As Fisk moves into swanky new digs amid a public outcry, Matt wrestles with how far he's ready to go to right this wrong. Dex's aim comes into focus.
In 2018, it makes no sense to provide full-length reviews of each individual episode for shows released all at once on the streaming services. Sure, there are some shows out there that value the power of the episode. They do make a point in differentiating each episode to ensure it's not just one big slog to the finish. However, the ability to watch the entire season at one's own viewing pace has largely changed the way we consume and discuss these shows. So, some brief summary thoughts are really all that's actually necessary with these seasons. As such, here are my latest thoughts on the next episode of Netflix's Daredevil.
"No Good Deed" was written by Sonay Hoffman and directed by Jennifer Getzinger
Are people capable of change? That appears to be the central question of the story this season. Matt believes that people fundamentally stay the same. Some situations may require them to act a little differently. But they will always revert back to the personalities that have always been on display. As such, he is immediately distrustful of the news that Wilson Fisk has been released from prison. He just sees it as one big con that will lead to even more people being injured and killed. Meanwhile, the show is also teasing the audience that there may not be more to Fisk than what he is currently portraying to the FBI agents. He is still in federal custody. He was saved by Agent Poindexter, who immediately presents as a disturbed, vicious and dangerous individual. Right now though, Fisk only comes across as being genuinely concerned about Vanessa's safety. He is doing all of this to save her. She shouldn't have to suffer from his crimes even if she was complicit in them. He is falling on his sword for love. That's the way this story has been told. It's the story given to Matt when he confronts the lawyer and has to beat up six federal agents in order to escape. Of course, Matt doesn't buy into that narrative. He just sees a dangerous individual once again manipulating his way into control. The FBI is quick to note that Fisk hasn't been released as a free man. He is still a prisoner. He just now happens to be living in a penthouse suite in a building that may actually be owned by Fisk. That's actually the tease that may prove he is up to something more nefarious. That's always the perception the audience should have when it comes to Fisk. And yet, there still needs to be a difference between the man locked up in that suite and the projections that the other characters are seeing. Matt, Foggy and Karen haven't actually interacted with the man in prison this season. They know what he is capable of because of his past actions. They don't believe he could be reformed. In fact, they are all willing to fight to prove that the FBI shouldn't have trusted him in the first place. That should be apparent to the audience as well - especially with Ray also being in extreme debt which could make him susceptible to blackmail. But it's also compelling to see how damaging this perspective is to Matt. He has been walking a very dark path this season. He has lost his faith in God. He no longer wishes to live as Matt Murdock. The projection of Fisk sees it all as a suicide attempt. Matt tried to kill himself. He lacked the conviction to do so just like he did when given the opportunity to stop Fisk once and for all. It's his mind continuing to play tricks on him. But it's actually working as well. Matt becomes increasingly violent throughout this hour. He makes the appeal to his friends to stay as far away from this as possible. That's not going to work. They will want more answers from Matt who has suddenly revealed that he is still alive. They want their friend back even though Matt Murdock is gone and Daredevil remains. That's an ominous statement because Daredevil is willing to just let out all of his anger on one FBI agent who is simply doing his job. Daredevil doesn't walk into this hotel with a solid plan. He is just trying to understand everything that is currently going on with Fisk. And yet, he still finds himself in a position where his anger is dictating him to act with violence even though that still may not be the best course of action where it comes to taking down this villain. But again, it's understandable because Matt doesn't want anyone else to get hurt because of the choice he made.
