SPOILER ALERT: This article contains spoilers for Daredevil: Born Again.
The tragic and abrupt death of Foggy Nelson in Daredevil: Born Again has left a lasting scar on Matt Murdock and the entire narrative of the series. Right from the opening minutes of Episode 1, Foggy’s demise sets the tone for the brutal and emotionally charged storyline ahead. His death not only reshapes Matt’s trajectory but also raises questions about how the series is handling its most pivotal losses.
The Brutality of Foggy’s Final Moments
In a heart-wrenching sequence, Foggy is struck down with devastating finality. His death occurs so swiftly that he doesn’t even get a last word or gesture before passing. As his heartbeat fades, Matt—overcome with rage—lashes out at Bullseye, nearly killing him in the process. This intense moment not only solidifies Bullseye’s ruthlessness but also pushes Matt toward a dangerous moral precipice.
Adding to the chaos, Bullseye’s fall lands him near Karen Page, who, in a moment of confusion, appears to believe it’s Matt who has fallen. This gut-wrenching misperception sets the stage for further emotional turmoil and separation between the series’ core characters.
Moving On Too Quickly? The Fast-Forward Effect
Despite the emotional weight of Foggy’s death, Daredevil: Born Again makes a bold choice by jumping forward a full year in its timeline. The immediate time skip seemingly sidesteps the raw aftermath of his passing, leaving fans with a sense of unresolved grief. Karen Page exits the series shortly after Bullseye’s conviction—another major event that happens entirely off-screen.
Instead of dwelling on the emotional fallout, the show introduces Kirsten McDuffie as Matt’s new legal partner. While she quickly becomes a key ally, her presence raises the question: has she effectively replaced Foggy Nelson? Although her dynamic with Matt is engaging, she lacks the deep history and understanding that Foggy had of both Matt’s legal career and his life as Daredevil. With Kirsten currently unaware of Matt’s alter ego, the series seems to be treading familiar ground once again.
The Need to Honor Foggy Nelson’s Legacy
While Daredevil: Born Again uses Foggy’s death as a catalyst for its plot, the concern remains: will his legacy receive the weight it deserves? Elden Henson’s portrayal of Foggy Nelson was integral to the original Daredevil series, making him more than just Matt Murdock’s best friend—he was the grounding force that kept Matt from losing himself completely to his vigilante persona.
The show must ensure that Foggy’s death continues to have a meaningful impact beyond just being an inciting incident. With reports confirming Henson’s return for Daredevil: Born Again Season 2, there’s hope that the show will revisit Foggy’s story, possibly through flashbacks or deeper emotional reckonings for Matt.
A Shocking Twist: The Punisher’s Potential Role
The impact of tragic deaths continues beyond Foggy. Episode 3 delivers another shocking moment when Hector Ayala, also known as White Tiger, is killed shortly after his trial. The ambiguity surrounding his shooter—who wears a black outfit featuring the Punisher’s skull logo—leaves room for speculation. Was this truly Frank Castle, or is the show using his symbol to introduce a new antagonist?
If the real Punisher is responsible, his sudden and violent return would create major implications for Matt Murdock, who has long wrestled with his own moral code. With Bullseye still lurking in the background, Daredevil: Born Again is setting up a complex web of justice, vengeance, and redemption.
The Road Ahead for Daredevil and the MCU
With so much emotional weight already packed into the first few episodes, the challenge for Daredevil: Born Again is to balance its fast-paced storytelling with deeper emotional payoffs. While introducing new characters and conflicts is essential, Foggy Nelson’s death deserves continued exploration rather than being just a footnote in Matt’s journey.
As the series progresses, fans will be watching closely to see how Matt Murdock continues to evolve without his closest friend. With the potential return of Bullseye, the looming presence of Wilson Fisk, and the mystery surrounding the Punisher, Daredevil: Born Again is shaping up to be one of the most intense chapters in the MCU yet.
New episodes of Daredevil: Born Again release Tuesdays on Disney+.
