Martin Carr reviews the season 3 finale of Daredevil…
This season has scaled heights that few if any Marvel Netflix joints have managed thus far. Each episode has surpassed the last adding action beats, theological discussions and tangible threat to solid performances throughout. Pints of claret, repeated pummelling and a true sense of empathy has bled from every pore, manifested itself through each character and left us exhausted. This has turned from revenge drama to action thriller before finishing off in the realms of high level political espionage. There is such skill woven into the fabric of intricate backstory, pertinent flashbacks and inventive staging that it has morphed from a memorable moment to Marvel’s new benchmark. It might not be Infinity War but that was never possible, yet but in streaming terms only Breaking Bad tops it for consistency and tangible character arcs.
Eloquent touches include the red rose in Wilson’s lapel or The Shining homage worked in to illustrate his vulnerability. Seeds are sown by Murdock proving to Poindexter there is another wolf in his hen house, while Foggy and Nadeem’s wife exchange hand written notes and crucial video evidence. These character moments punctuated by flashes of retribution metered out with economy and restraint mark dramatic time until the main event. A choreographed series of events which sees our Kingpin undermined, emotionally compromised and ultimately toppled in quick succession.
In the aftermath of anticipation which has been on-going for little under thirteen hours there was bound to be slight disappointment. Nothing was ever going to measure up to the crimes audiences had witnessed. Similar in many ways to that final episode of Breaking Bad with added redemption all the big speeches, innocence crushed and people murdered made true closure almost impossible. However once that anticipation dissipates and build up peters away it is strange to think that beauty tamed the savage beast not our martial arts martyr.
Matthew Murdock has paid the price and bested his greatest adversary. Fisk and Poindexter are emblematic of a guilt instilled through childhood, compounded by abandonment and reinforced by those who choose to break the law in his city. Striking the balance between those opposites is where Daredevil triumphs most, as we all carry elements of light and dark within us and this show acknowledges a need for both. Which ones we choose to act on may define us just as ignoring them may prove our undoing.
Martin Carr
Originally published October 31, 2018. Updated January 8, 2019.
