Daredevil: Born Again's Episode 9 delivered one of the most shocking finales in MCU history. Wilson Fisk, having clawed his way to the Mayor's office through legitimate means, finally showed his true colors—and New York will never be the same.
The commissioner's death. Martial law. A city under Kingpin's control. Let's break down how it happened and what it means.
Why Fisk Killed the Police Commissioner
The Setup Commissioner O'Hara had become a problem. His investigation into Fisk's activities was getting too close, and unlike others Fisk had bought or intimidated, O'Hara couldn't be controlled.
The Execution Fisk didn't dirty his hands directly—he never does when he can avoid it. The commissioner's death was made to look like the work of vigilantes, specifically framing Daredevil and his allies.
The Dual Purpose By killing O'Hara, Fisk accomplished two goals: 1. Eliminated the investigation into his administration 2. Created justification for emergency powers to "deal with" the vigilante threat
The Irony The man who murders becomes the one calling for law and order. Classic Fisk—using institutions against themselves.
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Martial Law in Hell's Kitchen: What It Means
The Declaration Using emergency powers granted to the Mayor during crisis situations, Fisk declared martial law in Hell's Kitchen specifically. The reasoning: the "vigilante menace" required extreme measures.
- National Guard deployed to the neighborhood
- Curfews enforced
- Enhanced stop-and-search powers
- Daredevil and allies now enemies of the state
The Real Goal Martial law isn't about catching Daredevil—Fisk knows Matt's identity. It's about consolidating power. With military control of Hell's Kitchen, Fisk can reshape the neighborhood without interference.
Vanessa's Role Interestingly, Vanessa appears to be pulling away from this version of Wilson. Their final scene suggests a betrayal may be coming.
Matt Murdock's Impossible Position
The Trap Matt can't fight martial law with his fists. Soldiers are following legal orders. Using violence against them makes Fisk's propaganda true.
The Legal Route As a lawyer, Matt could challenge the martial law declaration in court—but Fisk has been stacking the judiciary for months.
The Underground The finale positions Matt as literally underground, gathering allies for what's coming. Foggy, Karen, and others join him in hiding.
The Choice Ahead Season 2 will force Matt to decide: work within a corrupted system or become the outlaw Fisk claims he is.
What This Means for Season 2
The Status Quo Season 2 opens with Hell's Kitchen under occupation and Daredevil as a fugitive. This inverts the usual superhero dynamic—now the villain controls the city legally.
Confirmed Returns Charlie Cox, Vincent D'Onofrio, and the core cast are confirmed. Jon Bernthal's Frank Castle will likely play a larger role.
The Resistance Expect a team dynamic as Matt, Elektra (presumably), Frank, and others work to expose Fisk while evading capture.
The Endgame Fisk's overreach will be his downfall—but how many will suffer before then?