Why Did Daredevil Season 3 Have So Many Glaring Fake Punches Despite Being a Masterpiece?

Fans of the Marvel Netflix series Daredevil have been praising Season 3 for numerous reasons: compelling storytelling, character development, and technical excellence. However, one area that has garnered significant scrutiny is the quality of the fight scenes. Fans have noticed a drop in quality in the action, particularly with the glaringly apparent fake punches that have stood out even in pivotal moments. This article explores various factors that may have contributed to these perceived shortcomings in the third season.

The Role of Choreography and Camerawork

A close analysis reveals that the fight choreography and camerawork played a significant role in the visually subpar fight sequences. In previous seasons, Daredevil was known for its gritty and realistic action, with choreographed sequences that were meticulously planned and executed. However, Season 3 took a different approach, involving more frequent cutaways and camera movements to hide or obscure the less-than-perfect punches.

Whilst these technical decisions were made to enhance the overall narrative, they sometimes detracted from the believability of the action. The production team may have felt the need to break from the traditional fight style to focus on storytelling elements such as point-of-view shots or intimate moments between characters. This shift in cinematic technique can be attributed to the story's needs, but it did result in a noticeable dip in visual action quality.

Potential Factors Behind the Drop in Acting Quality for Fight Scenes

Some fans have also brought up the actor's physical appearance and performance quality at the beginning of the season. Charlie Cox, who plays Matt Murdock, appeared slightly "soft" at the start of the season, possibly by design to reflect his character's ongoing recovery. This change in physicality may have affected the sharpness and intensity of their actions, leading to the perception of weaker punches and less convincing fight choreography.

Knowing this, one could hypothesize that Daredevil's production team may have intended to drive home the point of Matt Murdock's "Born Again" arc, a storyline that emphasizes his rebirth and transformation. This storyline’s narrative emphasis might have focused on different aspects of the character's journey, potentially sacrificing some fight quality for the sake of storytelling.

Technical Considerations: Specific Scenes

A specific example is the 10-minute prison escape sequence, a scene that required sacrifice for storytelling. Given that the fighting elements in such moments could be seamlessly choreographed, the production team may have opted to capture a single take for the sake of momentum and excitement. This decision, while successful in terms of maintaining the flow of the scene, might have contributed to the fake punch issue. In this instance, the visual continuity and storytelling achieved were deemed more important than the flawless execution of each punch.

Moreover, it's important to note that while technical patches like closer shots and cutaways were used to obscure discrepancies, they could be seen as a cop-out when it comes to the core issue: the punches themselves. Self-reflection and technical improvements in the future seasons may be necessary to maintain the high standards set by earlier seasons.

Conclusion

While Daredevil Season 3 is widely regarded as a masterpiece, it's natural for fans to scrutinize and pick apart the details that contributed to its overall quality. The perceived drop in the quality of the fight scenes can be attributed to a combination of choreography, camerawork, and storytelling decisions. These elements, while important, do not detract from the overall excellence of the series. Acknowledging these issues can lead to a richer dialogue between fans, creators, and production teams, ultimately improving future content.

Keywords: Daredevil Season 3, Acting Quality, Fight Choreography, Camera Techniques, Visual Effects