DD7Matt is persuaded to help his old mentor with a mission…

There are some interesting similarities between this episode of Daredevil and the most recent episode of Agents of SHIELD, Melinda. Both feature flashbacks to one of the heroes’ earlier lives, and both are centred around the fate of a child – and on this rare occasion, it’s the network show that actually handles that facet better. Here, we’re simply told by Stick – a fantastic performance by Scott Glenn – that he has dealt with the weapon he was after… which, in the “trust no one” world of Daredevil, probably means that he didn’t.

The fight sequences were up to their usual standard, with young Matt (Skylar Gaertner) more than holding his own in scenes with Glenn both verbally and physically. The crumpled bracelet’s reappearance came rather earlier than I’d anticipated – I really thought that would be something held back for later in the run, unless, of course, this is Stick’s only appearance. And as for who Stick is talking to at the end – is this a small teaser for The Defenders?

Elsewhere, Foggy, Ben and Karen finally become a (moderately) united team, although Karen is now painfully aware of Foggy’s feelings for her – and her feelings for him are obviously conflicted. Stick’s words about the pain that Matt’s actions will bring on his friends hang over these scenes, particularly when you remember the condition that Ben’s wife is already in…

Verdict: Another very different sort of episode that works well. 8/10

Paul Simpson

Leave a comment