With Interest

Today is the day that I won't complain. A nice discovery of a fifth episode, tightly paced, well-made in its core, bearing enthralling realism and as much as others may be unhappy, I'd prefer this one big time over mushroom courtroom drama.

The auditory effects are immersive, the all-around fights (big one-sided ones) like a sister to the OG and the bone-cracking effects on point.

A sweet candy in our mouth after four "developing" episodes.

• Screenplay/storyline/plots: 6.5
• Production value/impact: 6.5
• Development: 7
• Realism: 7.5
• Entertainment: 7.5
• Acting: 7.5
• Filming/photography/cinematography: 7.5
• VFX: 7.5
• Music/score/sound: 7.5
• Depth: 6.5
• Logic: 6
• Flow: 7.5
• Drama/psychological thriller/crime/action/fantasy/sci-fi/superhero: 7
• Ending: 7.

One-off, genre episodes have long been a staple of television storytelling - the second season of Netflix's "The Punisher" even did it's own riff on John Carpenter's "Assault on Precinct 13" in an episode that I quite enjoyed. This week, "Daredevil: Born Again" becomes a bank heist genre film. Your mileage may vary when it comes to watching Matt Murdock roughly navigate the plot beats of Spike Lee's "Inside Man," but I still find myself charmed each time Charlie Cox plays the "Who? Me?" card.

What I did not find charming is an embarrassingly shameless advertisement for Funko pop that briefly annihilates the air of "adult drama" that "Born Again" strives to present. The scene in question, an early conversation between Matt Murdock and Yusuf Kahn, could have seamlessly integrated the "Ms. Marvel" character into the world of Daredevil. Instead, the script strains to remind the audience that Kahn is the father of a superhero. Ms. Marvel is a fun character, and Iman Vellani is a tremendous performer, but it's hard to excuse when a character like her father name drops a brand - with everything but a wink to camera.

The other issue with "Born Again"'s genre episode relates to the state of television storytelling today. In a twenty-two episode season, this sort of departure would be welcome. But as the midpoint of a series who's initial eighteen episode order has already been sliced in half*, "With Interest" can comes across as an interruption of the series momentum - especially considering the absence of the promising new supporting cast.

I've enjoyed "Born Again" quite a bit, and I've been surprisingly pleased by it's successful continuation of the Netflix series' themes. But this episode, while entertaining, reminded me more of the current state of the MCU than the original Daredevil series, unlike the previous four episodes. Thankfully, despite two egregious flashback montages, the following, sixth episode steers the series back on course for an exciting back-half of the season.

*The series' original eighteen episode first season order was cut to nine during the creative overhaul. The remaining nine episodes of the original order were cut to eight and re-ordered as a second season.

This episode may be the weakest so far of this first season, but it's still fun to watch.

Yes, there is a reference to Ms Marvel, a show nobody has watched, me neither, but that reference is not important for understanding the episode's plot.

The bank rob is a classic one, nothing new. Murdock saves the hostages by using his senses and intellect. The villain is a bit blank, there could have been a bit more depth.

All in all this episode is kind of a filler episode, since it does not contribute much to the general story. But it was entertaining nevertheless and Disney gives us 2 episodes this week, so the second one can fulfill our expectations.

Worried a bit that they said this episode is kind of a filler episode but wow it was really fun the way they showed how Matt use his powers! All in all, a really good episode. The action scene was short but brutal, making every moment exciting to watch. I also loved how they added small character moments that made Matt feel even more relatable. Even though it was considered a filler, it still contributed to his development in a meaningful way. Loved the way they showed how Matt had to fight while not making any noice. The cameo was fun too. Overall, it was a great mix of fun, action, and character growth!

Although some are referring to this as a standalone episode, we really don't know yet, do we? 😉 The MCU has an ability to provide that sleight of hand. There are often hidden connections that reveal themselves over time.

This episode, being lighter, strikes me as a theatrical device, a kind of light palate cleanser before diving into the deeper theme of episode 6.

The cameo so many disparage is nothing new in the MCU. The overlapping storylines are part of the MCU charm. But in my opinion, this is another episode showing Matt's increasing unwillingness to step back when the assistance only he can offer is needed. He wants and needs to help and protect.

Let's see where this goes.

Side note: for the reviewer who complained about the "fake" Irish accents, please take a look at the list of actors. The main Irish character grew up in County Cork.