Murdock makes a near fatal error while trying to save a kidnapped boy, and finds an unlikely ally when he needs saving himself.

The second episode of Netflix and Marvel‘s Daredevil begins with more of Murdock’s life as a child with his father who made a living as a boxer… and clearly more. Comic fans will know more of Murdock’s father’s history, but how far things go with Jack Murdock will be interesting.

The second episode also introduces us to Rosario Dawson as Claire Temple, a character who also has ties to another character who will debut on Netflix Luke Cage. We don’t know if that comic nugget will also make its way into the Netflix part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The second episode does an interesting thing in that it not only really lays out have “human” Daredevil is (the episode starts with him clearly beat up), how new to this all is, but through flashbacks his history and how he’s been honed into who he is at this point. The episode also continues some things set up in the first episode, like the fact Jack Murdock boxed Crusher Creel, a character who made an appearance in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Also, Foggy and Karen have a night on the town really showing off the characters and giving us an idea who who they are and what they’re about.

The show also really sets itself apart from what’s come before in the Marvel Cinematic universe. It’s dark, the whole episode takes place at night, that’s stark contrast to the brightness of other shows. There’s also the fact, they freaking torture a guy! Yeah, this isn’t for kids, this is the Marvel Cinematic Universe for the adults.

There’s also something else that’s generally missing in all the other releases, a solid emotional punch. I found myself with ten minutes to go in the episode being a bit emotionally choked up involving a scene with Jack Murdock. We know what’s going to happen, we know where it’s going. But the way it’s shot, the vibe that oozes out of the scene, it’s beyond fantastic.

The episode ends with a claustrophobic fight scene that actually shows a raw vulnerability for Daredevil, something we haven’t seen in Marvel’s live-action heroes yet. The fight is coordinated well, but also very unpolished and not smooth. It feels like it might be in real life, someone going all out and taking as hard as he gives, heavy breathing and all.

Up until now, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been characters larger than life. We might have for the first time, a hero we can all truly relate to, and not just look up at.

Overall rating: 9