Season 1 of Daredevil had its fair share of really good episodes, but I've had my reservations for this season. With no Wilson Fisk or Ben Urich, and the additions of a few anti-heroes, I was skeptical as to how this season would balance everything as well as the first season did. But the first episode did well in setting this season into motion. While I'm not sure the direction it seems to be taking its main villain, the addition of Punisher was handled well and it's really nice seeing a fully realized Daredevil on screen.
Foggy was the main issue with season 1 and while I'm not sure if that will change this year, I don't think this episode hurt his case. He managed to get out of the rough situation at Dogs of Hell he was in, and didn't show a ton of jealousy towards Matt's likely forthcoming relationship with Karen. He's a much better character now that he knows Matt's secret and he can help out in the field a little more.
Karen didn't get a ton to do except to watch over Grotto, a member of an Irish gang that Punisher shot up, while Foggy and Matt investigated further. I know they were playing it up like it was an "army" who was going around doing this vigilantism, but didn't we all know it was Punisher?
Speaking of Punisher, I think Jon Bernthal will end up being a phenomenal Frank Castle. We know he can play an intimidating but charismatic character, with his work on The Walking Dead. Plus, the psychology of the Punisher works within the structure of Daredevil anyway, so it should be a good fit. I was even pleasantly surprised to see that we got to see a fight between the two in the first episode. So overall, it was a very good start to what is hopefully an epic second entry for the Daredevil series.
+Daredevil vs Punisher
+Foggy wasn't annoying
+Fully realized Daredevil
8.4/10