Need something to binge-watch during the last leg of summer vacation? As always, Netflix has you covered.
Daredevil. Marvel and Netflix have done it again. Prior to the show’s creation, I had no idea who the superhero Daredevil was and honestly had no intention of finding out (a film where Ben Affleck plays a superhero doesn’t really appeal to me), but since watching the show, I realized how much I was missing out on; how complex and intriguing the characters and storyline are.
Daredevil centers around the life of defense attorney Matt Murdock, played by actor Charlie Cox, who was blinded as a young child after having radioactive chemicals splashed in his eyes while saving an old man from being hit by a truck. The chemicals caused him to lose his eyesight, but heightened his other senses in the process, granting him the ability to “see” even without his sense of sight. Using his heightened senses, Matt fights crime at night and becomes the vigilante Daredevil.
What makes this show different from the many others with a similar premise, like Arrow or The Flash, where the bad guys are put to rest by the heroes? Honestly, everything, because this show has everything. The writing, the acting, the character development and storyline all exceeded my expectations. The writers catalog the inner struggle within Matt realistically, showing how he walks the thin line between crime fighting and becoming what he hates. Along with the wonderful writing, the acting in the show is something that also surprised me greatly. When I watch other shows, I find myself rolling my eyes, trying desperately to feel what I know the actor is trying to convey. But with Daredevil, I don’t have to try. When I’m meant to be frightened, I am, and when another character is sad and in tears, I believe it.
The characters. Like many other Marvel projects, the heart of the show lies within its characters. Matt Murdock is the type of character people like immediately; Daredevil, you might need more time to make up your mind. He walks within that gray area between right and wrong like many vigilante characters, reminding me a lot of Batman, but somehow more interesting.
The secondary characters are just as wonderful. Matt’s best friend, Franklin “Foggy” Nelson (Elden Henson), is the very definition of the funny sidekick, and I find that he steals any scene where his character is present. Even the baddie (who will remain unnamed in this review) captures the heart. Sure they are terrifying, oh very much so, but it is easy to see their motivations for doing things and it is sometimes heartbreaking.
Daredevil is gritty and dark, much darker than many other Marvel projects out right now. It’s very violent, and it might not be the best fit for those who are squeamish with blood and broken bones, but other than that I see no reason why an individual shouldn’t watch it. Daredevil is wonderful and highly addictive, and I can see myself coming back to this series many times in the future. And speaking of the future, it has recently been announced that the television series has been renewed for a second season (which began filming in early June), and will be airing sometime in 2016. Daredevil will also return in the Defenders, a series that will feature Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and the Iron Fist, all on Netflix for our viewing pleasure.