Vanessa wasn't quite as dead as she was perceived to be at the close of the previous episode. She's in the process of dying. She's rushed to the hospital. Fisk requires the city's best surgeons work on her. He's desperate to save her. The conclusion offers the same outcome all over again. Vanessa wakes up following brain surgery. She asks for pineapple juice and for Fisk to tell her the story of how they met. And then, she flatlines with the doctors and nurses once again trying to save her. It appears to be fatal. Yet that could have been said from her initial injuries. The episode cuts to black before confirming her fate. The audience should be cautious about reading into things. It seems likely that she's died. That will inform Fisk's rage moving forward. But again, that was clear a week ago. Vanessa's death is dragged out to include flashbacks to the start of their relationship. These scenes recontextualize things a little bit. Vanessa's initial reaction to "Rabbit in a Snowstorm" is depicted. She sees its value. She's hoping to find someone who also stares into the abyss projecting their sense of isolation onto the piece. That's precisely how Fisk behaved. As such, they were kindred spirits from the start. Losing her would upset Fisk as he's an emotionally volatile boy in the body of an imposing man. He wields so much power now. He's more public as the mayor of New York City. His influence is even more impressive and daunting than when he used to operated in the shadows where his name could never be spoken.
Matt reflects on the past as well in the hopes of helping him make a crucial decision about Dex. He intervened before Dex could kill Vanessa. The injuries were still fatal. Daredevil's presence meant Fisk would target him despite not being the man behind the assassination. Death and consequences are inevitable. That's the perspective Dex offers. They can't be avoided. He tries to atone for killing Foggy by killing the woman who ordered the hit. That's not to provide peace for Matt. It's not what Daredevil needs to improve the city. It's about balance for Dex. This is his view of justice. He's at peace with whatever comes next because order has been restored. Matt could leave him to fend on his own. He would likely succumb to his own injuries. However, Matt receives a lesson in mercy thanks to Foggy. The flashback story details how Foggy extended grace to his childhood bully. Matt saw prison as where Ray belonged. Foggy understood the responsibility as Ray's lawyer to put on the best defense he could. That resulted in getting him released with the charges dropped completely. He provided money so Ray could start over. He didn't have to be defined by the mistakes of his past. He was given the chance at a better life. Foggy felt good about that. That morality uplifted him in Matt's eyes. It made him want to be better. And so, he returns to save Dex from the task force. Karen may not agree with his decision. At least the show presents a better case for why Matt would make this choice.
Buck is seen in the past too. He's recruited by Fisk and his former associate Wesley to kill Ray. He's not successful in that job. That's not held against him. He's now the one firmly by Fisk's side doing whatever is asked of him. In the present day, he needs to ensure Daniel will behave the same way. The Deputy Mayor of Communications continues to leak details to BB. The public knows which hospital Vanessa is at because of what Daniel shares. He fears Buck's taking him on a drive upstate to kill him for this mistake. He's terrified when he pulls over for Buck to buy a shovel and a saw. The tools aren't for him. They're for the body that's been in the trunk this whole time. The point of the story was to pull Daniel even further into the darkness of Fisk's world. He's risen quickly through the ranks of power. This is the cost of that promotion. He must be willing to pay it. This is what unquestioned loyalty to Fisk is. Any betrayal will result in death. Daniel knew that. Now, he's involved in covering it up. All of these stories have emotionally resonant moments. It's easy to see how they're connected thematically. However, the narrative can't help but feel disjointed along the way too. Matt and Dex's personal journey is much more compelling. Fisk's devastation over losing Vanessa is powerful. The intricate character work requires bold choices. They are certainly being made this season. How they work in tandem with one another ultimately decides the overall effectiveness though.
