Fisk inspired millions of New Yorkers to elect him as mayor. He's convinced many that his Safer Streets Initiative has improved the city. Yet he's losing control. It's obvious to the people who directly engage with him. He still knows how to craft a convincing narrative. He commands the media. The justice system bends to his will. The outcome is already set. Karen was processed through the normal system. Her trial is expedited in order to lure Matt out of hiding. Fisk succeeds in that regard. Matt and Karen recognize the scheme. They play into it. They see the power that comes from performing for the cameras in the courtroom. It doesn't matter what happens during the trial. Their task is to convince those watching of the dangers of Fisk's power. The Governor has run out of patience for Fisk's scheme. She's ready to revoke the charter that made all of this possible. Matt recruits Dex to ensure she isn't killed. Fisk can't be allowed to wield this influence. He must be stopped. This conflict between Matt and Fisk will only end in death. They have proven incapable of delivering those finishing blows themselves. As such, they force confrontations into happening that require others to make those crucial decisions. It's not fair. It's corrosive to their souls. That's what they must reckon with in order to keep moving forward with their morals.
Daniel believed in Fisk. He felt compelled to take action during the campaign. Fisk and Buck saw something special in Daniel. They made an investment. They hoped it would pay off. Ultimately though, Daniel's love and friendship towards BB was more powerful. It was difficult for him to decide which side to back. He didn't feel good about burying a body upstate. He received praise and attention from Fisk. Loyalty was expected in return. He must deliver BB to Buck. She will die just like her uncle did. Her actions threatened to take down all that Fisk has built. He has already distorted the program that BB established for herself. She was proud of her work. She had to change to gain influence. Daniel was disappointed upon learning she was using their connection for scoops. She was part of the resistance. Things got ugly at City Hall. That violence created an incredible opening for Fisk and his allies to exploit. Daniel was trusted to do the right thing. That meant letting BB escape. She's given the opportunity to survive. Meanwhile, he accepts his fate. He knows what awaits him when he meets Buck. That can't be avoided. He couldn't bear knowing what he did in service to Fisk. He also recognizes that the bill will come due for everyone caught in the mayor's orbit. That includes Buck who shows no hesitation in delivering the kill shot.
Daniel has control in his fate. He accepts punishment. Others lack the self-control necessary to face the world. That starts with Fisk. Karen spots how afraid he is. It allows her to stand firm in her own convictions. He believes this show trial will work out to his benefit. It's not even about Karen. Instead, it's framed around the debate of vigilantes. That's at the core of Matt's identity. He lives within the judicial system. Yet he acts beyond its limitations. He does so in the name of pursuing an even greater justice. He's trying to restore that system after it's been corrupted by Fisk. He's doing so in defense of his friend. He's fighting to stay alive too. The cameras allow this opposing message to Fisk's propaganda to air. The media leaves. The task force stays. Matt isn't safe in the courthouse. He's targeted immediately. He takes a bullet during the confrontation. He sees himself as the greatest lost cause. He has a team of allies willing to support him. He needs them in order to accomplish everything he has this season. It may all be for naught if he can't prevent Fisk from harming the people he cares about. These complications arouse Karen. She has that insight while knowing her approach to right and wrong is different than Matt's. Even on the receiving end of violence, she recognizes that she's in control and able to get under the skin of those who visit her seeking to exploit her words for their benefit.
