Daredevil: Born Again is a masterclass in the complex art of cliffhangers

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WARNING: SPOILERS for Daredevil: Born Again episode 8 ahead.

In the series “Daredevil: Born Again,” various plotlines unfold separately and independently across seasons, sometimes intersecting but more often branching off on their own paths. However, everything culminates dramatically at a critical juncture, such as the penultimate episode where all characters gather at the mayor’s ball, which inevitably results in chaos and turmoil, as is typically the case with this gripping series.

It was to be expected that with nine episodes and no immediate finale, we’d end up with a suspenseful cliffhanger. Some viewers, including possibly me, might have even exclaimed in frustration as the credits began to roll.

Indeed, it can be quite aggravating, I must say, to experience this kind of anticipation. We’re expected to feel dismayed about having to wait another week to learn how everything will conclude – and whether we’ll be left hanging again. The era of compulsory binge-watching seems to be fading, making way for a refreshing return to weekly episodes. Let’s not forget that expressing our frustration at the credits with a whole week ahead of us was once commonplace. It’s a tradition worth cherishing.

The suspenseful plot twists in this series have been well-executed since its start, even if the initial one was slightly dampened by the two-episode premiere, as is often the case with premieres. However, this particular cliffhanger stood out – and for a good reason – because it followed a growing tension among all characters we’ve met so far (those who are still alive). This gathering in Mayor Fisk’s presence added an extra layer of anticipation to the scene.

As a fugitive remains hidden, the very individual whom Matt has harbored intense resentment towards for over a year, and with BB’s motives turning out to be self-serving and potentially malicious, we are gradually uncovering the intricate web of connections at play. Heather is alarmingly close to discovering Matt’s hidden truth, while Vanessa shares in her husband’s guilt on multiple counts. However, despite Matt’s valiant efforts in the closing scene, many questions remain unanswered. The pieces are falling into place even as we approach the end of this game.

Playing such a perilous game indeed. Fisk’s task force appears to be uncontrollable, the city’s last hope seems to be faltering (yet it’s far from defeated), and no one is immune. Not even Fisk. Not even from those he assumed were shielding him.

In the final episode, there’s still a lot to grasp. It’s likely that we’ll end up with even more questions than we started with. As is often the case, if additional episodes are produced, mysteries will continue to linger on the fringes of the storyline, ready to be unveiled should the desire for more content arise.

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2025-04-09 20:14