Review: Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 Episode 4

If you thought last week’s episode delivered shocks, episode 4 of Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 takes things to another level. This episode delivers non-stop action, devastating twists, and emotional depth. From Bullseye’s carnage to Christofi’s confession, and the fabulous return of Mr. Charles, “Gloves Off” is a masterclass in Marvel storytelling. The stakes have never been higher, and no one is safe.

Read below for our spoiler-heavy review:

The story opens in Benjamin Poindexter’s apartment, revealing Bullseye’s rather mundane morning routine. But from the moment he orchestrates a fake tip to the police, sending the AVTF after Frank Castle, you know he’s about to unleash pure mayhem. In one of the most brutal, stylish action sequences yet, he kills every AVTF officer in the diner using every object he can grab. After the massacre, he calmly tells the a patron that he’s one of the good guys—highlighting Bullseye’s recent, twisted “heroism”.

Meanwhile, we get another Fake Kingpin video, exposing the Northern Star explosion and linking it to Mayor Fisk’s upcoming charity fight, which is alleged to be a front for money laundering. The masked BB is hot on the trail, adding layers to the conspiracy.

Karen Page starts documenting testimonials from rescued prisoners, while Daredevil tries to recruit Swordsman, who declines but calls Daredevil a symbol of hope, not just a hero, setting a poignant tone for the series. Angela Del Toro, who is assuming the mantle of White Tiger, steps up to help, and Daredevil tests her understanding of the responsibility that comes with her amulet. Just then, Christofi Savva—the missing first mate—shows up, shocking the team.

Christofi’s testimony is a bombshell: he confirms the Northern Star carried illegal weapons, all signed off by Kingpin, but cleverly covered up. This revelation sets Daredevil and Karen on new paths. Their mutual “I love you” before Matt heads out was a slight surprise and seemed to tease tragedy ahead.
The political intrigue deepens as Fisk and Buck Cashman are interrupted by Mr. Charles. They argue over the weapons with Mr. Charles pressing Fisk, but Fisk asserts his authority. Although Mr. Charles has armed backup, Buck quickly dispatches them and aims at Mr. Charles. Kingpin assures him the shipment will be on time and urges patience before leaving Mr. Charles frustrated.

Vanessa meets with Governor McCaffrey. The Governor expresses concern for her, questioning her loyalty to Fisk and whether she can temper his darkness. Vanessa stands by Wilson, earning the Governor’s support for both herself and her husband.

Angela’s covert delivery of an SD card, presumably containing escapee testimonials, adds a layer of suspense. Matt, disguised as an AVTF officer, investigates the aftermath at the diner and discovers a clue—a token from Our Lady of Grace—which leads him to the church. There, he learns Bullseye lives close by. The subsequent confrontation in Bullseye’s apartment escalates quickly, with Bullseye taking his elderly neighbor hostage and revealing his intention to kill Fisk to make up for past sins. Daredevil disarms him, but Bullseye escapes, setting up the episode’s final act.

Christofi’s video confession ties Kingpin directly to the Northern Star disaster and arms trafficking, and he waits for the US Marshals. Meanwhile, BB receives the SD card, and Blake, suspicious, stays quiet. In the locker room, Fisk prepares for his fight, surrounded by increasing AVTF security, and orders Buck to tie up loose ends—foreshadowing the violence to come.

The fight itself is brutal, with Fisk dominating his opponent until Vanessa’s arrival distracts him. Simultaneously, Buck intercepts Christofi and the Marshals, killing them all to eliminate evidence. Fisk becomes even more vicious in the ring, ultimately claiming victory as Vanessa congratulates him.

Just as the Fisks seem triumphant, Bullseye launches a deadly attack, murdering AVTF officers and targeting Vanessa. In a suspenseful twist, Vanessa manages to shoot Bullseye, but he still takes out Kingpin’s guards. Kingpin nearly finishes Bullseye, but Daredevil intervenes, saving his adversary and escaping together. Fisk orders the AVTF to pursue them, but the episode’s final gut punch comes: Bullseye did not miss—he struck Vanessa. She collapses, blood streaming, and Kingpin desperately calls for an ambulance as the credits roll on the series finest episode to date.