Character Spotlight: Who Is Bastian Cooper in Daredevil: Born Again? Major Changes from Marvel Comics Revealed

Warning! This article contains spoilers for Daredevil: Born Again episode 7.

Daredevil: Born Again Episode 7 Unveils Muse’s Identity

In a thrilling twist, Daredevil: Born Again episode 7 unmasked Muse as Bastian Cooper, a significant departure from the established Marvel Comics lore. Following the tense climax of episode 6, which saw Daredevil reunite with the fight against Muse, Matt Murdock is drawn back into action, this time to protect Angela del Toro from the art-obsessed serial killer.

After Angela narrowly escaped Muse’s clutches, the killer turned his attention to another figure close to Matt: Heather Glenn. This surprising turn of events was intricately foreshadowed in an Easter egg from episode 2, revealing Muse as one of Heather’s clients. The critical revelation of Muse’s identity unfolded during a therapy session, diverging significantly from the comic book sources.

Muse’s Identity Reveal: A Significant Twist

Identity Unveiled in Therapy

Hunter Doohan as Bastian Cooper in Daredevil: Born Again episode 7

The dramatic revelation of Muse’s identity came during a session between Heather and the troubled Bastian Cooper, portrayed by Hunter Doohan. This connection had been hinted at earlier, and episode 7 confirmed Bastian’s complex character—a figure with a tumultuous history, having faced multiple psychiatric commitments.

Moreover, Bastian’s credentials as an elite Taekwondo practitioner provide him with the skills to stand toe-to-toe with Daredevil, showcasing an unexpected depth to his character. Detective Kim discloses that Bastian was instructed in martial arts by Lee Suk Ji, hinting at a troubled past that connects training to darker outcomes. Bastian’s true nature surfaces during his conversations with Heather, suggesting a chilling acknowledgment of his gruesome acts.

Daredevil: Born Again’s Muse vs. Comic Book Muse

The Mystique of Muse in Comics

Hunter Doohan at the book signing in Daredevil Born Again

Daredevil: Born Again’s handling of Muse’s identity stands in stark contrast to his depiction in the comics. Originally presented as a mysterious figure lacking a clear backstory, Muse remained a deranged killer driven by art. The series’ decision to flesh out Bastian Cooper marks one of the most significant departures from the original material, providing a background that had never surfaced in prior story arcs.

This expansive narrative twist creates a nuanced antagonist, one whose motivations and past are now more intelligible, enriching the viewing experience. The series draws from various inspirations while simultaneously breaking new ground, crafting a multi-dimensional character where before there was only cryptic menace.

A Different Fate for Muse: Changes in His Demise

A Shift in Ending: Muse’s Death

Daredevil and Muse confrontation
Custom image by Yailin Chacon

The fate of Muse also deviates from comic canon. In a dramatic conclusion, Heather shoots Muse, providing her character with a more central role in the narrative. This change marks a substantial shift compared to the comics, where Muse’s defeat was orchestrated through the actions of another character, the superhero Blindspot. In the comics, Blindspot ultimately leads to Muse’s demise after a prolonged storyline involving the villainous organization known as the Hand.

Though the absence of Blindspot means fans will not witness that rivalry, the adaptation in Daredevil: Born Again serves the story well, integrating Muse’s death into Heather’s character arc. This creative choice resonates within the overall thematic development of the show, proving that the series adeptly blends existing material with innovative storytelling.

Ultimately, Daredevil: Born Again navigates the delicate balance between homage to the comics and fresh narrative exploration, ensuring that both new viewers and long-time fans find something captivating in this gripping adaptation.

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