Marvel's Daredevil: Season 3 - Review
But if we're being honest here, Daredevil was always the best of these shows - despite its rocky second season. The characters were likable, complex and well-defined with clear roles in the stories; the villains were (mostly) brilliant; the production values excellent; and the fight sequences incredible. We had a strong hero, a strong villain, and a strong conflict to pit the two of them up against each other, and it's what ultimately makes Daredevil: Season 3 as incredible as it is.
It's an exhilarating thrill-ride from start to finish, a gradual build to a pay-off that wouldn't be possible without such strong foundations. Every single character is pushed to their very limits, and goes up against a conflict that seems almost impossible to win. The show has the guts to get rid of Matt Murdock's iconic Daredevil outfit and stick him in a scarf and a T-shirt for the entire season, facing off against his mortal nemesis (in the form of Vincent D'Onofrio's Wilson Fisk) and a physical embodiment of his inner demons immortalised in Bullseye - an antagonist frequently dressed in Matt's devil outfit. Karen's past comes back to haunt her, and Foggy - who starts the season with everything he could he ever want - is pushed into a conflict between strength and family.
This was the first of the Marvel shows I got to watch in 4K Ultra HD, and you can really tell that Daredevil was made for this - the cinematography looked stunning on a big screen. The fight sequences were some of the best I might have ever seen - often long and drawn-out, just waiting and hoping that Matt will get up and keep fighting. The season isn't excessively gory, and is much less flamboyant than the Ninja battles from Seasons 1 and 2, but instead pits human beings against once another. The season's climactic fight is quite something to behold, and it's worth noting that no one gets out unscathed. Whilst this season returns to the show to its Season 1 roots, it doesn't shy away from its comic book origins. There are a variety of homages sprinkled here and there, and while it's considerably more "realistic" (no magic ninjas anymore), it doesn't feel like a step backwards. The show instead focuses on the characters, and more down-to-earth human conflicts. Matt Murdock may have faced immortal ninjas, but Wilson Fisk is still his most formidable enemy.
There's so much to love in this season that I can't even begin to list it's merits. Whilst Episode 10 may initially seem to be the awkward flashback episode, it's a much-needed one to break the pace and flesh-out a key character's back-story. A similar episode attempts its own flashbacks in a surprisingly brilliant and creative way earlier on in the season, and once again we are reminded of just how brilliant these writers and directors are. Its simple, but very effective. Say what you will about how much Iron Fist improved in its second season, but it looks pretty rubbish next to the likes of Daredevil.
This show is the reason I got Netflix in the first place, and if this really is the end then I'd like to thank everyone involved in making this show for three seasons (and a cross-over miniseries). Charlie Cox will forever be the definitive Daredevil; Vincent D'Onofrio the definitive Wilson Fisk (and one of the greatest villains ever) and nothing will ever change that. If rumours are to be believed and a reboot of Daredevil is already on the cards, don't bother. Just bring back this version, because you're not going to beat it.
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