Warning! This article contains SPOILERS for Daredevil: Born Again Season 1, Episodes 5 & 6.

Marvel’s decision to release two episodes at once seems to be a deliberate response to the early criticisms of Daredevil: Born Again—namely, the lack of action. Episodes 5 and 6 break that trend in a big way, with a shift in pacing and a renewed focus on Matt Murdock’s return to the red suit.

Episode 5: A Bank Robbery, A Fun Cameo & A Not-So-Bottle Episode

At first glance, episode 5 feels like a bottle episode, a self-contained story mostly removed from the larger plot. But when you look deeper, that’s not entirely the case. The story kicks off with a tense bank robbery set against the backdrop of St. Patrick’s Day, an already unusual setting for a Daredevil episode.

What made this episode even more interesting was the inclusion of Mohan Kapoor reprising his role as Yusuf Khan—aka Kamala Khan’s (Ms. Marvel’s) dad. This was a fun and unexpected crossover that instantly makes way for a future connection between Daredevil and Ms. Marvel in the MCU. It wouldn’t be surprising if a future movie drops a throwaway line like, “Hey, you saved my dad in that bank robbery!” to establish their relationship further.

However, what sets this episode apart from being a traditional bottle episode is the motivation behind the robbery. The thieves weren’t just random criminals; they were robbing the bank to pay off a hefty fine issued by Kingpin’s wife on his behalf. When the plan fails, they decide not to pay at all, directly challenging Kingpin. In response, Fisk retaliates by increasing their fine by another million dollars as punishment for their defiance. That moment, along with Matt’s involvement in stopping the robbery, serves a bigger purpose—it inches Kingpin closer to fully embracing his darkness and nudges Matt toward rediscovering his role as Daredevil.

Matt’s role in the robbery was also a highlight. Seeing him carefully navigate the hostage situation—choosing strategy over brute force—was classic Daredevil. The way he manipulated the situation while keeping his true strength hidden was thrilling to watch. The action was tense, well-paced, and showcased the kind of calculated risk-taking that defines Matt Murdock.

Episode 6: The Devil Returns & The Rise of Muse

While episode 5 focused on tension and strategy, episode 6 took things up a notch with high-stakes action and the official return of Daredevil.

The biggest takeaway? Muse has arrived, and he is just as terrifying as he is in the comics. Marvel didn’t hold back on his gruesome habits—his obsession with painting in his victims’ blood is chilling, and it makes perfect sense that his reign of terror is what ultimately forces Matt to don the Daredevil suit again.

But the surprises didn’t stop there. We finally got a deeper connection between Muse and White Tiger. Hector Ayala may have died in episode 3, but his niece, Angela, picks up his trail and informs Matt that White Tiger was investigating a serial killer operating near an old subway line. Her abduction by Muse becomes the final push for Matt to return to his vigilante roots. And let’s talk about that fight—everything from the cinematography to the choreography made for an electrifying showdown. The tension was real, and it felt like classic Daredevil once again.

Episode 6 also gave us another unexpected MCU return—Tony Dalton as Jack Duquesne from Hawkeye. Now operating as Swordsman, his presence was a welcome surprise. Whether he ends up donning a more comic-accurate costume remains to be seen, but his involvement adds yet another layer of intrigue to an already stacked season.

Final Thoughts: Daredevil’s Road Back to Being a Hero

These two episodes accomplished a lot. The bank robbery storyline may have seemed like a detour, but it was crucial in escalating the tension with Kingpin while also giving us that subtle Ms. Marvel connection. Meanwhile, Muse’s introduction and the consequences of Fisk’s growing cruelty ensure that the stakes for the final stretch of the season are higher than ever.

With Daredevil officially back in action, the next three episodes are primed for something huge. The slow-burn setup is finally paying off, and it feels like Daredevil: Born Again is about to hit its stride. But damn, still no Daredevil on Avengers Doomsday?!