"Would you like fries with that and, OMG, have you seen Daredevil?!?!"
"Your total comes to 32.50 and you should really watch Daredevil."
"You haven't seen Daredevil? I don't think we can be friends anymore."
I was beginning to think Netflix had implemented some sort of word-of-mouth affiliate program or maybe, just maybe, Daredevil was just that good.
I really wanted to watch Daredevil but I was still a little gun shy after Ben Affleck's embarrassing portrayal of Matt Murdock in 2003. Damn you, Ben Affleck! (And don't even get me started about his upcoming Batman role.)
For those who are new to the whole Daredevil franchise, Daredevil is the vigilante alter ego of Matt Murdock. As a child, Murdock was involved in a toxic waste spill that robbed him of his sight but left his remaining senses in a super heightened state. Little Matt's dad is killed by gangsters and, as an adult, he vows revenge. He also becomes a lawyer. When you're a masked vigilante, it's good to work both sides of the law that way.
Matt's back story is very well developed. The show's writers also took the time to develop the back story of his nemesis Wilson Fisk, aka Kingpin (although he is never referenced as such in the show). A gritty, dark New York City (chiefly, the neighborhood of Hell's Kitchen) is the perfect backdrop for each episode's round of underdog versus heavyweight champion. I'm awarding bonus points for the use of my favorite dramatic device: the Batman voice. Almost every character, big and small, uses the husky whisper at some point in the show and it is nothing short of hilarious every. single. time.
| I'm Batman. |
I'd give Daredevil a seven out of ten. The episodes' 55 minute run times can actually get a bit tedious. However, the longer run time allows Daredevil to pack in plenty of (sometimes unnecessary) action (Seriously, who needs to back flip from rooftop to rooftop?) and bad guy ass-kicking but there is also drama and raw emotion and a pinch of romance. Something for everyone! Or maybe just you. I won't tell anyone about your sensitive side.