After nine intense episodes of Daredevil: Born Again, Season 1 slams the brakes with a finale that delivers brutal surprises, emotional gut punches, and enough set-up for a second season that’s already in production.

Titled Straight to Hell and co-written by Heather Bellson alongside showrunner Dario Scardapane, this episode was directed by the dynamic duo Aaron Moorhead and Justin Benson — and it earns its name in every way possible. Let’s unpack the chaos and consequences that this Marvel series just unleashed.

Foggy’s Tragic Fate

Fans have been grieving the absence — and now confirmed death — of Foggy Nelson, played by Elden Henson. His elimination was no random act of violence. Turns out, Foggy had been working on a legal case defending a small-time criminal named Benjamin Cafaro. Had that case gone to court, it would’ve exposed some very damning truths about Vanessa Fisk — the brains behind the Kingpin empire’s darker dealings.

The order didn’t come from Kingpin himself, though. This was Vanessa’s doing. To protect her empire, she hires none other than Bullseye (Wilson Bethel) — real name Benjamin Poindexter — to assassinate both Cafaro and Foggy. Vanessa’s deadly move was kept hidden from her husband, Wilson Fisk (Vincent D’Onofrio), who remains unaware of her role in the killing. But Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox) finds out — and it hits him hard. Especially after taking a bullet meant for Fisk during the Black and White Ball in Episode 8.

The Punisher Is Back

The season finale drops a major crowd-pleaser: the return of Jon Bernthal’s Frank Castle, aka The Punisher. And it’s no mere cameo. Karen Page (Deborah Ann Woll) reaches out to him, pleading for help to protect Matt from the chaos unraveling under Fisk’s rule.

Castle steps back into the city with a vengeance, teaming up with Matt — now fully suited up again as Daredevil — to take on the Anti-Vigilante Task Force (AVTF). The two vigilantes bring the pain in a violent showdown that once again proves why Frank is one of the most dangerous men in the Marvel street-level lineup. Interestingly, Matt seems less than thrilled at how close Karen and Frank have grown, hinting at some future romantic tension.

Mayor Fisk’s Reign Begins

Now officially holding the title of Mayor, Wilson Fisk begins reshaping New York City in his image. One of his first moves is targeting the Red Hook port — a key location outside US jurisdiction. With Red Hook, Fisk can legally funnel his empire’s resources and money without fear of legal consequences.

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And he’s not playing nice anymore. When Police Commissioner Gallo (Michael Gaston) hesitates to follow orders, Fisk ends the debate by brutally crushing his skull with his bare hands — a moment so raw and disturbing that it cements the tone for Fisk’s reign. From there, he initiates a lockdown of the city: cutting off bridges and tunnels, declaring an 8 PM curfew, and pushing a “Safer Streets” initiative that’s basically martial law. Vigilantes beware — the city’s now a fortress, and Fisk is the warden.

The Future: Season 2, The Punisher Special & a Defenders Tease

So, what’s next?

A bloody battle ends with Frank Castle being captured by the AVTF. But don’t count him out just yet. In a tantalizing post-credits scene, we see him imprisoned like the rest of Fisk’s enemies. Except, he’s already scheming. He’s seen speaking with a mysterious task force member, and it’s clear he’s planning an escape. Not only will Bernthal return in Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 — he’s also headlining a Punisher special for Disney+ in 2026.

Meanwhile, Dr. Heather Glenn (Margarita Levieva), Matt’s current girlfriend, accepts Fisk’s offer to become Commissioner of Mental Health. That twist alone will raise eyebrows next season — especially given her proximity to the Fisks throughout the season and her relationship with Matt.

The season ends with Matt determined to fight back — but this time, not alone. He’s forming a team. With Frank back in the mix and talk of a larger resistance, this could be laying the groundwork for a Defenders reunion. Luke Cage, Jessica Jones, Iron Fist — anyone could return to the fray. And with Season 2 already filming, fans won’t have to wait long to find out.

All episodes of Daredevil: Born Again are now streaming on Disney+. Buckle up — the next chapter is already heating up.