Warning: This article includes spoilers for the eighth episode of Daredevil: Born Again, titled “Isle of Joy.”
Marvel Studios has introduced a significant inconsistency in the narrative with Bullseye’s re-entry in Daredevil: Born Again episode 8. Following a chaotic incident at Josie’s bar during the season’s premiere, Wilson Bethel reprises his role as Benjamin Poindexter, also known as the lethal assassin Bullseye, in this crucial episode. This plot development ostensibly links the new MCU series to Netflix’s earlier iteration of Daredevil. However, it unintentionally creates a plot hole by contradicting a critical storyline from the season 3 finale.
In episode 8, viewers witness Benjamin Poindexter executing a series of murders to orchestrate his escape from prison, subsequently disrupting Mayor Wilson Fisk and Vanessa’s lavish Black and White Ball. His motives appear to stem from revenge against Fisk, who previously incapacitated him in the intense climax of Daredevil season 3. Yet, Bullseye’s connection to Fisk is only one aspect, as the episode also unveils a perplexing secret linking Bullseye to another prominent character, raising questions about the coherence of the storyline.
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Unraveling a Major Bullseye Mystery in Daredevil: Born Again
The series opener showcased Bullseye brutally taking the lives of eleven individuals at Josie’s bar, including Franklin “Foggy”Nelson, portrayed by Elden Henson. This shocking event seemed designed merely to bring Foggy back into the MCU, only to eliminate him directly. However, the motives behind Bullseye’s attack were clarified in episode 8, revealing that it was Vanessa Fisk who orchestrated this target list, presumably including Foggy, Karen Page, and possibly Matt Murdock as well. This move cleverly skirts around the deal struck between Fisk and Murdock at the end of season 3, adding layers to the narrative.
The agreement between Daredevil and Kingpin involved Fisk promising to leave Karen and Foggy alone in exchange for Murdock withholding incriminating information about Vanessa. This manipulation raises troubling implications, suggesting Vanessa’s attempt to regain Fisk’s attention and push him back into his Kingpin role. Nonetheless, this action feels at odds with the conclusion of Daredevil season 3.
Why Vanessa Hiring Bullseye Contradicts Daredevil Season 3’s Finale
Bullseye’s Vendetta Against The Fisks in Daredevil: Born Again
As season 3 neared its conclusion, Benjamin Poindexter became aware of Wilson Fisk’s manipulative influence throughout his life, including the murder of Julie Barnes that drove him to embrace his Bullseye persona fully. This realization prompted him to pursue vengeance against Fisk, threatening Vanessa during a pivotal wedding scene. Thus, it raises fundamental questions about Poindexter’s motives: how does he reconcile his previous attempt on her life with his current willingness to work for her?
While it is plausible that Bullseye was unaware of his employer’s identity for the hits on Foggy and Karen, it begs the question of how he could operate with such ambiguity. The audience must consider whether he recognizes Vanessa as the orchestrator behind these hits, which leads to critical unresolved queries that the finale of Daredevil: Born Again must address. With Bullseye’s attack on Wilson Fisk culminating in Matt Murdock’s injuries, it is likely that this vendetta will continue to unfold in the series’ concluding episodes.
- Vanessa’s manipulations add complexity to her character.
- Bullseye’s vendetta complicates his motivations.
- Unresolved questions leave room for future plot developments.