By Landon Hilst | Echo
Back in October, Netflix cancelled two of Marvel superhero shows: "Iron Fist" and "Luke Cage."
With two popular characters being cut from the future Marvel Netflix slate, and no confirmation on the renewals of the survivors so far, "Jessica Jones," "The Punisher" and "The Defenders," a dark cloud has loomed over the premiere of the newest season of "Daredevil."
"Daredevil" was the series that started the entirety of Marvel's corner of the Netflix streaming service. Having been released to much critical success in early 2015, and a second season just two years later, fans of the series were eagerly awaiting a third season for the blind superhero.
In the meantime, they could look forward to seeing Matthew Murdock suit up in the ensemble series "The Defenders," which co-starred the other street level superheroes from New York such as Luke Cage, Iron Fist and Jessica Jones.
Matthew Murdock begins season three of "Daredevil" in a tough spot. The shadowy organization known as the Hand that has plagued Murdock for so long has finally been dealt with, but at a costly price to Matt's own body and moral state. Matt is struggling to regain his purpose and sense of self after his years of being Daredevil.
With his faith in God and himself in question, Matt Murdock's life is thrown into further spiral when Wilson Fisk, the master criminal Kingpin of Hell's Kitchen from season one, comes back into play. Fisk has a vendetta against the blind lawyer who imprisoned him and will stop at nothing to tear Matt's life to rubble.
The third season of "Daredevil" goes back to its roots that propelled season one to legendary status. Season two faltered for having an unfocused story and too much set up for future story ideas. The season three showrunner, Erik Oleson, offers up a tight, centered story around Wilson Fisk's devastating plans for Murdock and company, and the lengths Daredevil must go to bring him down.
Vincent D'Onofrio and Charlie Cox are the best they have ever been in their roles as Wilson Fisk and Matthew Murdock, respectively. They have truly made these characters their own and portray every ounce of passion, love and rage the script demands of them. This is their show and they make every second on screen count.
Daredevil's shift in tone is shown in his return to the black costume and mask featured back in the first season, while Fisk's rise as New York's criminal kingpin is represented in him donning the iconic white suit from the comic books, a new and very welcomed addition to the series.
Fans of the "Daredevil" comic books will surely be pleased with another new addition: special agent Benjamin Poindexter, portrayed by Wilson Bethel. When added to the usual cast, Bethel adds a rawness to "Dex" that makes him a standout and, with any luck, a series regular in future seasons. Deborah Ann Woll is also exceptional as Karen Paige, the tormented New York Bulletin Journalist ever caught up in Matt's life as a costumed vigilante.
Although the future of the series, and Marvel's status on Netflix as a whole, is in question, "Daredevil" still remains the strongest show among the superhero bunch. It rises above the troubles in season two and once again regains the brutal tone and pace from season one.
The cast is excellent, the story compelling, and the action gripping. The stunts and hand-to-hand choreography are a marvel to behold, including a stunning one shot fight sequence that has become a staple of the series. "Daredevil" is better than ever, totally deserving of a fourth season and holding onto it's mantle as king of the superhero television shows.
