‘Daredevil: Born Again’ Season 2 Episode 4 Review - Blood, Boxing, and Bullseye

Remember when Vanessa asked Buck this question: "Have you ever been in the same room as Benjamin Poindexter?" In the fourth episode of Daredevil: Born Again, many people finally experience what it's like to be in the same room as Benjamin Poindexter. As spectators cheer for Fisk during a boxing match in which he defeats his opponent (no surprise there), Benjamin—aka Bullseye—walks in with his blades, attempting to kill Vanessa. The mayor orders the guards to take his wife to a safe place and smashes a crystal object with the help of his championship belt. But a crystal shard strikes Vanessa, and she collapses in the arms of a wailing mayor.

So what is it like to be in the same room as Benjamin Poindexter? The scene reeks of blood and death. Even the opening moments set in a diner—where Bullseye single-handedly kills AVTF agents—confirm as much. One could also ask Benjamin's neighbor, an elderly woman whose illusions about him shatter when he holds her at knifepoint.

It will be interesting to see how Fisk behaves from this point onward. One can expect him to become more deranged. AVTF has already made life hell for New Yorkers; they, too, may grow more hostile. This could mark the beginning of the downfall of Fisk's political career, as even his most diehard supporters may begin distancing themselves from this maniac. Charles could very well be the first to express open contempt for the mayor, especially after his coercion attempt in this episode is thwarted. When he tells Fisk to restart the arms shipments and presents his demands in bold terms, he brings backup. Buck, however, proves to be a quick shooter, dispatching Charles' men within seconds. This right-hand man is a real pain for the enemies of the mayor.

Kirsten and Karen record Christoff's testimony, in which he confesses to smuggling illegal, military-grade weapons for Wilson. He also states that it was Kingpin—the mayor—who ordered the ship to be sunk if it were ever boarded. Unfortunately, Christoff will not be able to repeat this testimony in court, as Buck executes him. Good luck, Kirsten.

Find yourself a partner who supports you the way Daniel supports Wilson. There is a childlike innocence in Daniel's words and gestures. His eyes soften when they rest on Fisk, and they fill with less fear and more shame when he is asked about a video mocking the mayor. Daniel is so afraid of disappointing his idol that every cell in his body overcompensates, striving to please Wilson. If Fisk can be expected to descend into psychosis after his wife's death, imagine what might happen to Daniel when he learns of BB's betrayal. That moment, I think, could carry more emotional charge than anything we have seen across both seasons of Daredevil: Born Again.

Much credit must go to Michael Gandolfini's performance. He stands apart from the show's dreariness. His Daniel is a jester, a passionate lover, and a diehard fan. Soon, he may become a frustrated, cheated, disappointed boyfriend and might even lose the mayor's confidence. Poor Daniel—so easily manipulated—has set himself up for heartbreak. It seems unlikely that a happy ending is in store for this puppet.

Final Score- [4.5/10]