Notice: This article includes minor spoilers for episode 7 of Daredevil: Born Again.
Daredevil: Born Again deepens the intrigue surrounding the character of Buck, hinting at a shadowy past that predates his association with Kingpin. The seventh episode culminates in a dramatic moment where Buck intervenes in an assassination plot against Kingpin, orchestrated by a former crime associate named Luca. This crucial act underscores Buck’s growing importance in the series, revealing him as a key player within the narrative fabric of Daredevil: Born Again.
Although Buck is not a returning character from the Netflix adaptation, he has quickly become integral to Kingpin’s efforts as New York’s mayor. This alignment suggests that Fisk, who relies on loyalty, has strategically chosen allies he can trust. The dialogue between Kingpin and Buck hints at a complex backstory, raising questions about the character’s connection to the broader Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and whether his arcs mirror the rich history depicted in the comics.
Exploring Buck’s Comic Roots in Daredevil: Born Again
Buck’s Extensive Background in Marvel Comics
Image via Disney+
What may surprise viewers is that Buck is indeed rooted in Marvel’s comic lore. Known primarily as Bullet, Buck Cashman serves as an enigmatic operative for the U.S. government. His mysterious past weaves through encounters with both heroes and villains alike. Initially, he crossed paths with Matt Murdock, a.k.a. Daredevil, during a faux terrorist attack initiated by Wilson Fisk. This sets the stage for a series of confrontations throughout the comic narratives.
The comics depict Buck as someone who has collaborated with notorious figures like Bullseye, and even associated with the Assassin’s Guild, indicating his diverse connections in the underworld. His rivalry with Daredevil escalates, which eventually leads to his own arrest and further entanglement with elite assassins determined to eliminate Matt Murdock. Interestingly, Buck has even been a host to the Phage symbiote, revealing layers of complexity absent from his onscreen portrayal.
Differences in Buck’s Portrayal in Daredevil: Born Again
Buck as a More Simplified Character in the MCU
The iteration of Buck Cashman in Daredevil: Born Again diverges significantly from his comic book roots. Currently, the main similarity appears to be the shared history of serving as a high-ranking operative with questionable past connections. In episode 7, Kingpin references Buck’s skills, which along with subtle hints in previous episodes, suggest his extensive experience within the underbelly of the MCU’s criminal world.
Yet, while there are implications that Buck might have a familial connection—possibly a son—this has not been confirmed. Moreover, the series has not explored Buck’s identity as Bullet, leaving him strictly within Kingpin’s orbit. The absence of connections to major storylines involving symbiotes or mutants also marks Buck as a notably different character than hinted at in the comics.
Buck as a Replacement for Wesley in Daredevil: Born Again
An Old Daredevil Character Reinterpreted
Due to Buck’s reimagined characterization, he effectively serves as a contemporary replacement for Wesley, a pivotal character from season one of Daredevil. Wesley was portrayed as Fisk’s devious right-hand man, a role filled with treachery and manipulation, whose demise significantly weakened Fisk’s operations.
The actions of Buck in episode 7, especially in guarding Fisk against assassination and managing the aftermath, draw clear parallels to Wesley’s former influence and functionality. This role establishes Buck as a different take on his comic book counterpart; rather than embodying traits of a vigilante or a formidable rival to Daredevil, Buck emerges as a loyal agent working in the shadows for Kingpin.
In summary, Buck’s character development in Daredevil: Born Again showcases a distinct shift from comic-book complexity, focusing instead on his allegiance to Fisk and his ambiguous past. This ensemble shift promises to enrich the narrative tapestry of the series, leaving fans curious about potential future developments.