Daredevil: Born Again, episode 7 review… The Muse is not just making "art for art's sake"

The seventh episode of Daredevil: Born Again is very emotional and contains a lot of action. Even though it is getting darker, the show still ultimately explores issues like justice, trauma, and obsession. The latest episode is a critical point in the development of the season due to the violent end of Muse's crime spree and Wilson Fisk's struggles with his authority.

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Plot Summary

The episode begins with the shocking scene of Muse’s latest crime, a ghastly demonstration of his well-known “art.” The city has yet to recover from the shock when Matt Murdock, who has finally reclaimed his Daredevil personality, takes the initiative to follow Muse and get a step ahead of him.

In juxtaposition, Heather Glenn, Matt's current love interest and therapist, added another layer to the storyline as she was connected to Muse in the past – he was actually her patient, a person named Bastian Cooper who was very quiet but also deeply troubled.

Muse’s obsession with Heather becomes more intense, resulting in a thrilling home invasion scene where he tries to make her his last “masterpiece.” During the intense moment of self-defense, Heather shoots Muse, thus cutting short his bloody and terrible rule.

Nonetheless, the psychological and moral aspects of this deed became the major reason for the problem, which made her relationship with Matt even more complicated.

At the same time, word has it that Wilson Fisk is no longer as strong as he used to be. His trusted man, Buck, discovers that many in the criminal underworld are conspiring against him, and this eventually turns into a confrontation with Luca, a mafia boss who wants to take over Fisk's power.

Tensions at home are escalating between Fisk and Vanessa, suggesting their bond is not as strong as it seems. These two stories together reveal clues to Fisk's empire, which is falling apart from the inside, and the viewer can expect a massive outburst of violence to follow shortly.

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Character Arcs and Performances

Matt Murdock / Daredevil

Charlie Cox still delivers an impressive performance as Matt Murdock by injecting a certain fierceness into his portrayal. Matt's character is faced with a moral dilemma in the episode—he is happy when Muse is arrested, but at the same time, he is really upset with the way it was done.

The effect of his decisions, mainly concerning his relationship with Heather, can easily be observed in Cox’s sophisticated performance.

Heather Glenn

A major shift in Heather's status is reflected in her character in this episode. She evolves from the role of a common civilian into someone who is compelled to commit an act of extreme violence, which is a very touching story.

Her character's trauma, survival, and how it was to be so near to Daredevil are excellently depicted. Her deeds will surely bring about deep consequences for herself and for Matt.

Wilson Fisk/Kingpin

Vincent D’Onofrio is fully in control of his character as he brings Fisk, a man on the brink of a mental breakdown, to life. His ease in transforming from a calm and respectful politician to a harsh, vengeful mobster within a few seconds is enough to send shivers down your spine.

His sufferings and the hitches he faces in his business and personal life are clear signs that his story is one of the most attractive among all others.

Muse (Bastian Cooper)

Muse, played with unsettling precision, has undoubtedly established himself as one of the most haunting antagonists in the history of Daredevil. The character's eerie composure, coupled with a distorted perception of art, makes for an overwhelmingly spooky atmosphere.

Although his end in this issue feels a bit sudden, the train of thought left behind by his presence is quite heavy.

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Themes and Symbolism

Obsession & Art – Matt's and Fisk's artistic muse has a perverted sense of what art is, reflecting the obsession that both characters hold in their respective pursuits. Each character believes that, in their specific method, they are shaping the world through justice, power, or violence.

Justice vs. Consequence - Heather's actions reflect the very concept of justice. Is killing in self-defense morally different from vigilante justice? The episode avoids answering this question and forces Heather and Matt to confront their convictions.

Power & Betrayal – This celebration of Fisk’s collapsing empire directly underscores the theme that power is transitory, especially if it is based on fear and manipulation. The contrast with Vanessa gives a clue that not even those who are his closest allies may be entirely loyal.

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Cinematography and Action

The cinematography in this episode features much more shadow and subdued tones, giving the noir feel of Daredevil even more emphasis. The home invasion scene is brilliantly captured with close camera angles and low light, thereby heightening the suspense.

The fight choreography is again among the best, especially in the climactic fight between Daredevil and the remaining followers of Muse. The violence is raw yet artfully precise, ensuring that every hit and counter has real weight.

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Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

✔️ The psychological horror in the storyline of Muse is stunning.

✔️ Great character development: Heather and Fisk are brilliantly developed.

✔️ Action sequences are intense, high-paced, and very real.

✔️ Dark, grounded tone of the show is helped by cinematic storytelling.

Weaknesses:

❌Muse’s death, though poignant, is a bit rushed in the buildup he has.

❌Several threads (Matt/Heather, Fisk’s political struggles, and mafia conflicts) sometimes dominate each other in attention, creating slight pacing issues.

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Final Verdict

I'll give this episode a solid 8.5/10⭐

Episode 7, "Art for Art's Sake," is such a gripping, emotionally resonant episode that it pretty much cements Born Again as an excellent spinoff of the Daredevil legacy. The episode provides a seamless blend of psychological horror with intense action and significant character drama, thus setting up big consequences for the last leg of the season.