"Daredevil: Born Again – With Interest" Review: A Delightful Interlude in an Intense Saga
A Breather Amidst the Action
In the whirlwind of action that is "Daredevil: Born Again," Episode 5, titled "With Interest," serves as a much-needed cooldown after the high-stakes drama of the first four episodes. However, don’t mistake "cooldown" for lackluster—this episode is a delightful blend of suspense and humor, featuring one of the most intense fight scenes in the entire series.
Plot Overview: A Twist on the Heist Formula
The episode kicks off with Matt Murdock at the bank, seeking a loan to expand his law firm. In a zany yet charming twist of fate, he encounters Yusuf Khan (played by Mohan Kapur), who fans will recognize as Kamala Khan’s father. While some critics may label this as a forced connection, it resonates with the longstanding Marvel Comics tradition of characters crossing paths in the bustling city of New York. Though it might seem trivial for Matt to visit the bank, it’s not out of character nor absurd in the grand scheme of his multitasking life as a lawyer and vigilante.
A Nod to "Ms. Marvel"
Yusuf, eager to share tales about his daughter, even pulls out his Funko POP of Ms. Marvel to show off to Matt. This delightful nod to the Ms. Marvel series showcases how well-built supporting characters can strengthen a storyline, echoing the delightful interactions seen when Matt Murdock made a cameo in Spider-Man: No Way Home.
Heist Gone Awry: Tension in the Bank
As Matt’s loan request is denied, chaos ensues when a group of underlings working for an Irish crime boss chooses that exact moment to launch their robbery. Dressed in colorful masks, the gang quickly overpowers the bank security and takes hostages, setting the stage for a gripping showdown.
The Heist Formula Reimagined
"With Interest" cleverly leans into a classic heist narrative, turned on its head by the presence of our blind hero. Matt’s heightened senses enable him to overhear the impending robbery, and he rushes back into the fray just in time to kick off an intense rescue mission.
Characters That Shine: Humor and Wit
Among the would-be robbers, Devlin (Cillian O’Sullivan) steals the show with his quips and comedic timing, reminiscent of that iconic character from Inside Man. His rapport with the hostages and police negotiator Angie Kim (played by Ruibo Qian) adds a layer of humor to the grim situation. One of his standout lines—asking Matt if he’s “a regular Charles Dickens character”—evokes laughter amid tension.
An Ingenious Fight Scene and Clever Ploys
Matt cleverly isolates the bank manager to rescue Yusuf, engaging in a fight scene that is nothing short of artistic. The stairwell duel is particularly notable, showcasing Matt’s need for stealth as he takes down the criminals without making a sound. This mix of playfulness and intensity balances out perfectly, maintaining the underlying drama of the preceding episodes.
Twists and Turns
As Matt unravels the gang’s scheme in search of an elusive orange diamond, he crafts a trade to protect the hostages. However, chaos ensues when Devlin manages to escape disguised as a cop, resulting in a heart-pounding chase. After a brutal confrontation that echoes the intense style of The Raid, Matt retrieves a more mundane but clever item—one of Yusuf’s desk candies instead of the diamond—highlighting his resourcefulness and strategic thinking.
Conclusion: A Charismatic Addition
"With Interest" is a refreshing, self-contained episode that provides a perfect balance between levity and seriousness, giving viewers just enough action to remember the stakes without veering into overwhelming territory. For fans yearning for a different flavor in the "Born Again" saga, this episode provides an exhilarating interlude.
Overall Rating: 8.5 out of 10
Photo Credit: Disney
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