Optics

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.

Very good,New York elects a man that was arrested in a prison for some time and rebuild his narrative as a Mayor with many fanatic followers,much like José Inácio Lula da Silva actual Brazil president and Jair Messias Bolsonaro this is what happens when politic became a cult with many poor and little QI people,better action scene than the first episode and you can even Wonder if Fisk really has remorse for his past actions but you know that very like Lula he will just shows his true colors while tries to control information and narrative,also even a dictatorship,that is a villain that still strong as ever after his cartoonish version,the crime and corruption rises in ways never seem before while poor education people still blind and acts like a zombie horde!

Whose idea's was to put over-the-top Bollywood/Jason Bourne-esque grotesque cuts in the middle of good action ??? All the scenes, even if minimalistic, were honestly not bad. But somehow someone thought it would be a good idea to mask those scenes with a thousand cuts, making them disgusting to look at, it's just horrible, there was absolutely no need to do that after episode one. That factor unfortunately deems the episode BAD in the action department, this was truly truly atrocious, whoever directed this should not come back to any future marvel projets, especially ones with hand-on-hand brawls that require good actors, stunt doubles, coreography and directing to work, this was an immense disappointment after the first 3 seasons and episode one. Can't give it more than a seven with that insane butchering of one of the serie's main premises ( fighting )

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.

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.