Daredevil: Born Again – Episode 3 "Sic Semper Systema" Review: A Momentary Respite Before the Storm
"Sic Semper Systema," the third episode of Daredevil: Born Again, delivers a somewhat lighter tone than its predecessors, offering a brief respite from the overwhelming darkness that has permeated Matt Murdock’s corner of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While the ever-present threat of the serial killer Muse lingers in the background, this episode focuses on a more low-stakes case for Matt, allowing both him and the audience a chance to catch their breath after the gut-wrenching events of the previous week. The episode also welcomes the return of a familiar face, Jon Bernthal’s Frank Castle, who makes the most of his limited screen time, injecting a dose of raw intensity into the narrative.
The episode is neatly divided, offering substantial storylines for both Matt Murdock and Wilson Fisk. Fisk’s narrative is equally split between his political machinations and his increasingly disturbing personal life. In the former, he faces a significant setback when investigative journalist BB Urich publishes confidential information regarding the Red Hook ports and union busting activities. The leak originates from Fisk’s ambitious, yuppie assistant, Daniel Blake, portrayed with unsettlingly charming smarminess by Michael Gandolfini.
Previous episodes hinted at Daniel’s aspirations to climb the corporate ladder, bypassing his immediate supervisor, Sheila, to curry favor with Fisk himself. "Sic Semper Systema" delves deeper into this dynamic, leaving viewers questioning whether Daniel is genuinely buying into Fisk’s vision or if he has ulterior motives. Regardless, the young man manages an impressive feat: admitting his transgression while simultaneously convincing Fisk to retain his services. This scene is a masterclass in manipulation, highlighting Fisk’s own vulnerabilities and Daniel’s surprising cunning.
Despite the seriousness of the information leak, this interaction proves to be the least stressful aspect of Fisk’s workday. He is forced to endure not one, but two, excruciating renditions of Starship’s "We Built This City," first by a group of off-key schoolchildren and then again at a formal event at the Latvian embassy. The latter, thankfully, manages to stay on pitch, providing a sliver of relief in an otherwise torturous experience. The scene serves as a darkly comedic interlude, underscoring the absurdity and banality that can coexist with the darkness of Fisk’s world.
Meanwhile, at home, the episode provides a deeper understanding of Vanessa’s affair with the enigmatic artist, Adam. Through a therapy session with Heather, Matt’s girlfriend and a trained psychologist, Vanessa reveals the profound sense of betrayal she felt when Fisk re-entered prison after the events orchestrated by Daredevil. This act of abandonment triggered deep-seated feelings of suffocation, reminiscent of her childhood experiences witnessing her father’s infidelity. Her relationship with Adam, therefore, becomes a reclamation of her agency, a desperate attempt to regain control over her life after being manipulated by Matt into forcing her husband back behind bars.
Despite appearances, Vanessa is far from helpless. She possesses a keen understanding of her husband’s nature, acknowledging his volatile tendencies. Her suspicions regarding Fisk’s interactions with Adam are immediately confirmed: a simple "man-to-man conversation" is, in reality, code for Adam’s imprisonment in a clandestine cage, where Fisk inflicts psychological torment by dining in front of his captive. This revelation, while shocking, is hardly the most heinous act Fisk has committed since his reintroduction in Hawkeye. The episode subtly hints at further, more sinister plans for Adam, raising the stakes and foreshadowing future conflict.
Matt, meanwhile, is grappling with the weight of Hector’s murder. A seemingly simple petty larceny case involving Leroy Bradford, played by Charlie Hudson III, offers a welcome distraction from his grief and guilt. Matt, leveraging his charm and legal acumen, seeks to obtain the most lenient sentence possible for his client. Despite Leroy’s pleas for probation and aversion to any jail time, Matt is unable to secure his freedom.
Leroy’s plight highlights the systemic injustices prevalent in New York City, where minor offenses are often met with disproportionately harsh penalties. He articulates how his prior convictions cast a long shadow, trapping him in a cycle of poverty and crime. The scene underscores the inherent unfairness of the system, painting a portrait of inescapable victimhood.
Matt is further confronted with the consequences of his actions upon meeting Hector’s niece, Angela Del Toro, at the morgue. He is forced to acknowledge his role in the city’s broken state, stemming from his abandonment of Daredevil and his exposure of Hector’s vigilante activities. Foggy’s final words, imploring Matt not to give his friend a reason to suit up again, resonate deeply. Matt wrestles with the realization that his absence has exacerbated the injustices he once fought against, fueling his internal conflict.
The episode culminates in the highly anticipated return of Frank Castle. Jon Bernthal reprises his role with his signature intensity, reminding viewers of the complex and intertwined histories of Matt and Frank. In the absence of Karen, Frank represents Matt’s sole remaining connection to his past life. The Punisher embodies the raw rage and desire for retribution that Matt refuses to fully embrace, particularly in light of Foggy’s death.
While the details of Frank’s activities since the conclusion of The Punisher’s second season remain shrouded in mystery, likely to be explored in his upcoming standalone project, his presence serves a crucial purpose. He vehemently condemns the Punisher-inspired cops, expressing his utter disdain for their twisted interpretation of justice. More importantly, he subtly encourages Matt to revert to his "candy-ass hero shit," suggesting that the world needs Daredevil now more than ever.
Matt’s recent confrontation with the corrupt police officers in the previous episode has awakened something within him, reigniting the temptation to embrace his vigilante persona. While he remains hesitant to fully commit to becoming Daredevil once again, his conversation with Frank alleviates his guilt and reinforces his desire to protect the innocent. The episode concludes with a tantalizing tease of what is to come, hinting that Matt will soon find compelling reasons to embrace his heroic destiny. The announcement that two episodes of Daredevil: Born Again will be released next week further fuels anticipation, leaving viewers eagerly awaiting the next chapter in Matt Murdock’s journey. The future looks dangerous and exciting for Matt.
