Today marks the one month countdown until Netflix drops another gem on us. As is their brilliant way, on April 10th 2015 we will be privileged to have all episodes for Season One of the new Netflix original series, Daredevil. Naturally, this may not appeal to all viewers across the board, but it should.
On the surface, the story of Daredevil is a considerably unrealistic one. A blind son of a fighter learns to maneuver amidst the darkness and channels that into seeking justice, whether it be in the court room or on the dark streets of Hell’s Kitchen. However, that could be true about everything Marvel does. Here’s the kicker, nothing Marvel has done since 2008 has been anything short of amazing. Even the Marvel movies that aren’t favorites among those who watch, have still be comparatively remarkable. In a vacuum each Marvel production, whether they big blockbuster movies or new television series’ have all been wildly successful. As hyperbolic as it may seem, at this point we are all waiting for Marvel to do something that is not amazing. If I were a betting man, I’d put good money up on the notion that Netflix’s Daredevil will absolutely not be the one that falters.
If the Marvel’s reputation over the last action packed 7 years is not enough, consider Netflix’s track record. House of Cards and Orange is the New Black is enough to lean on reputation for Netflix. But consider the following. Hemlock Grove, Marco Polo, Lilyhammer, and Derek have been incredibly successful and well received by their respective fandoms. And that’s not even considering the many series’ where Netflix has taken the baton after conventional networks dropped the ball on previously established shows. Arrested Development and The Killing have opened the door for correcting mistakes. I personally am holding my breath for Netflix to bring back Studio 60 Live on the Sunset Strip (with or without Aaron Sorkin). If Netflix is involved, it wasn’t thrown together haphazardly.
Let’s not leave out the need to distance itself from its predecessor. The 2003 theatrical release of Daredevil starring Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner, Colin Ferrell, and Michael Clark Duncan was never seen in any circles to be on par with the Marvel projects of the last 7 years. I for one, don’t hate that version of Daredevil. However, the fan in me sees a wealthy of problems with that movie. This newest version in no way should be compared to that one. In the Netflix version (from what we can see) the focus has been taken away from a fancy and comic book wise accurate suit. Star power is not a term one would use to describe it. There is a grit and texture to the darkness and despair of Matt Murdock’s surroundings that make it more real. The actions of the protagonist seem to be grounded in realism. I seriously doubt we will see a blind Daredevil leap from a bar into a series of backflips until he lands securely on a single blade of a ceiling fan. Take whatever you know of the 2003 theatrical release, and throw it out the window.
The next big thing would be the cast. In all fairness to Marvel, Robert Downey Jr was the only certifiable star cast in the last 7 years. An argument can be made for Samuel L. Jackson, but Sam Jackson does everything. Seriously, google it or check out IMDb. Sam Jackson is the busiest actor alive. In this version of Daredevil we have a group of actors and actresses that will be familiar to you, but none of them are considered stars. Matt Murdock is played by Charlie Cox (who I remember from Stardust), Vincent D’Onofrio as The Kingpin (Law and Order Criminal Intent and The Thirteenth Floor), Elden Henson as Foggy Nelson (Idle Hands and Mighty Ducks), Rosario Dawson as Claire Temple (Sin City, Rent, and Kids), Deborah Ann Woll as Karen Paige (who played the recently good girl ‘turned’ vampire in the HBO series True Blood), Bob Gunton (The Shawshank Redemption and Argo), so needless to say the quality of acting on a number of fronts is already spoken for.
I would be chomping at the bit to see, correction, binge watch this new Netflix series on the merits that it’s about the Daredevil comic alone. One of those great stories that I discovered as an adult. It has the potential to pull us in and keep our attention. You add the successful track record of both Marvel and Netflix recently and the significant while not star-studded cast, and you have what seems to me to be a can’t miss situation.
Luckily for our NJATVS viewers, we are not only on board with this series being one that we will without a shadow of a doubt be covering, but one we will be covering like any other Netflix viewer. With the majority of our content, we are restricted to the timetable given by the various television networks. We give you the recaps as promptly as possible. With Daredevil we have the unique and exciting prospect of giving you recaps and analysis as quickly as we can. Starting on the evening of April 10th, we at NJATVS will be doing a Daredevil recap a night until enough nights have passed that we have concluded season 1. We love every show that we bring to you, however, I’d be lying if I didn’t tell you that there is a little extra ‘gusto’ on this particular series. One that we strongly recommend you do not miss. But even if you do, its Netflix, you can view it at your leisure. And when you do, whether that’s April 10th or six months later, make sure to check in at notjustanothertvsite.com for all of the Daredevil recaps and analysis.
