without resetting for different angles, swapping in Charlie Cox for a stunt actor at various intervals, is a phenomenal achievement. The fight was exhausting; especially considering Matt wasn’t at the peak of his powers, still recovering from his debilitating injuries, couple that with knowing as he fights that Fisk is watching and learning the truth about Matt’s double life. Goodness, gracious. You can read a little more about the construction of this magnificent scene here.
Daredevil meets Bullseye
In a season of such remarkable quality, one moment that instantly springs to mind is the first duel between Daredevil and Bullseye as the latter attacks the Bulletin. The image of Bullseye in Matt’s suit, posing as Daredevil for the first time, was incredibly impactful, and the fear that comes across Matt and the audience as we realise that he has met his match was palpable. The best thing about this incredible fight, however, and what makes it the best of the season in my opinion, is how it depicts the two contrasting styles/tactics, without spelling it out to the audience. As soon as they collide it becomes clear that Bullseye is going to destroy Matt in a mid to long range encounter, thanks to his throwing skills, but when they get up close, the villain doesn’t stand a chance against Daredevil’s fists. No one has to say it, Matt doesn’t vocalise that he has to get closer, it’s obvious, and it plays out in real time. Seeing Matt figure it out and Dex understanding that he has to create space if he wants to win was a wonderful example of the brilliance behind the scenes and the skill of the show’s choreographers.
SEE ALSO: Bullseye actor discusses his character’s backstory in Daredevil season 3
What were your favourite moments from Daredevil season 3? Let us know in the comments below…
Missing for months, Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox) reemerges a broken man, putting into question his future as both vigilante Daredevil and lawyer Matthew Murdock. But when his archenemy Wilson Fisk (Vincent D’Onofrio) is released from prison, Matt must choose between hiding from the world or embracing his destiny as a hero.
Season three of Daredevil sees Charlie Cox (Matt Murdock/Daredevil), Deborah Ann Woll (Karen Page), Elden Henson (Foggy Nelson) and Vincent D’Onofrio (Wilson Fisk/The Kingpin) all returning to the cast alongside new additions Joanne Whalley (Wolf Hall) as Sister Maggie and Wilson Bethel (Hart of Dixie) as Bullseye.
Originally published October 27, 2018. Updated November 22, 2018.
