Optics

The second episode is taking pace and momentum for the better course with brilliant acting (as always) by Wilson Fisk (Vincent D'Onofrio).

Already clear, as in the first episode, that the shows has not the original's quality & vibe in terms of visuals, score, pace, thrill and fight choreography until now at least, but the acting is of high quality to restore the balance a little.

So far, it seems that the series is weak in the script section, aside other blatant problems due to Disney's involvement that really has no business in series like Daredevil or The Punisher besides ruining them for the fans.

As other users pointed out, the whole Heather Glenn arc as therapist and wannabe whatever seems strange to straight up weird.

Also, I understand that maybe Charlie Cox would like to have his face covered with beard stubble, but after ten years and obviously not that 2015 young, I would like him to shave a little more often cause after all and in the first place, in the Comics, Daredevil has always been clean-shaven with blond hairs and I pass on that as he is the real Daredevil we know, so please a little more razor pass and above-all, way more of the awesome Muay Thai martial arts. Fingers crossed.

• Screenplay/storyline/plots: 8
• Production value/impact: 8
• Development: 7.5
• Realism: 7
• Entertainment: 8
• Acting: 9
• Filming/photography/cinematography: 8
• VFX: 8
• Music/score/sound: 7.5
• Depth: 7
• Logic: 7
• Flow: 7.5
• Action/crime/thriller/drama/sci-fi/gangster fantasy: 7.5
• Ending: 7.5.

Thanks for less music. Its a necessary thing, "less music" in the background so that audience could grasp what characters are actually saying, its called building tension. Second episode focuses on Matt's present. Really like the girl who's portraying the therapist. Reminds me of Matt's mother found in DD season 3 . Little Soprano is Adorable and same thing can be applied to bb news . Its important for the story to take pace now that Fisk says he's a changed man .

He said it even standing besides Vennessa He wouldn't kill (someone) Venessa got in with Yes , i am taking Matt's side . The dude Playing White Tiger is Acting really well . He's showing every sign of a struggling vigilantes..

Matthew Murdoch 's quoting Church Agaaain! Oof what a relief, i hope that part stays present in a little manner every episode. This episode feels much more natural than the episode 1 .

They added no flying cgi in it Action was there only at the end . That was pretty quick & neat af.

After episode two there is no doubt that this show continues on the level of the original. Fisks first days as mayor he learns that it is not easy to push his agenda. Especially his relationship to Vanessa is a problem. His absence for years broke it. Now he wants to fix it and therefore goes to the therapist Murdock is dating. This will be interesting.

He also meets the daughter of the journalist he killed in the original show. I am curious what they will make out of that. And then Fisk does Fisk things. The commisioner threatens him to do everything to get him out of service and later resigns his office, but Fisk was prepared. He uses his not legal son to blackmail him. Incredible, after a few days he already has them in his pocket!

In the meantime Murdock takes a new client who turns out to be the White Tiger vigilante. There is clearly a conspiracy behind it, the cops are tring to kill a witness so Murdock has to let the devil out and kills them!

Daredevil will be born again. It is inevitable.

When "Daredevil: Born Again" was first announced, it was intended to be a fresh take on the Man Without Fear, a reinvention rather than a direct continuation of the acclaimed Netflix series. However, midway through production, Marvel pivoted, choosing to embrace the legacy of the original show rather than fully start anew. The first episode felt very much like a bridge between the two versions, laying the groundwork for Matt Murdock's return while respecting the history that came before. Episode 2, "Optics," begins to carve out a more independent path while still maintaining the essence of its predecessor, balancing character-driven storytelling with compelling ethical dilemmas.

This episode dives deep into the legal and moral complexities that made the original "Daredevil" series so engaging. Matt's decision to defend Hector Ayala, a vigilante accused of a crime he didn't commit, reintroduces the procedural elements that always gave "Daredevil" an extra layer of depth. Justice and corruption collide in gripping fashion, forcing Matt to confront the blurred lines between law and morality. Meanwhile, Wilson Fisk's new role as mayor presents its own set of challenges, highlighting both his strategic brilliance and the vulnerabilities that come with his thirst for control. These intertwining storylines make for a tense and thought-provoking episode that stays true to the show's thematic roots. The character development here is particularly strong. Matt's return to legal defense feels like a natural progression, showing how his two identities - lawyer and vigilante - continue to be at odds with one another. Fisk's storyline, meanwhile, effectively showcases his ability to manipulate those around him while also revealing the cracks in his foundation. However, not every character gets the same level of attention. Some figures remain in the background, not yet fully stepping into their roles within this new iteration of "Daredevil." While this is understandable given the pacing of a serialized story, it does leave certain supporting characters feeling somewhat underdeveloped at this stage. What truly elevates "Daredevil: Born Again" is its cast. Charlie Cox and Vincent D'Onofrio once again prove why they are the definitive Matt Murdock and Wilson Fisk, respectively. Their performances bring a weight and prestige to the material, making even the quieter moments compelling.

"Optics" is a solid entry that continues to refine "Daredevil: Born Again"'s identity. It honors the legacy of the Netflix series while also hinting at the show's original vision, creating a unique blend of the familiar and the new. With strong performances, compelling ethical dilemmas, and a deeper dive into the consequences of justice and corruption, this episode keeps the momentum going.

In this episode, we see Matt take on a case while the show establishes its direction, with the two leads navigating the lanes they have chosen-one through political power and the other through the courts.

A new comic book hero is introduced, hinting at the possible trajectory of the story. Additionally, there's a callback to another Marvel hero from the Netflix era, subtly addressing real-world controversies surrounding the character's image in certain toxic spheres. This moment suggests that we might see this character return soon, providing insight into his possible motivations.

The fight scenes are brutally intense-bone-crunching hits and broken limbs feel visceral, making audiences flinch with every blow. The sound editing is exceptional in these sequences, amplifying the realism. While the first half of the episode plays out like a standard TV drama, the second half picks up significantly, delivering action and intrigue.

It also seems like the show will explore themes of political toxicity and the structural flaws within law and order. Many scenes feel ripped from real-world events, capturing the influence of politicians and the dangerous allure of cult-like personalities. With gripping action and layered storytelling, this episode sets the stage for a compelling season ahead.