With the launch of Disney+ in November 2019, the Marvel shows on Netflix were officially axed. It was unknown if the characters in these shows would ever make another appearance in Marvel media outside of their comic series. 

But “Spiderman: No Way Home” and Disney’s “Hawkeye” confirm that the characters from Netflix’s “Daredevil” are new factors in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. 

“Daredevil” was released in 2015 and ended after three seasons in 2018. The show follows Matt Murdock, a blind lawyer with enhanced senses, as he tries to protect Hell’s Kitchen, New York through his vigilante persona, Daredevil.

Viewers of 2021’s “Spiderman: No Way Home” may recognize Matt as Peter Parker’s mysterious lawyer. 

Despite the show being released seven years ago, it’s worth a watch for any Marvel fan who may not be aware of its existence. Recognizing recent references to the show makes them much better.  

Season one of “Daredevil” covers Matt’s journey as he tries to uncover the corruption and influence that Wilson Fisk, aka Kingpin, has over Hell’s Kitchen. 

During the day he works with his best friend, Foggy, to fight Fisk through the law. The two friends own a beginning law firm and are joined by Karen Page, who helps them at the firm and does her own investigations into Fisk. 

By night, Matt dons a black mask and uses his physical skill to intimidate and apprehend criminals around Hell’s Kitchen, many of whom work for Kingpin. 

The name Kingpin may sound familiar, and that’s because he was recently introduced as a villain in the 2021 Disney+ show “Hawkeye.” 

When I watched “Hawkeye,” I hadn’t watched “Daredevil.” Looking back on Kingpin’s introduction, it feels ominous knowing the widespread corruption and manipulation he is capable of in “Daredevil.”

“Daredevil” is unlike anything in the MCU I’ve ever watched. With its mature rating, the show is gruesome and covers dark themes. It deals with human trafficking, drug trafficking and more. But it’s oddly refreshing to see realistic themes in Marvel, as opposed to the killer aliens of the “Avengers” series. 

The graphic violence also gives more humanity to Daredevil. Seeing him emerge from a fight limping and groaning, while covered in deep cuts and blood, feels more realistic than seeing Captain America with a small scratch on his cheek. 

I also like that Matt Murdock is a flawed character. He lies to his friends about his identity, often leading to hurt feelings. Matt also makes it a rule not to kill anyone, but that doesn’t stop him from putting people in the hospital because of their injuries. 

Though Foggy and Karen often put Matt in his place after he wrongs them. It’s nice to have a show where the viewers are given plenty of options to form their own opinion of the main character. 

The actors add to the show’s success. Charlie Cox’s portrayal of Matt Murdock is fantastic. His physical acting looks very natural, and he showcases Matt’s negative traits while still making him a likable character. In the same way that Robert Downey Jr. embodies Iron Man, Charlie Cox embodies Matt Murdock. 

Vincent D’Onofrio portrays Kingpin in a smarmy, yet aloof, manner that makes him one of the most irritating characters I’ve ever encountered. But his moments of uncontrollable anger show Kingpin’s emotional immaturity, making it an incredibly nuanced performance. He commands the screen and the viewer’s attention in all of his scenes. 

I believe Kingpin is one of Marvel’s best villains because of this, and I’m both dreading and looking forward to seeing more of him in new MCU projects. 

With a great cast of characters, realistic themes and compelling moral dilemmas, “Daredevil” has now become one of my favorite Marvel projects, and I’m disappointed I didn’t know about it sooner. 

So while we’re in a period without any new Marvel releases, take the time to try out “Daredevil.” It might impress you just as it did me.