Netflix Originals and Marvel Studios have teamed up to give the Marvel Cinematic Universe Daredevil. The series premiered today on Netflix with the first 13 episodes available for binge watching. Dark and gritty, Daredevil brings new a fresh feel to the MCU that is real and unpleasant. This isn't your hammer wielding Norse god or wise-cracking teenage superhero, Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox) is a masked vigilante looking to uphold the saying, "Justice is blind."
The series opens dramatically with Murdock's origin story taking center stage and being told in a matter of minutes. A horrific car crash, Murdock as a young boy saves a life, and an unknown chemical from the crash has left him blind. Fast forward to the present and Murdock is a lawyer starting is own practice with best friend Foggy Nelson (Elden Henson).
The first episode is all set-up for the character of Matt Murdock but doesn't get tied-up in his origin story, but rather begins to establish the universe in which Daredevil inhabits. No incredible technology like Tony Stark, no Asgard, no Goblins, and certainly no mutants, Murdock inhabits the very real and grounded setting of Hell's Kitchen, New York. Crime lords reign, violent murders are present, and corporations are corrupt. We are introduced to all of these things and more as the underbelly of New York crawls from the sewers and tests the skills of Murdock as both vigilante and lawyer.
The color scheme reminds me of a Guillermo del Toro movie, a very earthly, dark palette, with reds, yellows, and browns making up most of what we see on screen. Very different from the heightened reality that the Avengers or Spider-Man movies create. However, Daredevil does not ignore the Chitauri invasion, which actually builds the foundation for the plot of the first episode. It is nice to see continuity is present in the MCU. Daredevil also is dressed in the very classic black costume in the first episode. Eventually he will move to the trademark horned-red costume, but it is yet to be seen.
Violence plays a large role in Daredevil, showing wonderfully choreographed fight sequences. they are generally dark since most take place at night, but you can clearly see the action. Also, they camera is not shy to continue to show the violence rather than let your imagination fill in the holes. You will see blood, you will see death, and you will see the unexpected and cringe worthy. But it all adds to this unique atmosphere being created for Hell's Kitchen. It is unpleasant, ruthless, and unjust. Daredevil takes care of what The Avengers, the X-Men, and Spider-Man do not, the everyday normal crimes, murders, and gang wars that seize control of the common man and leaves him helpless.
While Daredevil has never been one of my favorite superheros, I think Netflix has brought justice to this vigilante and I look forward to watching the rest of the series. I was actually hoping to be disappointed in this series to prove my point as to why I dislike Daredevil, but I have been happily proved wrong and will continue to watch as the Kingpin tries to take over Hell's Kitchen.
On to episode 2!
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