Netflix released its first Marvel series, “Daredevil,” on April 10. Unlike ABC’s Marvel series “Agents of Shield” and “Agent Carter,” “Daredevil” is startlingly dark.
The show follows lawyer Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox) as he fights crime both in court and on the street. Murdock, who was blinded at a young age, has heightened senses that allow him to see in a way even those with perfect vision can’t. He uses this “superpower” to find and fight criminals in his neighborhood of Hell’s Kitchen, New York City.
Perhaps the most notable feature of the series is that it focuses on a more relatable superhero than what Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has explored thus far.
Murdock’s physical strength developed through training, not a serum or alien technology. He’s often shown bleeding and bruised. More than that, he’s out of breath during fights and he doesn’t always win. In fact, his character mentions several times that he’s good at taking a beating.
Sure, four of his senses are extraordinarily sharp, but even this ability is made more realistic in that he had to lose his sense of sight for the other senses to improve.
I’m also impressed that Murdock’s enemies are human criminals committing large-scale crimes. From the first episode, he fights human traffickers, drug lords, abusers and murderers — not aliens, superhumans or robots.
Not only are the villains real criminals, but they’re also complex characters. The primary enemy Wilson Fisk (Vincent D’Onofrio), for example, is portrayed as both vulnerable and violent.
By the end, I found myself coming close to sympathizing with some of the villains — not because they’re pitiable or misunderstood, but because their relationships with others make them human.
Also, I appreciate that the women of the series aren’t damsels in distress. Murdock depends on them just as much if not more than they depend on him. They’re depicted as resilient, as well — a particular twist later in the season comes to mind.
This series is different from the rest of MCU in its target audience, as well. While other films and TV series to date appeal to many ages, “Daredevil” is very clearly intended for adults. That said, I would not recommend this show for the easily disturbed.
Violence-wise, I’d set the show a few notches above CW’s DC series “Arrow.” Murdock fights with his fists while others wield swords, knives, hammers and, in one notably disturbing scene, a car door. Guns are used, too, but the frequent use of alternative weaponry guarantees at least a couple scenes of gore in each episode.
My only complaint is that, since every episode is so climatic, the finale itself couldn’t top its predecessors.
Since it is a Netflix series, though, the whole season is available at once. There’s no need to tease the final episode to gain more viewers or build suspense; Netflix only needs to provide a conclusion that leaves viewers wanting more, which is exactly what it did.
Perhaps my view of the finale is also skewed since I watched the season so quickly. With more time between episodes, audiences may find the final episode more thrilling.
Though the darkness of the series might limit its audience, it also differentiates itself from similar shows. In realms like television and MCU, where so much has already been explored, “Daredevil” is refreshingly realistic.
If you’re at all interested in watching the series, go ahead — I dare you.
