Charlie Cox is back as attorney Matt Murdock, aka, Daredevil and Vincent D'Orofrio as Wilson Fisk, aka Kingpin in Netflix's "Daredevil: Season 3". All thirteen episodes will be ready to view Oct 19.
This latest season is reputably based on Frank Miller/David Mazzucchelli's "Born Again", where Murdock struggles with his sanity. Of course, he was presumed dead at "Defenders" end, so the title links as well to his symbolic resurrection. (Elements of Kevin Smith/Joe Quesada's "Guardian Devil" have also been cited as an influence, particularly a church-fight sequence.)
On the new-bad-kid-on-the-block scene, Wilson Bethel arrives as the skilled-with-cards Benjamin "Dex" Poindexter, aka Bullseye, who fans have been insisting on for quite some time. (Rumor once had it that the cocky assassin would grace Season 2. Thank goodness it turned out a winner, despite the villain's absence.)
Bullseye is without question one of Marvel's most beloved baddies and as much as Fisk, an essential part of the Man Without Fear's legacy. One can't deny that Bullseye made quite an impression per Colin Farrell's acclaimed portrayal in Mark Steven Johnson's '03 "Daredevil" adaptation. Farrell's interpretation will give Bethel awfully big shoes to fill, but the young man is a sturdy actor and therefore, up for the task.
Comprising the prime, supporting cast is Deborah Ann Woll (an underrated beauty if ever there was one) as Karen Page; Elden Henson as Foggy Nelson; Annabella Sciorra as Rosalie Carbone; Jay Ali as Rahul "Ray" Nadeem; Danny Johnson as Benjamin Donovan; Jeffrey Cantor as Mitchell Ellison; Peter McRobbie as Father Lantom; and Amy Rutberg as Marci Stahl. (One can only presume that Rosario Dawson's Claire Temple will pay a visit. Why screw with tradition?)
Will other Defenders appear? Will Frank Castle...? Who knows? As with any Netflix/Marvel production, secrecy surrounds much of the plot. We could be in for surprises and/or disappointments, depending on the flow. If, however, Season 3 is anything like Daredevil's previous Netflix tracks, it's certain to give us what we crave: engaging characters, enriching drama and believable brawls.
Let's face it: As much as some may dismiss Daredevil as the "poor man's Spider-man", his story resonates because of its palpable sadness, perhaps not as much as Castle's, but still, how can one not feel for the guy, if only based on his prevailing struggles and righteous perseverance? He's also easy to admire for his many good deeds, whether in the courtroom or on Hell's Kitchen's hard-hitting streets. It'll be tough, though, to see him go a tad mad, but if penned right, a Hyde rise could give us some pretty memorable melodrama.
My prediction: This stretch will hit the bullseye (pun painfully intended) with marked precision. Hell, considering its edgy ingredients, there's no reason why this season shouldn't be the best yet...
I'm about halfway through the season. Seems that "Dex" is more the one struggling with his sanity than Murdock. That's fine. It still makes for engaging entertainment, but wow--what a unique and unsettling way to introduce Bullseye. I didn't expect this...
ReplyDeleteThe third season was quite engaging, but merely a prelude for something that will never reach fruition. (I say this in wake of the startling cancellations of "Luke Cage" and "Iron Fist".)
ReplyDeleteDex never truly became Bullseye. Murdock, at least suit-wise, wasn't Daredevil. Still, the series had impressive performances, with Jay Ali rising to the occasion more than several times as the anguished Nadeem.
I want more, but doubt I'll get it.
Netflix possessed such potential with its Marvel adaptations. To let this strand slip is a dumb move. What can we expect in lieu of such: more suicidal celebrations...lopsided documentaries?
Guess the writing was on the wall, so it should come as no surprise that Netflix has cancelled "Daredevil". Damn shame. Can't help but think this will be a major setback for the subscription service.
ReplyDelete