A Review of Marvel’s Daredevil Season 2: Missteps and Mastery

Marvel's sprawling Netflix series, Daredevil, has captivated audiences with its gritty take on a classic superhero story. However, while Daredevil season 2 may not be the weakest of the three seasons, it is certainly the most flawed. Despite its numerous strengths, it fails to live up to the promise of season one, leaving viewers underwhelmed and, at times, frustrated. Here, we delve into the highs and lows of this season, highlighting its successes and shortcomings.

Strengths and Weaknesses of the Season

The Punisher Opening and Elektra’sCharacter Arc

The series opens with an enthralling depiction of The Punisher's actions, which, while impressive, ultimately fails to overshadow the main hero. For a moment, it seemed as though the Punisher would steal the show, but by the end of the season, Daredevil retained the spotlight. Though not perfect, the season is still quite good, marking a solid start for those tuning in.

However, Elektra's character arc is a hard one to swallow. Honestly, I’m at odds with the creators for dragging me through what felt like a never-ending stream of tragedy. Elektra’s storyline is maddeningly bad, and her influence on Matt/Murderhorn is mostly destructive. Her character almost ruined it for me, despite being played by a talented actress. The absence of Elektra's fully realized arc understandably left a sour taste in my mouth.

The Hand and the Villain: Stick Over Nobu

A big weakness of season 2 is the Hand plot, which felt unnecessarily convoluted. Despite some cool ninja fights, the Hand organization remains somewhat vague and obtuse. Ironically, the main villain in the second half of the season feels more like Stick than Nobu, suggesting a misstep in character portrayal. The biggest issue with the Hand is that it doesn't fit the grounded, gritty tone that Marvel Netflix has become known for. Instead, they were looking to craft a plot with Hydra, a villian that would have fit better with the series' established tone.

Differences from The Defenders and The Punisher

The Defenders felt more like season 2.5, blending seamlessly with the prior narratives. The Punisher opening was great and didn't overpower the main storyline as much as expected. It's not perfect, but it remains a standout among the seasons.

Character Development and Plot Focus

Focus and Lack of Character Development

The second season of Daredevil suffers from a lack of focus and an overall scattered plot. It's unclear what the direction of the series is supposed to be, and the characters are overextended. While strong and diverse, the cast's development is sometimes lacking, particularly in season two. In season one, there was a strong central storyline centered around a heroic idealist and a villain with a tragic past. The same level of focus is absent in season two, making the overall narrative feel unfocused and somewhat cliché.

Wilson Fisk: The Heart of the Series

Season one had a standout character in Vincent D'Onofrio’s version of Wilson Fisk, the dangerous and mysterious Kingpin. However, in season two, Daredevil seems to have lost what made him fascinating. He's no longer the intriguing character he was, more like a typical superhero in a cape beating up bad guys. The long shot from season one, where Daredevil is nearly defeated but still pushes forward, is a moment that captured the essence of the character. It was a reflection of his human side and what drives him, something which is lacking in season two.

Villains and the Leatherhead Arc

The villains in season two, like the Hand and the Leatherhead, are over-the-top and not entirely believable. The conflict between Daredevil and The Punisher feels as plausible as Batman's beef with Superman. Each of the Punisher’s kills was justified, and Daredevil’s no-kill policy is laughable considering his numerous violent actions. The storyline gets even more convoluted with the Punisher being arrested and then wreaking havoc again, adding no real depth to the story.

Elektra’s Arc: A Missed Opportunity

Elektra’s character arc felt rushed and incomplete. The character’s potential was left untapped, with not enough explained about the ancient organization she’s associated with. Her abilities are similar to Daredevil's, able to kill efficiently, but there’s no clear distinction to explain why she should be seen as the chosen one. Her relationship with Daredevil is overstated for cheap emotional moments, fitting the Stuffed in the Fridge trope.

In conclusion, Daredevil season two had its moments but ultimately falls short in terms of character development and narrative focus. While it managed to keep the viewer entertained, it is far from its predecessor. I would recommend revisiting season one if you're looking for a more focused and engaging superhero series. At 3/5 stars, it’s not a bad watch but is certainly not a must-see for aspiring superheroes.