What I’m Watching: Daredevil (Season Finale)

Daredevil: Season 2, Episode 13 “A Cold Day in Hell’s Kitchen” (B)

This season ender was definitely dark, underscoring Daredevil as the hero who has to exist but does so in the shadows because of the evil that exists in his city. I’ve mentioned over and over this season that I’m so much less interested in everything involving the Hand, but fortunately most of that was put to rest in this hour, save for the lamentable coda that shows that Elektra isn’t going to stay dead for long and has still fallen into enemy hands. I do like Elektra, and I think she was a strong asset for this season, particularly as she interacted with Matt and tried to draw out his dark side. His offer to come with her when she was facing certain death was generous, and it complicates his feelings for Karen. That said, it was great to see him show Karen the Daredevil mask without any prompting, deciding that he’s lied to her for too long and needs to be honest with her going forward. She held it together well when she got captured along with everyone else Daredevil had saved, and she was the reason that he was able to find them. She remains this show’s best overall character, with Frank Castle the standout of this season. I’m also glad to see that Foggy took a positive turn, earning himself a very competitive offer from one Jeryn Hogarth, who spends most of her time on the fantastic “Jessica Jones.” Matt got to a good place with Stick, and maybe we’ll see a whole new storyline going into season three with Matt spending most of his time as Daredevil, Foggy living the corporate life, and Karen working as a reporter. I’m still set to stick around for this show, which likely won’t be back until 2018, and I’m eager to see how this universe lives on in “The Defenders” and in the spinoff commissioned to focus on none other than the Punisher.

Season grade: B
Season MVP: Jon Bernthal as Frank Castle