Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 Finale Reveals Key Netflix Characters' Return

The second season of Daredevil: Born Again concludes with a dramatic finale that leaves Matt Murdock’s future uncertain. His secret identity as Daredevil is exposed to the public, and he is sentenced to prison. While Matt faces a harsh reality, the season’s ending offers a glimmer of hope for fans of the Netflix Marvel series.

In the final episode, Mike Colter returns as Luke Cage, marking a significant moment for viewers who followed the character’s journey on Netflix. The episode also sets the stage for future appearances by other beloved Netflix characters, including Jessica Jones.

These developments are not just creative choices—they directly mirror key storylines from Marvel Comics. Both the reveal of Daredevil’s identity and his subsequent imprisonment are drawn from iconic comic arcs, which also introduce characters familiar to Netflix audiences.

The Devil in Cell-Block D: Matt Murdock’s Prison Sentence

The storyline culminating in Matt Murdock’s prison sentence is rooted in the comic arc “The Devil in Cell-Block D,” featured in Daredevil #82 through #87 (2005–2006). This arc was written by Ed Brubaker and illustrated by Michael Lark. However, the plot’s origins trace back even further, to the original “Born Again” storyline from 1986, where Karen Page sells Matt Murdock’s secret identity to Wilson Fisk.

Fisk initially kept the information to himself, using it as leverage to torment Daredevil rather than sharing it publicly. That changed during Brian Michael Bendis’ run on the series, which began in 2001. Bendis’ storyline culminated in “The Murdock Papers” in Daredevil #81, just before Brubaker took over. During this period, Fisk struck a deal with the FBI, trading undeniable proof of Daredevil’s identity in exchange for unspecified favors.

The comic arc ends with Matt Murdock being convicted of criminal activity as Daredevil and sentenced to prison—a fate that mirrors his portrayal in the show. Inside the prison, Matt faces dire circumstances. He is locked up with both former clients he prosecuted as a lawyer and criminals he captured as Daredevil. His only ally in this bleak situation is Frank Castle, who seizes the opportunity to reinforce his belief that “half-measures never work.”

Adding to Matt’s troubles, Daredevil continues to operate in Hell’s Kitchen while he serves his sentence. Upon his release, Matt dons his red suit to investigate the imposter Daredevil who has taken his place. The confrontation ends when the imposter reveals himself as Danny Rand, aka Iron Fist. Rand had attempted to step in as the Man Without Fear to prove Matt’s continued relevance, but his efforts only created more chaos for Murdock to resolve.

Kilgrave’s Shadow: The Return of the Purple Man

The finale also hints at the potential return of David Tennant as Kilgrave, aka the Purple Man, a character who played a pivotal role in Jessica Jones. While not explicitly confirmed, the storyline’s ties to the comics suggest that Kilgrave could resurface in future seasons, adding another layer of complexity to the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s interconnected narratives.

For fans of the Netflix series, these developments are particularly exciting. The inclusion of Danny Rand and the potential return of Kilgrave provide a bridge between the Netflix universe and the broader Marvel landscape, ensuring continuity and nostalgia for long-time viewers.