Rating: 3.7/5
Review: "Daredevil TV series (2015) review"


When it was announced that Daredevil would be showing up in small screen, my heart leapt. Daredevil is one of Marvel's most interesting characters. He is brooding, dark and although he has super senses, he is still human fighting for Justice. The Daredevil film and director's cut directed by Mark Steven Johnson is one of my guilty pleasures and I find it terribly underrated. Ben Affleck is an alright Matt Murdock and the cast is decent enough. Although story could be better, action and music are great. Fast forward to 2015, Marvel decided to amp up the gritty world of Daredevil. With its unflinching brutal violence and darker tone, it looks like the fans have its Daredevil.

The story: The 13 episodes act as a movie without the "Previously, last episode". It best works when you watch them together as sometimes. I watched 1 episode a week and sometimes I forgot some of the side plots or characters. Daredevil tells a simple story of a man wanting to stop evil from ruining his city. While the first half of the series runs briskly, the second half disappointingly slows down. However that flaw, I like its characters' development especially Wilson Fisk. It is inevitable when people compare the dark storyline to the Christopher Nolan's Batman films. The action in the first half is good. There is no fanciful explosions or whatever but it is decently shot with martial arts stunts. Some are impressive as one-take. The second half does not have as much action as the first half but the climax in the final episode makes up for it.

Charlie Cox is surprisingly good as Matt Murdock. He may not make an impression in the first episode but he will as you watch more episodes. Vincent D' Onofrio plays a decent Wilson Fisk. He has the subtle emotions that are relatable and yet has the feelings of a monster. The rest of the cast are alright. The music is a little disappointing but it matches the tone.

Overall: With its unclear distinctions between the good and bad guys, this drama is a must-watch. There are no good guys or bad guys. Each character has its own dilemma and devils and that is what makes the series watchable. Rather than taking the action-packed route like Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, this opts for slower characters' development and a crime story. After the final episode, it makes you want to see more especially with the addition of The Punisher and Elektra, season 2 has to come soon.