TV boxset of the week: Daredevil

WHAT’S IT ABOUT?

Matt Murdock is a lawyer by day and a vigilante crime-fighter by night, going by the name of Daredevil. And if juggling those two jobs wasn’t difficult enough, he’s also blind. Daredevil doesn’t have superhuman strength or the ability to fly - his powers come from the heightened senses which compensate for his lack of sight.

Early on in season one, Daredevil embarks on a mission to save his neighbourhood of Hell’s Kitchen in New York’s Manhattan borough from the sinister grasp of powerful businessman Wilson Fisk, aka The Kingpin. Hindered and then eventually helped by his best friend and law partner Franklin ‘Foggy’ Nelson and their secretary Karen Page, Murdock takes on Fisk and his army of henchmen.

Current events are interspersed with flashbacks throughout the first season of Daredevil, slowly explaining Murdock’s backstory and how he trained to become a strong and fearless hero.

WHO’S IN IT?

Lead character Matt Murdock is played by Charlie Cox, who Boardwalk Empire fans may recognise as series regular Owen Sleater. True Blood star Deborah Ann Woll (who plays Jessica Hamby in the vampire drama) co-stars in Daredevil as victim-turned-secretary Karen Page, while Murdock’s best friend Foggy (Elden Henson) has appeared in everything from The Mighty Ducks to Grey’s Anatomy.

Rosario Dawson also appears as nurse Claire Temple, but arguably the most impressive performance of the series comes from acting veteran Vincent D’Onofrio for his simultaneously pathetic and terrifying portrayal of baddie Wilson Fisk.

IS IT WORTH WATCHING?

The series is a must-watch for lovers of the original Daredevil comic books, as well as Marvel worshippers, but you don’t have to be a superhero enthusiast to enjoy it. Darker and grittier than the majority of comic adaptations, the show features some commendable performances and a gripping storyline. You can erase the painful memories of Ben Affleck’s tight rubber costume and mediocre film performance as Daredvil – the story has finally been done justice by series creator Drew Goddard and his cast.

WHERE CAN I WATCH IT?

All 13 episodes of season one are available to stream on Netflix now and season two will be released in early 2016, reportedly around April.