In this third instalment, I’m taking a quick look at episodes 7-10 of Marvel’s Daredevil, which is currently available to watch on Netflix
Episode 7 “Stick”
This is another episode that felt like a two hander but isn’t. This time it’s Matt and the enigmatic Stick, who trained Matt how to hone his remaining senses as a child. Stick has travelled to New York to track down the Japanese businessman, Nobu (who is also one of Fisk’s men) and a shipment he is receiving with an item known only as ‘Black Sky’. Flashbacks chronicle the relationship between the two men and also give us a look at another defining moment in Matt’s life.
The other thread of the episode see Karen discussing her frustrations at not progressing in her plans with Ben as much as either of them would like. Ben remains the voice of reason, warning Karen that what they’re trying to do must remain as quiet as possible as so not to endanger them. An incident leads Karen to decide to bring Foggy into the fold, a decision not met with enthusiasm by Ben.
If there is only one reason to watch the episode, then for me it’s the fight scenes. These have always been a part of this show since episode 1 but this is where they become a showcase piece. One in particular towards the end of the episode is utterly brilliant and easily one of the best done for television.
Episode 8: “Shadows In The Glass”
This episode could easily be called “The Birth of a Kingpin”. Wilson Fisk is front and centre for this part – quite a change for a man who has operated in the shadows up to now. He is a man of taste and routine. Everything he does – from cooking his breakfast to picking out his suit piece by piece – is done carefully and isn’t rushed. But what we also get is a look into his past.
Wilson Fisk didn’t start out this way. Growing up, he was a source of disappointment and scorn his father. His mother tried to help but was undermined at every turn. We also see that this is what drives Wilson: he confesses to Vanessa that he doesn’t want to end up like his father. This drives him to make a decision – with Vanessa by his side – that will change the continuing dynamic.
Matt, Foggy, Karen and Ben are relegated to the sidelines this time. Matt is now brought into Karen’s plans with Ben, while Ben and ‘the man in the mask’ meet finally which brings the group together nicely. Nice and complicated of course.
The only issue I can see happening is a lack of subtitles. Apps – such as mine through Windows Store – don’t have subtitles on certain episodes. This episode features a pivotal conversation between Fisk and Madame Gao where neither speak English for 4-5 minutes. So be aware of that – especially with this episode.
Episode 9 “Speak of The Devil”
This one is a game changer. Events of the last episode have changed everyone’s plans going forward. Matt, Foggy and Karen have to change their tactics in going after Fisk, while Fisk is faced with the consequences of his own actions.
The trio are growing more and more frustrated as their search for information leads them to one dead end after another. Tension is also building between the group as when Ben mentions the man in the mask (and how he could help), Foggy is against this 100% as he is sure the man is a villain who needs to be brought to justice. Karen, on the other side, isn’t convinced. However, these issues are put aside when tragedy hits close to home.
The threat to Fisk comes this time from Nobu – the Japanese man featured in “Stick” – who is putting Fisk under pressure to keep his side of a deal. Fisk is more than aware that while things are going well now, Nobu will put that at risk. So Fisk makes what could turn out to be a dangerous decision, which leads to another brilliant fight scene taking place between two of the players in Fisk’s game. These scenes really are becoming somewhat of a highlight for me.
The last moments of the episode tease the next perfectly. As the scene starts, you get an idea of what’s coming but when it does, the result is worth the wait.
Episode 10: “Nelson v. Murdock”
Revelation is the word of this episode. Fisk is faced with the reality of his situation, Karen and Ben discover a long buried secret and Matt and Foggy have some home truths for each other.
Fisk is riding high – his relationship with Vanessa is stronger than ever, the public love him and his issues with Yobu and the Russians are behind him. But he is still given words of caution from Madame Gao and Leland about how it could all come crashing down at any second.
Ben is also given his own revelation to deal with as changes are made which force him to take a different path. While Karen agrees to take over their plan and continue alone, her offer to help leads them to a door in a nursing home, behind which is someone no one ever thought they would ever see again.
At the core of this is Matt and Foggy. Their argument – triggered by the previous episode – is juxtaposed with them in happier times: meeting in college, solidifying their friendship and making plans to strike out on their own. The two situations couldn’t be more different ad it’s a testament to how much both men have changed. All the cards are on the table and nothing is the same for anyone as this block of episodes comes to a close.
Words by Megan Roxburgh