In this final part of my look at the new adaptation of the Marvel comic books, we reach the end of this series with episodes 11-13.
Episode 11: “The Path of the Righteous”
The events of last episode still weigh heavily on everyone and, as a result, all are being cautious. Each having their own degree of success.
Fisk is taking precautions to protect Vanessa, which leave him indisposed for most of the episode. Ben is urging Karen to be cautious about what they have discovered and what it means for them both. Claire explains to Matt again about the dangers of the path he is on – reminding him of the fates of martyrs. He proceeds with some caution going forward, possibly making a new ally in the process.
Foggy, meanwhile, seems to be throwing caution to the wind after his fallout with Matt. It’s only when faced with questioning from Karen about his actions that he actually gains some restraint again, even if it means pushing away one of his closest friends.
Trying to er on the side of caution, even though he is in the most danger, is Wesley. His position as Fisk’s right hand means he is having to manage things in his employer’s absence. Leland is panicking and demanding to see Fisk and news reaches Wesley of Karen and Ben’s discovery. While Wesley is able to placate Leland and send him on his way, the same can’t be said for his other problem. Making a decision based on his own cautious nature, Wesley makes a grave error in judgement that will have lasting repercussions.
Episode 12: “The Ones We Leave Behind”
Approaching the end of the series, this is the part where all the pieces fall into place. After discovering what Wesley has done, Fisk is faced with revisiting has past in order to protect his future. Karen is also reeling from her encounter with Wesley, though it does give her the strength to call out Foggy and Matt on their behaviour a little. Though she does get a chance to reconnect with Matt a little as they lament some of their choices. Foggy, at the same time, makes what could be a dangerous decision in sharing what the trio have found with a familiar face.
Matt, in his ever changing plans, decides to focus on what he was doing before – looking at the pieces of Fisk’s operation. Last on his list is Madame Gao. With a little help from Ben, he’s able to track her to her base of operations. Once there, he’s shocked with what he discovers and what Gao herself reveals about her empire. After this confrontation, Gao visits Leyland in secret. It’s there that some truths about recent events are revealed.
After some urging from Karen, Ben agrees to share what he knows with his editor. This doesn’t go down well, and after a very public argument – and some accusations – Ben’s ties are severed with the newspaper. After some encouragement from his wife, Ben takes a new direction in his journey to the truth, which puts him in the direct path of Fisk.
This episode ends on a note that surprises everyone, setting up for a interesting final act.
Episode 13: “Daredevil”
This is an episodes of highs and lows on both sides. Everything has been leading up to this last play which has everyone showing their hands.
The episode starts on the same note as the last ended – sadness. Fisk is stronger than ever while Matt and Foggy are unable to put the past behind them. So it’s up to the ladies in their lives to put them back together to come up with a final plan to take Fisk down once and for all. With the help of some new allies, Matt sets out to finish what he started
Fisk, in the meantime, has figured out most of what has gone on in his temporary absence. With everything falling into place, Fisk is on the warpath. Part enraged and part desperate. He makes the error Matt has been waiting for. He has a moment of happiness with Vanessa before circumstance threaten to tear them apart.
Seeing everything unravel before our eyes does feel a little simple after all the effort to get here, but it is for a reason as it ends up leading us to what could be one of the stand-out moments of the series.
The fight scenes in this series have always been something to be marvelled at and applauded. The fight between Matt and Fisk is no exception. This brawl has been 13 episodes in the making and I certainly wasn’t disappointed. The final moments of the episode bring the series full circle. There is the promise that a second series could come along but also wraps up the plot-lines well enough if it doesn’t.
Words by Megan Roxburgh