“I’ll tell you what I think: You didn’t come here for my help. You came here for permission.”
— Frank Castle to Matt Murdock

Who is Matt Murdock? Who is Wilson Fisk? The answer to these questions is seeping through the pores of our main characters for Episode 4 of Daredevil: Born Again. Matt gives up the devil costume. Fisk gives up being the Kingpin of crime in New York City. But for how long?

In the previous episode of Born Again, Matt’s client, Hector Ayala (also known as the costumed vigilante White Tiger), who was on trial for the murder of a police officer, was found innocent. He was then later found with a bullet hole in his head. Matt manages to locate the bullet and finds a Punisher skull etched into it. This leads Matt to look for the Punisher himself, Frank Castle.

Frank and Matt speak the same language. They’re both lost loved ones to criminal violence. They both became superheroes to save others from that violence. And in Episode 4, the two have an explosive reunion where Frank tells Matt (whom he calls ‘Red’ even when he’s not in his Daredevil costume) that he can see the guilt and shame in Matt. The guilt and shame of letting Foggy Nelson, his best friend, die (in Episode 1). The guilt and shame of not doing anything about Bullseye, the man that murdered him. And that until he does something, it’s going to keep eating away at him.

Elsewhere in the city, Fisk is having a busy day. Between attending meet and greets as mayor of New York City and repairing his relationship with his wife Vanessa, he is also warned that the Kingpin’s absence is leading to a rise in fighting between gangs. On top of that, he has a leak among his staff which led to an embarrassing report.

Daniel Blake, one of Fisk’s aides, got drunk and talkative while partying with BB Urich, the reporter. It looks like Fisk is about to end Daniel’s life until Daniel says that he is unworthy of working under Fisk and will accept any punishment. Daniel also says that regardless, he will continue to support Fisk in the future and continue to be loyal to him. Amazingly, instead of losing his temper, Fisk accepts Daniel’s apology. He also warns him that next time he makes a mistake like this will be the last time.

This is an absolutely fantastic piece of television, and will probably remain a standout episode of the series. Absolute must-watch.

★★★★★