Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Daredevil: Born Again episode 4
Marvel has already explained why Matt Murdock didn’t give upThe Punisher’sbase inDaredevil: Born Again…nine years ago. Having reunited amid a new conspiracy involving an impostor and corrupt police officers co-opting Frank Castle’s iconic skull logo, it’s been quite some time since Daredevil and The Punisher have crossed paths in the MCU. Likewise, the last time they met helps explain why Murdock doesn’t rat Frank out in this new series.
Regardless of whether you’ve seen the original NetflixDaredevilseries or not, it’s made abundantly clear inDaredevil: Born Againepisode 4that Matt Murdock has never condoned Punisher’s use of lethal force. Castle’s mission is to secure what he sees as a far more “permanent justice” than Matt will ever be able to achieve as Daredevil, putting criminals behind bars instead of putting them in the ground as The Punisher does.That said, there’s an important reason why Daredevil doesn’t just give Punisher up to the cops, despite knowing exactly where Frank operates inDaredevil: Born Againepisode 4.
Daredevil: Born Again’s Punisher Return Scene Raises A Major Daredevil Question
Why Doesn’t Daredevil Turn Punisher In?
In the previousDaredevil: Born Againepisode 3, Hector Ayala aka White Tiger was shot and killed by a man dressed as The Punisher. This was the same night after Murdock had just represented Ayala in court, and a jury declared Ayala innocent in a case involving the death of a corrupt police officer, as Hector had intervened after seeing two dirty undercover cops beating a confidential informant. Now,Daredevil: Born Againepisode 4 sees Matt investigating the crime scene and finding a shell casing with The Punisher’s logo printed on it.
Finding the shell casing, Murdock decides to pay Frank a visit with the surprising reveal that Daredevil apparently knows where the Punisher’s base of operation is located in New York.Despite Matt’s reunion with Castle and showing him the casing, The Punisher has zero interest in helping Daredevil. However, he doesn’t seem to share any love for his “bulls*** fanboys”, acknowledging his problematic following with many officers having been shown with Punisher skull tattoos in the MCU, a poignant parallel to a real-life controversy.
That said,Daredevil: Born Againepisode 4 does not address why Matt simply leaves Frank to continue operating after their brutally intense argument, allowing Castle to presumably continue tracking his next target. It wouldn’t be surprising if many viewers found this somewhat odd, wondering why Daredevil wouldn’t give Frank up, especially when he knows where he lives and so clearly disagrees with The Punisher’s methods and lack of mercy, leaving no room for redemption and second chances. However, the answer more than likely lies in the MCU’s past.
The Punisher & Daredevil’s Last On-Screen Interaction Helps Explain Why Matt Would Be Reluctant To Give Him Away
“See You Around Red”
The last time Punisher and Daredevil saw each other was in Netflix’sDaredevilseason 2. Not only had Matt Murdock represented Castle in court during the second season (much like he represented White Tiger), but he’d also saved Frank’s life as Daredevil when Castle was captured by the Kitchen Irish.Furthermore, the finale saw Punisher coming to Daredevil’s aid after Nobu Yoshioka killed Elektra Natchios and sent multiple Hand assassins to finish Matt off. Taking out the ninjas from a nearby roof with a sniper rifle, Frank gave Daredevil the opening he needed to defeat Nobu.
“Although Daredevil hates Punisher’s brutal brand of justice, Murdock owes Castle, and they both share a baseline level of respect for one another despite their core differences…”
The reason Murdock wouldn’t just give The Punisher up to the authorities has everything to do with their complex MCU history. Although Daredevil hates Punisher’s brutal brand of justice, Murdock owes Castle, and they both share a baseline level of respect for one another despite their core differences. Likewise, Matt does seem to believe that Frank could one day be redeemed and adopt more non-lethal methods. However, it’s also possible Murdock has concerns about what would happen to Frank’s fellow inmates if he were imprisoned. After all, the last time Castle was behind bars (Daredevilseason 2) was an absolute bloodbath.
Frank Castle & Matt Murdock’s Complicated MCU History Makes The Future of Daredevil: Born Again & The Punisher Spinoff Even More Exciting
A Truly Dynamic MCU Duo (With A Lot of Layers)
It’s hard to imagine whatDaredevil: Born Againwould have been like without these incredible ties to the original Netflix series.It makes relationships like Matt and Frank’s so much richer than they would be otherwise, making the future of this new MCU series even more exciting as it continues to explore new layers. Thankfully,Daredevil: Born Againepisode 4 is just the beginning of Castle’s return to the MCU, as he’ll likely end up joining Daredevil in future episodes. Likewise, it’s already been confirmed thatThe Punisher’s also getting his own spin-off Special Presentation.
Daredevil: Born Again
Cast
Daredevil: Born Again follows blind lawyer Matt Murdock, who uses his heightened abilities to pursue justice in New York. As he manages a bustling law firm, former mob boss Wilson Fisk navigates political ambitions, leading both men toward a confrontation as their pasts resurface.
The Punisher
The Punisher stars Jon Bernthal as Frank Castle/The Punisher, who first appeared on Netflix’sDaredevil. Frank is a United States Marine Corps Scout Sniper veteran who is highly skilled in martial arts, stealth tactics, guerrilla warfare, and knows how to use a variety of weapons. The death of his wife and two children led him to take matters into his own hands, and he has been killing criminals indiscriminately ever since. Despite being beloved by fans,The Punisherwas canceled in early 2019. Thankfully for fans of Bernthal’s character, it was announced in 2023 that he would be joining the MCU by appearing inDaredevil: Born Again, starring Charlie Cox.
