Originally published October 21, 2018. Updated January 8, 2019.
Martin Carr reviews the third episode of Daredevil season 3…
‘No Good Deed’ deals out karmic retribution against a man in denial. Someone with a sense that right and wrong play no part in administering justice, combating crime or taking criminals off the street. We get ring side seats to the disintegration of Matt Murdock through unique external monologue, orchestrated two handers and subtle psychological imbalance. Something not only driven by past transgressions, regrets and bad choices, but featuring Wilson Fisk front and centre.
What starts out as a simple yet tense transfer of Fisk to secure facilities segues into something else entirely. An infiltration of multi-million pound penthouses couple with Murdock’s three hundred pound conscience, giving voice to fears which manifest themselves in a twisted vision mocking him in soft focus. A constant questioning of his self-worth plays out in background conversations which add another dimension to the uncertain dynamic.
From within his penthouse prison cell Fisk still gives the impression of total cooperation, yet that placid expression and baby faced demeanour is merely a strategic smokescreen. His empathy for others seems genuine but the forthright manipulation of Poindexter and veiled admiration point elsewhere. One thing which Vincent D’Onofrio does consistently here is humanise the monster beneath, making him sympathetic despite appearances. Through the systematic severing of human contact and engrained defence mechanisms, it’s becoming harder to tell who the monster really is between both men anymore.
Matt’s isolation diminishes his strength rather than serving to protect those he cares for. Fisk has gotten under the skin, burrowed beneath the surface and buried himself in Murdock’s subconscious. It is the simplest attempt to divide and conquer illustrated in the most complex way. By broadening the canvas still further and providing context for Karen’s boss Mitchell, these writers have purposely raised the stakes. All this does by extension is offer up an opportunity for Fisk to hold others to account.
These may be the tiniest breadcrumbs but provide the biggest indication of things to come. Conversations between Fisk and Poindexter foreshadow an impending alliance which fans are waiting for, while dynamics and revelations awaiting Matt and Sister Maggie will all play out leaving them nowhere to hide. This will do nothing but guarantee that human casualties and prison break ambushes will seem like kindergarten squabbles before long.
Martin Carr
