Daredevil Born Again Episode 8 Review: Creative overhaul leads to beautifully babysat chaos

The return of Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead in Daredevil Born Again Episode 8 leads to the best episode of the series by far.

Daredevil Born Again Episode 8 Overview

Under Benson, Moorhead and Dario Scardapone, Daredevil: Born Again underwent a creative overhaul during its first season. The trio is responsible for the pilot, episodes 8 and 9, and added extra scenes to episodes previously helmed by another regime. The changes from episode 7 (one of the weakest) to episode 8 are stark.

From the moment the episode begins with a blue lens capturing a rosebud, Daredevil: Born Again feels like a different show than the last several episodes. Aside from the “previously on” scene, there are no Daredevil scenes in this episode. However, the tension throughout the episode is incredible; the dialogue is sharp and supporting characters receive more time in the spotlight. Meanwhile, the outstanding performances by Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio are enriched by the creative shakeup.

Episode 8 is a nearly flawless episode that brings all of the season’s issues to the forefront. The problem with vigilante justice expands beyond Matt and Fisk; Matt’s guilt over Foggy’s death comes to the forefront thanks to Bullseye. The rivalry between Fisk and Matt reaches a fever pitch with the reveal of Heather’s involvement with Fisk and Vanessa. Wilson Bethel is once again fantastic as Bullseye.

The only issue is Daniel Blake’s continued rise isn’t earned. However, the improved development of BB Ulrich makes up for it.

Overall, Daredevil: Born Again feels reborn under the direction of Benson, Moorhead and Scardapone.

Daredevil: Born Again is available to stream on Disney Plus.

Underdeveloped Boys

Episode 8 follows up on the climax of Episode 7 by delving into Heather’s guilt and poking at Matt’s insecurities.

Heather is struggling over her actions with Muse. She doesn’t view Daredevil’s action as heroic. From her perspective, Daredevil and Muse are the same sort of animal. Matt disagrees and is growing frustrated with Heather’s anger against vigilantes. She views vigilantism as acts carried out by underdeveloped boys. As the tension continues to rise, there’s a knock at Matt’s apartment.

Buck Cashman, Fisk’s associate, delivers a letter to Heather. She and a guest are invited to Mayor Fisk’s ball. Matt finally connects the dots about Fisk being a patient of Heather’s. Matt warns her of the dangers but needs to head to the office. He exits, saying Fisk didn’t invite him, but Vanessa points out an invitation was extended to a guest of her choosing.

The color gradient and directing choices are apparent changes from the previous episode. However, this scene is one of my favorite improvements over previous Heather-Matt scenes. Whenever they had a conflict, the show cut the conversation short. Sometimes, Matt deflects with humor, or the scene randomly ends. In episode 8, the tension is consistent throughout; Matt and Heather’s points of view are clear, compelling, and revealing.

Babysitting Chaos

After leaving the apartment, Matt heads to the office. He’s late for a new client meeting. Before the meeting, Kirsten tells Matt Bullseye he wants to talk to him. The client is a man who stole pension money from teachers. Matt detects the man is perjuring himself. Matt leaves the room by telling the man he’ll represent him once he’s ready to enter a guilty plea.

Kirsten scolds Matt. He admits to feeling useless. Every recent action since Foggy’s death has built up to the point that it feels like he’s babysitting chaos. Matt heads to Josie’s Bar where Cherry visits him. Matt discovers Bullseye’s attack on Foggy was a hit, not solely personal.

While Matt’s personal and professional relationships wane, Wilson and Vanessa’s partnership strengthens. Wilson reveals he’s been hiding Adam. Vanessa makes it clear where her loyalty lies.

Back at the mayor’s office. Fisk promotes Daniel to Deputy Mayor of Communications. He wants Daniel to spearhead his development project by working with city council.

Protecting Enemies

Matt meets with Benjamin Poindexter (Bullseye). He wants to know who hired Poindexter to take out Foggy. Poindexter was assigned to the general population and wants Matt to transfer him in exchange for information.

Matt aggressively rejects the proposal, ending up with Poindexter receiving medical attention. Poindexter sinks his teeth into the opportunity.

Matt arrives late to the ball. Heather is angry. She was calling him repeatedly. He didn’t answer because he was talking to Poindexter, which Matt admits to Heather.

Matt’s attention is divided. He’s trying to pay attention to Heather, who is angry at Matt for checking out of their relationship. As she addresses their issues, Matt uses his hearing to listen to Fisk’s various conversations.

Matt confronts his Fisk problem head-on by joining Fisk and Vanessa on the dance floor. Fisk takes advantage of Matt’s hearing to talk trash. Matt also uses his hearing to figure out who ordered Foggy’s assassination. The episode ends with Bullseye arriving, taking a shot at Fisk and Matt taking the bullet for Fisk.

Daredevil: Born Again Episode 8 Rating and Final Thoughts

After Daredevil: Born Again episode 8, the series is poised for a terrific finale thanks to inspired directing, great writing and excellent performances.