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Alright, I have finished binge watching the entire series, and have given myself time to think about it, I have even re watched the first episode. This series is awesome!
I will first talk about the series with no spoilers, but will have some in the second part of this review. Look for the word “SPOILERS”.
The acting is very good, the fight scenes are very realistic, i.e., no ‘one-punch’ knockouts. The cast includes Vincent D’Onofrio as Wilson Fisk (Kingpin) and Deborah Ann Woll (True Blood) as Karen Page. I will also say that Elden Henson does a fantastic job as Foggy Nelson, Matt Murdocks’ partner.
The plot revolves around the beginnings of Daredevils’ crime fighting career, and it borrows heavily from the comics, in particular, my favorite run written by Frank Miller (300, Sin City). If this was a favorite of yours as well, this series will please you quite a bit.
It’s part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which I consider a big plus, since they are building a continuity in the movies, and the tv shows as well, something that isn’t really done outside comics for multiple series, other that tv spinoff shows, like Star Trek.
The writing credits include several current comic book writers, and they are, for the most part, credited after the show. One thing: Wally Wood, the artist who gave us the original red suit and look of DD, is NOT credited or mentioned. Fix this, Netflix. Steve Ditko all over again.
Ok, SPOILERS to follow:
This show takes the long way to building a super hero, including some of my favorite bits left out from the movie: STICK! Is in this series, played by Scott Glenn, and Kingpins’ main lady, (and motivating force) Vanessa (Ayelet Zurer)!
Kingpin is played a bit soft spoken for my tastes, but I can live with that since there is a volcano of violence, lurking just beneath the surface (Squeamish viewers beware). There are also a ton of Easter Eggs, like: Leland Owlsly, played by Bob Gunton with peevish perfection, Who is the Owl? We also are introduced to Millers version of the Gladiator (Melvin Potter), played by Matt Gerald, and we see designs for the Stilt-man suit, briefly. And Stan Lee’s one appearance doesn’t happen until the last episode, and only in a picture. That’s all you get on that. You also have to wait for the last episode to see the actual ‘super clothes’ DD will wear for ( I hope) the next season. One last thing, in the Miller series, Daredevil had a favorite punching bag, a thug named ‘Turk’ who is all through this series, just another bit of writing goodness for all us fans.
If I had anything, ANYHTING at all that bothered me it was the resemblance of the lead actor, Charlie Cox, to Will Forte. Hope it doesn’t bother you.