Binge Watch Wednesday - Daredevil

by Lauren

In the wake of the devastation to parts of New York after The Avengers, Hell’s Kitchen is left in ruin. Street gangs and shady corporate thugs band together under a mysterious leader for control of this forgotten and crime-ridden community. Out of the chaos, rumors of a masked vigilante hero protecting the people of Hell’s Kitchen spreads... 

OK - so it’s been two weeks since Netflix released the first in its new series of original Marvel dramas, Daredevil. If any of you follow us on Twitter (@geekgirlsinc), you know I tweeted each episode as I watched it, which was, unfortunately, not non-stop like I wanted.

 (Stupid life and responsibilities getting in the way of a perfectly good Binge…)

Actually it is a perfectly GREAT binge. I've been the girl harassing everyone I know to watch it, like some high school peer pressure drug pusher - but really, it is THAT good. Every person who watched it on recommendation was hooked in the first 10 minutes.  My husband and I watched the 13 episode season together (which is rare we both like a show) in 2-3 episode chunks - it took about a week.

Before I get into my thoughts on the show, let me say that it has been so overwhelmingly successful (second only to GoT in piracy) that they have already announced season two for 2016 - to air along with the already  planned “Defenders” series (AKA  Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist & The Defenders).

So on to the show - as spoiler free as I can…

I begin with a warning. This show is violent. It is brutal. You will look away from the screen, flinching from the rage and the bloody beatings – it is not for children. This is grown up comic book time - and I loved every minute of it. The dark and gloomy lighting and the harsh angle framing is straight out of Frank Miller’s Man Without Fear series in the 90s. The fight choreography is incredible. The long, cinematic single-shot takes are gorgeous and seamlessly woven into the action. So you may look away, but only for a moment - and then come right back for more.

The main characters over the series are able to develop into real 3-dimensional characters, without relying on stereotypical comic book tropes. The damsel in distress is no damsel and can handle herself. The comedic best friend is no coward or push-over. The reporter isn’t just an excuse for exposition. The villain isn’t just evil for evil sake; he has his own reasons and is the hero of his own story. The villain’s girlfriend isn’t just arm candy. I could go on…

The cast is spot-on amazing. Charlie Cox is so impressive here. Most people will tell you that 75% of acting is in the eyes.  He spends most of the series in an eye-less mask or behind red glasses and yet you feel his conviction, charm, regret, pain…  ALL the feels.  

I also have to congratulate him on not resorting to the “Batman voice” when in the mask. He also strikes a very impressive hero silhouette…

Vincent D’Onofrio as Wilson Fisk doesn’t appear until the end of episode 3, but he really does steal the entire series. His characterization is so vulnerable and awkward, almost child-like, which is harshly juxtaposed with his sudden acts rage and violence. He is clearly unhinged deep in his soul (and you get to see why) but truly believes he is doing the right thing. He is one of the most fully developed “villains” I've seen on any comic book series - or movie for that matter.

Deborah Ann Woll was always my favorite on True Blood. I was super stoked to see her in this series, and even more excited that her Karen Page was a complex, gutsy and strong female character that has depths we have only seen glimpses of. She is not “the girlfriend,” she is an investigator, a partner, a fierce friend, and a bit of a hero in her own right. I can’t wait to learn more about her in season 2.

Rounding out the main cast are scheming right-hand-man, Wesley (Toby Leonard Moore), mysterious, art-dealer love interest, Vanessa (Ayelet Zurer), savior nurse, Claire (Rosario Dawson, ), old-school reporter, Ben Urich (Vondie Curtis-Hall ) and best friend / law partner, Foggy Nelson (Elden Henson). These characters all get to have fantastic moments and drive the plot and the main three forward like an oncoming runaway train.

The rest you just need to see for yourself... Origin story flashbacks! There's a ninja. A blind assassin. Earnest courtroom speeches. Murder, mayhem, explosions! Bar-room bonding. College flashbacks with shaggy wigs. Abs...

... sorry got distracted.  It also has mysterious figures that will probably be important later...

Seriously. Watch it. Then take a break, watch some Orphan Black, some Game of Thrones and then binge watch it again this summer.

Have you watched it yet? What did you guys think?