Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox) never let adversity overcome him. He lost his sight as a kid after a horrible auto accident during which he saved a man’s life but was splashed with a toxin one of the trucks in the accident was carrying, leaving him permanently blind. He was raised by his Dad, a two-bit prizefighter who worked hard to teach Matt the right life lessons and provide for him the best he could. Murdock became a lawyer and with his friend Foggy Nelson (Elden Henson) set up their own firm in the neighbourhood they grew up in – New York’s Hell’s Kitchen.
Matt Murdock also carries a hefty secret – by night he delivers justice upon those that corrupt and stand over the innocents of Hell’s Kitchen. He has extraordinary senses. He is Daredevil.
It’s the third Marvel franchise to come to episodic television, and the first of four to come to Netflix.
Cox offers a strong performance as the flawed Murdock – he’s not superhuman (though he takes quite a beating) however his over-developed senses allow him to pre-empt and interact with normal society in incredible ways. His morals are misty but his intentions are true, and he’s well balanced by Henson’s Nelson. The fight scenes are well choreographed (if, at times, brutal) and add great weight to Murdock’s alter-ego, reaching back deep into his upbringing. The show is dark, reflecting Murdock’s reality, and the gentle touches to his life as Daredevil across the show/set are beautifully subtle.
Every good guy needs a nemesis and the mysterious Wilson Fisk (Vincent D’Onofrio) is as captivating as he is unrelenting and violent (and his development as Kingpin is suitably destructive). The excellent supporting cast includes Rosario Dawson, Deborah Ann Woll & Vondie Curtis Hall.
It’s a solid outing for Netflix, an excellent addition to their growing catalogue of originals and one fans will be well pleased with. Daredevil offers its fair share of surprises mixed in with a solid storyline that will having to stretching for another ep as the last one finishes.
Marvel’s Daredevil (13 eps) – 5pm AEST Fri 10 April, Netflix.