Daredevil: Born Againcontinues to reshape theMarvelTV landscape with bold choices that tie back to its predecessor in increasingly complex ways, especially after the shock reveal in episode 8. The revival series inthe MCU timelineretained several key elements from the Netflix original, including its stellar cast and tone. One other aspect carried over intoDaredevil: Born Againwas seeded in the original series, which came to the surface during episode 8’s surprise ending.

Daredevil: Born Againepisode 8delivers a shocking revelation that reframes the central tragedy of this new series. For much of the season, Matt Murdock operated under the belief that Wilson Fisk, a.k.a. Kingpin, orchestrated the murder of his closest friend, Foggy Nelson. However, episode 8 reveals a different truth: it wasn’t Fisk who ordered the hit – it was his wife, Vanessa Fisk. This twist recalls elements established in the original Netflix show.

Daredevil from Daredevil Born Again and Tom Hollan’s Spider-man

Daredevil Teased Vanessa Would Become Part Of New York’s Criminal Underworld Long Before Daredevil: Born Again

Vanessa Has Been Slowly Entering Fisk’s Criminal World

While shocking, Vanessa’s role in Foggy’s murder doesn’t come completely out of left field – far from it. Her journey from outsider to potential crime boss was subtly but clearlyforeshadowed across multiple seasons of the originalNetflixDaredevilshow. From her very first appearance, Vanessa has been calm, observant, and unnervingly accepting of Fisk’s violent lifestyle. Her love story with Fisk isn’t so much about redemption as it is about shared darkness.

Daredevil: Born Again Perfectly Sets Up Spider-Man: Brand New Day According To Convincing MCU Movie Theory

Kingpin’s actions as Mayor of New York City in Daredevil: Born Again offer the perfect set-up for the MCU’s upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

One of the most striking aspects of Vanessa’s early characterization is how quickly she acclimates to the truth about Fisk. When he reveals his criminal ties and brutal methods, Vanessa doesn’t run –she leans in. Unlike most characters who discover the extent of Fisk’s violence and recoil, Vanessa processes it with alarming ease. She’s curious, pragmatic, and even supportive.

Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox) and Vanessa (Ayelet Zurer) talking while dancing together in Daredevil: Born Again Season 1 Ep 8

InDaredevilseason 1, Vanessa doesn’t just tolerate Fisk’s brutality – she seems to admire his conviction. And as the show progresses, it becomes increasingly clear that shedoesn’t merely want to be his partner in romance, but also in power. By season 3, the idea that Vanessa could be the true mastermind behind certain decisions starts to feel more than plausible – it feels inevitable.

Vanessa Actively Entered Fisk’s Criminal Empire In Daredevil Season 3

Image via Disney+

The real turning point for Vanessa’s arc comes inDaredevilseason 3. After being kept in hiding due to threats against her life, she finally returns in the latter half of the season – and immediately wants in. No longer content to watch from the sidelines, Vanessa asks Fisk tolet her in on the inner workingsof his criminal empire. She doesn’t shy away from the blood on his hands – she wants to understand how the whole machine works.

After Daredevil: Born Again Episode 7, Here Are 10 Things We Need To See In The Final Two Episodes

After an explosive first season and a gripping episode 7, Daredevil: Born Again has some crucial narratives to address in the upcoming finale.

It’s a moment that fundamentally changes the nature of their relationship. Vanessa isn’t just his weakness anymore; she’s his consigliere. When Ray Nadeem is murdered, Vanessa doesn’t merely accept it – she comments on how clean the kill was,a small but disturbing notethat underscores her comfort with lethal efficiency.

Daredevil, Punisher, and Karen Page from Daredevil Born Again

Vanessa’s calm demeanor, composed strategy, and eagerness to participate are all clues that she could be just as dangerous as Fisk, if not more so. She sees the bigger picture,unclouded by emotional outbursts or bouts of rage. If Fisk is a blunt instrument, Vanessa is a scalpel – quieter, subtler, but equally deadly.

Vanessa Was Behind Foggy Nelson’s Assassination

Daredevil: Born Again’s Vanessa twist might feel shocking on first watch, but when viewed through the lens of her original arc, it fits disturbingly well. By giving Vanessa agency in Foggy’s murder, the show doesn’t betray her character – it completes a transformation that’s been building since season 1. This version of Vanessaisn’t a Lady Macbeth archetypewho pushes her husband to act – she’s evolved into a queenpin in her own right.

Spider-Man’s Spider-Sense vs Daredevil’s Radar Sense: Which Is More Powerful In The MCU?

Both Peter Parker’s Spidey-Sense and Matt Murdock’s sensory abilities give them extraordinary sensory awareness, but which is better in the MCU?

Born Againrecognizes that the seeds were always there: her calm around violence, her hunger for power, and her ability to strategize in morally gray territory. While Fisk may still be the face of criminality in New York, Vanessa’s decision to send Bullseye after Foggycements her as someone just as capable of pulling the strings. She’s perhaps even more dangerous because of how quietly she does it.

Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox) whispering in Vanessa’s (Ayelet Zurer) ear during the “Isle of Joy” gala in Daredevil: Born Again Season 1 Ep 8

With this revelation inDaredevil: Born Again, the MCUopens the door to a much broader interpretationof power dynamics in its street-level stories. Vanessa isn’t just Kingpin’s wife anymore. She’s the future of his empire – and maybe the one who’s always been steering the wheel.

Daredevil

Cast

Daredevil is a Netflix original series starring Charlie Cox as Matt Murdock. The TV show ran for three seasons before being canceled by Netflix, despite being critically praised. Kingpin was the main antagonist in seasons 1 and 3 and also introduced Jon Benrthal’s Punisher in season 2. Daredevil was followed by Disney+’s Daredevil: Born Again.

Daredevil: Born Again

Daredevil: Born Again follows blind lawyer Matt Murdock, who uses his heightened abilities to pursue justice in New York. As he manages a bustling law firm, former mob boss Wilson Fisk navigates political ambitions, leading both men toward a confrontation as their pasts resurface.

Tom Holland’s Spider-Man and Charlie Cox’s Daredevil together in costume

Daredevil Season 2 Poster

03186375_poster_w780.jpg

01685606_poster_w780.jpg

01593277_poster_w780.jpg

Avengers 5 Concept Poster