Daredevil

Daredevil (7.5/10)
(This rating is for  both season 1 and 2)


Description:Abandoned by his mother, Matt Murdock was raised by his father, boxer "Battling Jack" Murdock, in Hell's Kitchen. Realizing that rules were needed to prevent people from behaving badly, young Matt decided to study law; however, when he saved a man from an oncoming truck, it spilled a radioactive cargo that rendered Matt blind while enhancing his remaining senses. Under the harsh tutelage of blind martial arts master Stick, Matt mastered his heightened senses and became a formidable fighter.

Bechdel Test: 5/10
Unfortunately despite having a number of really interesting and well rounded female characters, this show rarely if at all passes the Bechdel test. The reason I haven't given it a failing rating is because the few female characters this show does have, are generally very interesting and experience a great amount of character development, (Karen Page in particular), as well as the fact that the cast is rather small.




Character Development: 7/10
Although the characters in this show are all really well pieced together, there generally isn't much change to them throughout the first season. It's only really when you get into the second season that you can really see the characters being affected by their situations. One character in which you can see this the most is Foggy Nelson (best friend of main character; Matthew Murdock). In the first season he mostly just seems to be there for comic relief, however, in the second season his character becomes much more independent and well rounded as a person. (Without giving anything away, my new favorite scene of his is the hospital almost fight in season two). 




Diversity of characters/Representation of Minorities: 8/10
Like before with the rating of the Bechdel test, there are very few characters who openly or visibly fit into a minority, however! the main character is blind so although he more than makes up for it with his other super enhanced senses, the fact that he is blind is a huge part of the story itself. Along with this, one of the most integral factors in this show are that there are many different gangs in Hell's Kitchen, all of which tend to focus around a specific nationality, (the Yakuza, the Cartel, the Irish, etc...) 




Acting Skills: 8.5/10
The characters in this show are all really well; cast, written, and preformed. Like with most shows, in the first few episodes (and sometimes first entire season), the acting tends to be a little more rough around the edges. While the actors are still feeling out their characters you will occasionally see a few odd timing choices and other little flub ups like that. Daredevil is no different. Not as good as some, but miles ahead of most, the acting in this show is almost always on point. I find it especially interesting watching Charlie Cox (who plays Mathew Murdock), pretending to be blind. It's really remarkable to see when you understand how difficult it must be to keep your eyes unfocused while you're trying to concentration on remembering your lines and keeping your movement loose so as to feel out the surroundings which you have to pretend not to see. 




Visual Presentation: 8/10
High contrast and beautifully designed lighting, this show is incredible if you are ever looking for drawing references.  My only issues are that the scenes which are not meant to be as vibrant as the ones featured below, sometimes end up being a little too washed out and 'dead' looking; that, or they are very dark and occasionally difficult to see unless your brightness is on full.








Story Line: 7.5/10
Confusing at times, (when you binge watch something it's easier to spot the plot holes), the story which this show follows is one of a "realistic" superhero. Someone who isn't all powerful, doesn't get thanked by the mayor, and isn't given a key to the city. This show is about a man who just wants the suffering of his city to end, and has take it upon himself to make that happen. As this is a new show as well as a Netflix show, there aren't really any filler episodes and the plot is always evolving, meaning that this show is generally well paced and will at least keep your interest if not your attention.


Additional Comments: Overall I would suggest Daredevil to anyone who is a fan of Marvel, Jessica Jones, or is really just looking for a well made show. Having binged season two as soon as it came out, I for one am excited by the small changes they've made between seasons 1 and 2, and look forward to what they will do next!

Let me know what you think about this show and if there is anything you would like me to review next!