By George & Josh Bate
The highly anticipated Marvel Television series Daredevil: Born Again has its two-episode premiere on March 4 on Disney+. Before the story of Matt Murdock continues, many fans may want to revisit essential episodes from the Daredevil series and the other Marvel superhero shows originally on Netflix (which total 161 episodes) + brief appearances from Daredevil and characters in the formal MCU so far. If that’s the case, we’ve got you covered with this list of must-watch episodes to prepare for Daredevil: Born Again. The following list is compiled in chronological order.
Daredevil – Season 1, Episode 1: Into the Ring
Ideally, one will have watched all three seasons of Daredevil and the only season of The Defenders prior to watching Daredevil: Born Again, but, if this is not a possibility or if one is looking for a slightly shorter rewatch, episode 1 of Daredevil is a must-watch nonetheless.
“Into the Ring” provides the essential origin story for Matt Murdock, depicting how the young boy was blinded and left with new abilities. The episode also establishes the relationship between Matt Murdock and Foggy Nelson, a friendship that is arguably the heart and soul of the entire Daredevil series. Another essential character is introduced in this episode in Karen Page, who will also return in Daredevil: Born Again.
“Into the Ring” sets the stage for the entire series to come, both narratively and tonally. Essential introductions to Matt, Foggy, and Karen make this a must-watch.
Daredevil – Season 1, Episode 2: Cut Man
Speaking of must-watch, so is the second episode of Daredevil‘s first season. In addition to diving deeper into Matt’s childhood, this episode also introduces audiences to Claire Temple, the night nurse played by Rosario Dawson. The episode concludes with the series’ first iconic hallway sequence, one that is still talked about 10 years on.
Daredevil – Season 1, Episode 8: Shadows in the Glass
While Wilson Fisk is introduced earlier in the season, “Shadows in the Glass” depicts his disturbing origin story, beginning with an abusive father. The episode also goes into the philosophy of Matt, Foggy, and Karen, who commit themselves to helping Hell’s Kitchen through legal, rather than underhanded, means.
Daredevil – Season 1, Episode 10: Nelson v. Murdock
Episode 9 of Daredevil concludes with Foggy discovering that Matt is the Man in Black (later known as Daredevil). The subsequent episode, “Nelson v. Murdock,” doesn’t shy away from difficult conversations as it depicts the fractured relationship between the two best friends in the wake of this revelation. Brilliantly executed flashbacks detail how Matt and Foggy became so close, while conversations in the present day give valuable insights into what drives Matt, why he became a vigilante, and how his philosophy runs counter to that of Foggy’s.
Daredevil – Season 1, Episode 13: Daredevil
The finale of Season 1 sees the Man in Black become known as Daredevil, donning a new costume as he defeats Wilson Fisk. This episode brings resolution to the main plot of the season and Fisk’s arc, at least for the time being.
Daredevil – Season 2, Episode 4: Penny and Dime
The first four episodes of Daredevil Season 2 are excellent, primarily as they showcase The Punisher coming up against Daredevil. “Penny and Dime” peels the layers back of Frank Castle’s origins, both through a poignant conversation with Daredevil at the end of he episode and through Karen’s investigation of Frank. This fourth episode also teases the introduction of Elektra Natchios, who is a key character for the rest of Season 2 and The Defenders.
Daredevil – Season 2, Episode 13: A Cold Day in Hell’s Kitchen
The finale of Season 2 sets the stage for The Defenders and continues the conflict with The Hand, the overarching villainous organization of the Daredevil and related shows. This episode is also notable for Elektra’s death (for the time being) and Matt finally telling Karen that he is Daredevil.
The Defenders – Episode 1: The H Word
The Defenders may have been a drop-off in quality from Daredevil, but it plays a vital role in the show’s overarching narrative. The first episode of the show will provide a light introduction to Danny Rand / Iron Fist, Jessica Jones, and Luke Cage for those who didn’t watch their respective seasons, while also depicting the resurrection of Elektra and the threat from The Hand that is to come.
The Defenders – Episode 8: The Defenders
The finale of The Defenders wraps up a most underwhelming season in similarly underwhelming fashion, and yet it furthers the character of Matt Murdock in key ways.
Daredevil – Season 3, Episode 1: Resurrection
The premiere episode of Daredevil Season 3 feels like a soft restart in some ways, with The Hand plotline coming to an end in The Defenders. “Resurrection” depicts Matt’s crisis of faith that comes after being seriously injured in The Defenders finale, catches up with Foggy and Karen in their new roles, and introduces the key character FBI Special Agent Ray Nadeem.
Daredevil – Season 3, Episode 6: The Devil You Know
The midway point of Season 3 concludes with a showdown between Dex (dressed as Daredevil) and Matt. Dex becomes a full-fledged villain here through the assistance of Wilson Fisk, whose grander plot comes into focus here.
Daredevil – Season 3, Episode 13: A New Napkin
Besides the first episode of Season 1, the finale of Season 3 is probably the most important episode to watch heading into Daredevil: Born Again. That’s because it seems like the Disney+ series will be continuing many unresolved plot threads from Season 3 that were last explored in this finale. From Fisk’s arrest to Dex’s experimental surgery to Matt, Karen, and Foggy deciding to work together again, this is an essential episode.
Hawkeye – Episode 1: So This is Christmas?
This episode of Hawkeye marked the formal introduction of Wilson Fisk into the MCU, and catches up with the character in a new phase in his life.
She-Hulk: Attorney at Law – Episode 8: Ribbit and Rip It
Although Matt Murdock briefly appeared in Spider-Man: No Way Home, Daredevil’s formal introduction to the MCU came in the penultimate episode of She-Hulk: Attorney at Law. Here, we see Daredevil team up with She-Hulk, wear a cool yellow suit, and operate in a city markedly different than his own.
Echo – Episode 1: Chafa
The first episode of Echo continues to build on Maya Lopez and Wilson Fisk’s relationship. It also features a cameo from Daredevil himself, who fights Maya.
Echo – Episode 5: Maya
The emotional arc between Maya and Fisk at the center of Echo concludes in the series’ fifth and final episode. The post-credits scene, meanwhile, teases that Fisk will run for Mayor of New York City, which will seemingly be a key part of Daredevil; Born Again.