Marvel’s Daredevil season 3 production still. Photo: Nicole Rivelli/Netflix.
Foggy Nelson: The Hero We Don’t Deserve
Look, we know how Foggy Nelson started on this show. In season 1, he’s the sidekick, the comic relief, the less-attractive best friend who doesn’t mind joking at his own expense, riffing with his buddy Matt, and picking up the slack when Matt’s night gig jeopardizes their friendship and their professional relationship. But somewhere along the way, Foggy becomes more. Sure, he’s still a model best friend, the definition of loyalty, and the kind of person we all need in our lives, but in season 3 of Daredevil, Foggy graduates from side-kick to full-blown hero.
While Matt’s drowning in self-pity with the nuns and Karen’s off on her own crusade, it’s Foggy once again tying the trio together and trying to save the city at the same time. He does this by running for office, pitting himself against old friends in order to gain the spotlight and use his 15 minutes of fame to expose Wilson Fisk and his corrupt dealings.
Foggy puts his name, his reputation, and his life on the line. He does this not just for the greater good, but so that his friend won’t have to compromise his own morality by taking a life. Foggy constantly reminds Matt of his better nature, having faith in the system, believing that right will win and justice can be served by the law. It’s an idealistic notion, one that’s not always true, but if anything, Foggy proves this season that he’s a vital member of the group and without him, Daredevil probably won’t exist.