The season finale of Daredevil: Born Again has officially arrived, and while it doesn’t deliver the explosive showdown some fans may have expected, it lays critical groundwork for what could be a much darker, more action-packed Season 2. With Episode 9, Marvel and Disney+ maintain the same gritty tone and street-level realism that made Netflix’s original Daredevil series a standout, proving this rebooted version isn’t afraid to let things simmer… and leave us hanging.
Here’s a full breakdown of Episode 9 and what it could mean for the future of Hell’s Kitchen.
Vanessa Fisk: The Puppet Master Behind Foggy’s Death
Episode 9 opens with a chilling flashback that finally confirms one of the show’s biggest mysteries: Vanessa Fisk was behind the hit on Foggy Nelson. We see her meeting with Bullseye (Benjamin Poindexter) at the prison, orchestrating his conditional release, under the quiet agreement that he’d eliminate Matt Murdock’s best friend.
This one act completely changes the dynamics between the Fisks and Daredevil, cementing Vanessa as not just Wilson’s partner, but an active participant in his criminal empire.
Matt Survives the Shooting — And He’s Back in Action Fast
When we last left Matt at the end of Episode 8, he’d taken a bullet meant for Fisk. But Episode 9 quickly confirms he’s not down for long. There’s no elaborate surgery or slow recovery — Matt gets back into vigilante mode quickly.
Despite being wounded, he wastes no time returning to the streets, determined to stop Fisk and uncover the full extent of the corruption gripping New York City. That urgency, however, doesn’t translate into the climactic confrontation fans may have expected.
Kingpin Drops the Mask and Declares Martial Law
In a moment many predicted, Wilson Fisk finally sheds his mayoral persona and fully embraces his identity as Kingpin. As chaos erupts across the city, Fisk declares martial law, giving his anti-vigilante task force full power — a brutal escalation that turns New York into a war zone overnight.
This power move has ripple effects throughout the city. The task force becomes a militarized force, openly suppressing dissent, while loyalists like Sheila Rivera, Fisk’s campaign manager, surprisingly survive the turmoil, at least for now. It’s implied that her storyline is far from over and may take a darker turn in Season 2.
The Return of Karen Page
Episode 9 also brings back a familiar face: Karen Page. Her return isn’t heavily featured, but her presence is meaningful. She and other associates counter Fisk’s growing control, signaling that resistance is forming outside Matt’s efforts.
Still, no major villain deaths occur in this episode. Buck, Vanessa, Bullseye, and even Fisk all make it through unscathed — a surprise to many who expected at least one major loss before the credits rolled. The absence of a true final confrontation between Daredevil and Fisk feels intentional, holding off the payoff for a bigger showdown in Season 2.
Dr. Heather Glenn Joins Fisk’s Inner Circle?
In a subtle but fascinating development, Dr. Heather Glenn is offered a position in Fisk’s administration, leveraging her expertise as a therapist. This is a huge twist, considering her complicated relationship with Matt. Even more shocking is that she still doesn’t know that Matt is Daredevil — despite the close calls, hints, and near-reveals sprinkled throughout the season.
This dynamic will become volatile as Heather finds herself in Fisk’s political orbit while unknowingly dating the vigilante he seeks to destroy.
Expectations vs. Reality: No Final Fight, Just a Cliffhanger
For viewers hoping for an epic final showdown — a gloves-off battle between Daredevil and Kingpin or a brutal fight with Bullseye — Episode 9 doesn’t deliver on those fronts. There’s tension, there’s buildup, but the fireworks are being saved for later.
Instead, the finale plays out like a giant setup — positioning characters, planting seeds, and teasing what’s to come. We don’t get closure; we get a cliffhanger.
That may frustrate some fans, but it shows how modern serialized storytelling works. Marvel seems committed to making this a slow burn, rather than cramming everything into a rushed, action-heavy conclusion.
Season 2: What Comes Next?
The final scenes suggest that Season 2 will escalate the war between Daredevil and Fisk. Vanessa’s role will likely grow more dangerous. The task force could become Marvel’s version of a fascist regime. And Bullseye — still alive and unrepentant — will almost certainly have unfinished business with Matt.
There’s also the question of returning characters. With The Punisher, Jessica Jones, and Luke Cage already confirmed or rumored to return in upcoming Marvel projects, Born Again could evolve into something more than just a Daredevil story — it might be the street-level Avengers saga fans have been waiting for.
Final Thoughts: A Solid Season With Room to Grow
While Episode 9 didn’t deliver the explosive conclusion some were expecting, it stayed true to the tone that’s defined this revival — dark, grounded, slow-burning, and character-driven. The season as a whole did a great job continuing the Daredevil legacy from Netflix, while modernizing the pacing and narrative for today’s audience.
There are still a few gaps — like how Wilson Fisk’s political rise was possible despite his criminal history — but for now, we’ll chalk that up to the show’s willingness to echo real-world complexities.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
A strong, compelling first season that leaves us ready — and hungry — for Season 2.
