Frank Castle’s Emotionally Charged and Triumphant Return: Born Again Episode 4 Review
Frank Castle has returned to the Marvel Cinematic Universe since he last appeared in his own streaming series, The Punisher, back in 2019. Matt Murdock encounters Frank when he becomes aware of a growing number of police officers who appropriate his signature skull iconography for their own warped agendas.
Matt’s grasp on his new life continues to loosen after he is made aware of Hector Ayala’s death shortly after he played a crucial role in showcasing his heroism to the jury during the late White Tiger’s lengthy and arduous trial.
Coming to Terms With One’s Violent Nature
Matt Murdock arrives at the coroner’s office following Hector’s demise. His vigilante threads and mystical amulet can be seen being placed in an evidence bag. Just as Matt hears about how he passed, he comes across Hector’s niece Angela, who is enraged and saddened by the tragedy. As he tries to reassure her that Ayala’s assailant will face justice, it’s clear even he can’t stand the corruption that’s become rampant in New York City.
Inversely, Fisk seems to be slowly reintegrating back into his own old life that his better half had taken control of in his absence. While at therapy sessions with his main squeeze, Vanessa, and Matt’s own squeeze, Heather, the newly elected mayor still works to gain what he once had. His bruised hands are on full display when the subject of Adam is brought up. The yet-to-be-shown character was at one point a love interest that Vanessa grew attached to while Wilson was out of the picture.
Vanessa grew attached to the mystery man due to him connecting to her deep love of art. Given Kingpin’s violent temper when it comes to those he loves, it’s clear Wilson found Adam through his means and let out his anger in any number of brutal methods. He also comes to a head with new protege Daniel Blake, played by Michael Gandolfini, son of the late great actor James Gandolfini.
When Blake reveals he was the one to leak inside information from Fisk’s administration, shades of his former, more brutal self can be briefly seen until he relents and forgives him. It seems Echo’s earlier actions to Fisk really did a number on him. Wilson’s earlier line to Matt while the two are in the diner seems to be this series’s overall theme: “It’s hard to come to terms with the violent nature. Hating the power it has over us.”
Frank Castle Serves as Matt’s Angel and Devil
Matt’s growing distrust and waning faith in the legal system come to a head shortly after taking a new case. His latest client, Leroy Bradford, was charged with petty larceny for stealing boxes of caramel corn from a local convenience store. Murdock is able to charm the official rep for the District Attorney’s office with his signature methods to bring his sentence of 20 days at Rikers Island to 10.
His victory over Bradford’s slight is short-lived as he runs into one of the dirty cops he roughed up previously before the Ayala trial, and Leroy reveals how harsh his life has been due in part to the police. Kudos to Disney for not shying away from real, tragic stories that many people can relate to. Matt can’t help but agree personally knowing how the system works.
Murdock then goes to the crime scene where Hector was gunned down and pulls some ingenious Sherlock-esque moves to locate the bullet casing of the gun used. He feels the skill marking on it and starts to travel underground. The trademark guttural yell of Frank Castle reintroduces Jon Bernthal as the noted veteran-turned-antihero to the MCU.
Back Into the Fold
As many keenly attuned fans guessed, Frank Castle is not aware of most of New York’s finest using his iconography to share their admiration and frame him for a range of crimes. Castle, who was last seen in the season 2 finale of his own streaming series, The Punisher, resembles Robin Williams’ character in Jumanji as he appears to have been in his new home for several months or even years.
The two exchange a verbal back-and-forth just as they did back when they first ran into one another in the original Daredevil streaming series on Netflix. Castle claims Matt wants permission to get ahold of the men responsible for Ayala’s murder rather than have them arrested. Frank states he was unable to save Foggy’s life just as Hector’s, and his real emotions finally come to the forefront.
A Storm is Brewing
The two seem ready to exchange blows, but Matt relents and apologizes, as he’s on the verge of tears. Frank welcomes his actions as it’s his first honest interaction since Foggy’s passing. Frank, having lost his own family in front of him, relates to his struggles and shares how tragedy like that will continue to eat at him until he breaks.
As the episode wraps, Matt is shown entering a room dedicated to his vigilante side, with multiple Daredevil masks on display. Murdock takes out and wields his signature billy clubs to start training again. Conversely, Fisk, having lost a considerable amount of weight and eating healthier than he was before, is seen dining more in tune with his old diet. As he enjoys dinner, viewers finally see Adam, a beaten, imprisoned man pleading to be let out. The same can be said for the darker aspects of Matt Murdock, Wilson Fisk, and, as shown in this very episode, Frank Castle.
