Look, it’s no secret that I think Falcon and the Winter Soldier is one of the best things the Marvel Cinematic Universe has to offer, but… Now that Daredevil: Born Again is officially within the MCU family, that opinion is changing. The original Daredevil series on Netflix was and remained my favorite Marvel-based series. What Charlie Cox (Matt Murdoch/Daredevil) and Jon Bernthal (Frank Castle/Punisher) displayed in this week’s episode of the new series, however, may have been the best scene in all of the MCU. Ever.
Critics often overlook actors in comic book films and series solely because they are just that: actors in comic book films or series. And that’s a criminal shame. Because the depth and range that both Cox and Bernthal have exhibited through their respective characters is more than award-worthy. We got a first glimpse of it, and their chemistry together, in the rooftop seen from Daredevil Season 2. What we saw Tuesday night was nothing short of a masterclass in acting.
Charlie Cox and Jon Bernthal raise the bar for Daredevil: Born Again
“I don’t think you came here for my help. See, I think you want my permission. Maybe you’re a little bit scared, a little bit scared about what that means….”
Frank Castle to Matt Murdoch in Daredevil: Born Again, Episode 4
Frank saying those words to Matt sets off perhaps some of the best, most poignant dialogue in the entire MCU. The Daredevil and the Punisher start down a path of introspective grief, remorse, guilt, and emotional turmoil few comic book characters have ever exhibited on screen. Not to this depth, at least. Cox and Bernthal deliver gut-wrenching performances, showcasing not only their talents but the notion that even tough guys, two of the toughest, can still be driven to their emotional knees.
From Frank’s breakdown over the memory of his son, to Matt’s tears born of his failure to protect Foggy, to their respective, silent nods and resignation as the scene ends – all of it, perfection. Few actors could have conveyed the pain of loss so genuinely, and with such raw emotion.
“Foggy. He was the kindest, purest soul I ever met. And guys like you, and me? We could work a lifetime and never measure up to his decency.”
Matt Murdoch
Few films or series have ever struck me so deeply. Certainly not a comic book-based production. But Daredevil: Born Again now stands in a class entirely of its own, simply because of this one scene. It’s one I’m still processing, two days later, and likely will for some time to come.
Now THAT is some great acting.
Daredevil: Born Again airs Tuesday nights on Disney+.
