Skip to content

DAREDEVIL – SEASON 3

Written By:

Hayden Mears
Daredevil

It’s easy, almost expected, to forget that Daredevil shares continuity with the heavy hitters of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The series deals with the discomfort of being human with the grit and gravitas we now expect from such an aggressively thematic show. Fortunately, its recently released third season is no different. Hell, it may even be better. Sure, the pacing and payoff issues are still present. And yes, there’s thick dialogue and deliberate equivocation. At the same time, though, these new episodes showcase career-best performances from both Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio, both of whom treat the duality between Matt Murdock and Wilson Fisk as the show’s centrepiece. Showrunner Erik Oleson wisely focuses on the dichotomy between the two even as he introduces terrifying new adversaries for both. It’s all very busy and exciting, but the cast, crew, and concept hold up incredibly well against the overwhelmingly high expectations audiences set.

Following his “death” at the end of last year’s The Defenders, Murdock (Cox) is missing. His friends Foggy Nelson (Elden Henson) and Karen Page (Deborah Ann Woll) continue their lives as a lawyer and a journalist, respectively. Crime lord Wilson Fisk (D’Onofrio) plots his escape from prison. It’s a ton of ground to cover in a 13-episode season, but Oleson and company accomplish their goals with aplomb. The series ends in a hurry, but it’s nice to see a season capper that cares deeply about its protagonists’ souls.

Easily the most compelling product of the Marvel/Netflix team-up, Daredevil pairs rich writing with oft-questioned morality, becoming a powerful example of layered storytelling that matters. It wastes no time throwing viewers into Murdock’s struggle. This grants the writers plenty of time to write in interpersonal fallouts, idealogical waffling, and flawed decision-making, all of them blending into one breathtakingly human narrative. Murdock’s journey, like ours, isn’t linear; the guy repeatedly questions Daredevil’s place in his life and relationships. He symbolises the indecisiveness of a good heart in a big, messy way and frequently pays for it.

While flawed, the third season of Daredevil delivers on its promise to shock and entertain, to grant us deeper insight into a tormented hero with everything to lose. Oleson’s tight narrative further bolsters a show blessed with magnetic actors, a great premise, and a strong foundation built during the previous two seasons.

It’s a hell of a ride. Pun definitely intended.

DAREDEVIL – SEASON 3 / STARRING: CHARLIE COX, VINCENT D’ONOFRIO, DEBORAH ANN WOLL, ELDEN HENSON / RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW [NETFLIX]    

Hayden Mears

You May Also Like...

black widow star scarlett johansson in talks to lead new universal jurassic world film

Scarlett Johansson In Talks To Join JURASSIC WORLD Film

Another MCU star appears to be taking up the reins for Universal’s new Jurassic World movie: two-time Oscar nominee Scarlett Johansson is reportedly in talks to lead the franchise that
Read More

Exclusive Reveal! Titan Comics to Deliver Prehistoric Hysterics in First 2 DUMB DINOS Collection

Titan Comics have exclusively revealed to STARBURST that they’re gearing up to publish the first-ever collection of the hilarious cult digital comic strip 2 Dumb Dinos, and we’re not the
Read More

New Dates For Lovecraftian Key of Dreams

Key of Dreams has announced new spaces for its titular immersive luxury horror event. The critically acclaimed company is known for its overnight experiences that dunk you into a strange
Read More

FAB Café to Host Free Film Screening of New Indie Comedy SECRETS OF A WALLABY BOY

We’re well known for our championing of truly independent filmmakers here at STARBURST, so it’s doubly exciting to be writing about one of our own! After joining the crew in
Read More
colin farrell returns as oswald cobblepot in the penguin series trailer

Colin Farrell Returns In THE PENGUIN Trailer

Colin Farrell returns as Gotham City’s answer to Tony Soprano in the first trailer for Max series The Penguin, which spins out of the world of the 2022 DC film
Read More
michael keaton as beetlejuice in beetlejuice 2 trailer

First Look At Jenna Ortega In BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE Trailer

Almost 40 years down the road, the infamous bio-exorcist finally returns in the first trailer for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, a sequel to Tim Burton’s 1988 cult classic film. Jenna Ortega (Wednesday,
Read More