Daredevil: Born Again Episode 4 recap — The Punisher's emotional return, Fisk's take on forgiveness, Muse's gruesome introduction

Daredevil: Born Again Episode 4 is finally here, and the fans can't keep calm. The excitement was anticipated because the episode marks the return of The Punisher, though we get much more.

Episode 4 of Daredevil: Born Again, titled Sic Semper Systema, dropped on March 18, 2025, and it touches upon themes of forgiveness, confronting the truth, and, of course, flaws within the system. It is also an episode that sees Mayor Fisk attend several meetings.

We are introduced to the newest villain, Muse, at the end of the episode. By the looks of it, it's going to be a gory ride with him.

A highlight of the episode is The Punisher’s return. This time, however, he isn’t seen in action. Instead, we see an emotional confrontation between him and Matt Murdock, aka Daredevil.

Let us explore Daredevil: Born Again Episode 4 in depth.

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Daredevil: Born Again Episode 4 — A bitter farewell and legal frustrations

The episode kicks off on a somber note. We are taken through the post-mortem of Hector Ayala, aka White Tiger. The details of his death are brutal and mysterious.

We meet his niece, Angela del Toro, who is shattered. Desperate for answers, she is convinced that dirty cops are behind her uncle's death.

Angela wants to see Hector one last time, but Matt Murdock tells her to remember her uncle as he was than look at his lifeless form. This moment is a poignant one, and it actually sets the emotional tone for the episode.

Meanwhile, at a local pub, BB chats with her buddy, who is on Fisk's payroll, about work. It becomes clear that BB is not on board with Fisk's agenda. Her friend, however, is all in and excited about a meeting with CleanGreen Haulers. This contrast in perspectives could set the stage for a conflict later.

In the streets, we see a man being arrested by two cops munching on Fiddle Faddle. This seems like a trivial detail but it actually serves a purpose in the narrative. The detail shows how the series mirrors reality.

Matt Murdock gets a call from his colleague, Kristen, urging him to take on the case of the arrested man. The case points to flaws in the sytem that often isn't kind to the less fortunate.

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Daredevil: Born Again Episode 4 — Therapy sessions and marital strains

Switching gears, we are then taken into a therapy session featuring Wilson Fisk and his wife, Vanessa. The elephant in the room is Vanessa's affair with Adam. The therapist, Heather Glenn, encourages open dialogue.

Wilson Fisk isn't too comfortable with the idea, but Vanessa isn't hesitant. She talks about how Fisk's absence led her to do what she did, and how it reminded her of her father's absense.

Glenn makes Vanessa reflect on her father's similar absences and the impact it had on her mother. Wilson Fisk is not okay the concept of forgiveness. It is a trait his father never possessed.

The session reveals how complex their relationship is, and also tells us more about their vulnerabilities. However, one thing is certain — Fisk's desire to continue with his wife.

Amidst the tension, we see new mayor Wilson Fisk struggling to follow through protocols. He does provide some much-needed levity here. We see him fumble through project initiations and also attending cultural events like Latvian Heritage Day.

His reaction to these events are priceless, which gives the episode a touch of humor.

Also, we get a glimpse of Wilson Fisk's ideals in this episode of Daredevil: Born Again . We see how Fisk's protege lands in hot water when he leaks an image that he is not supposed to. It is something that could tarnish Fisk's mayoral image.

He is expecting to be fired, so he takes full responsibility for his actions. Fisk, surprisingly, says he won't do anything of that sort, adding that he values loyalty and courage. So, he will retain his protege, though he gives the latter a stern warning against such blunders.

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Daredevil: Born Again Episode 4 —The return of The Punisher and the introduction of a new villain

Matt is determined to uncover the truth behind White Tiger's death in Daredevil: Born Again Episode 4. He retraces the crime scene, and the post-mortem report echoes in his mind.

His investigation leads him to a bullet that has The Punisher's iconic skull symbol. The clue leads to Matt's confrontation with Frank Castle/The Punisher, and he urges the latter to return to the streets and help the innocent. Frank is disillusioned and haunted by his losses. He finds it pointless.

Instead, he forces Matt to confront his guilt over Foggy's death. He says that Matt's driving force is his unresolved remorse. It is a raw and emotional exchange that actually shows how deep and layered their characters are.

The episode leads to parallel scenes toward the end. Matt inches toward becoming Daredevil again, and we see his weapons and helmets. We are then taken to the rooftop where Matt rehearses his Daredevil skills.

Meanwhile, Fisk has captured Adam, and pays him a visit. He savors a meal of pasta and wine as Adam begs for help.

The juxtaposition of events shows their contrasting approaches. While Daredevil seeks redemption through his action, Fisk wants to assert control through intimidation.

In the final moments of this Daredevil: Born Again Episode 4, we are introduced to Muse. He seems like a deranged artist who uses human blood to create his art. We see him drag a body into his hideout.

Victims hang from the ceiling as he proceeds to draw blood from a living man. This macabre scene is what sets the stage for the new villain in Hell's Kitchen.

This time Daredevil might just have to partner with The Punisher and other vigilantes to defeat the evil.

Episode 4 of Daredevil: Born Again weaves personal struggles with the harsh truth of vigilante justice. The return of Jon Bernthal as The Punisher introduces themes of guilt and redemption, blurring lines between heroism and vengeance.

All we can say is Hell's Kitchen is heating up and things are getting even more intense.