Marvel’s Daredevil season 3 production still. Photo: David Lee/Netflix
The Devil Lives
As crucial as a worthy villain is, Daredevil just doesn’t work without Matt Murdock. To be more specific, Daredevil just doesn’t work without Matt Murdock, and Matt Murdock doesn’t work without Charlie Cox. The actor’s been playing the well-meaning crusader for four seasons now, counting The Defenders, and that worn-in vibe does wonders for Murdock’s journey in this latest chapter.
Instead of positioning Murdock as this do-gooder preaching sermons to criminals while he beats up bad guys — something that diminished the character’s appeal in season 2 — the writers have given Murdock a real struggle this season. We see him battle back from life-threatening injuries, mourn people he loves, cut himself off from the world, and, most tellingly, question his beliefs.
Matt Murdock’s faith has always been a driving force behind his vigilante ways, and watching Cox play the part of a man trying to claw his way back from rock bottom does two things. First, it reminds us of the very personal stakes on this show. Second, it makes us care about the Devil of Hell’s Kitchen again. The first few episodes of Murdock losing his abilities, cursing God, and questioning his own existence are some of the heaviest scenes of the season, and they do a bang-up job of setting up Murdock’s redemption arc, one that ultimately feels earned.