Marvel's Daredevil Season 2: 10 Ups And 2 Downs

Perhaps this was inevitable, given the opening episodes, but there are some pacing issues with Daredevil's second season that don't make binge-watching a completely smooth ride. 

The first four episodes, or the 'Punisher arc', go along at a blistering pace. It's exciting, it's tense, there's a lot going on and you're completely swept along with it, setting the stage very nicely for the rest of the season. 

The next batch of episodes, the 'Elektra arc', then slow things down somewhat. There are flashbacks, the Daredevil/Punisher stuff is largely done with, but it hasn't yet got to the mystery that will drive the conclusion, meaning that while there's still some strong moments, it does sag a little bit. 

It's all brought back together for the concluding episodes, which increases the pace again, but doesn't deliver a wholly satisfying end to things. 

Breaking the season up into smaller arcs makes sense, especially with the binge-watch model as it means you're getting something different every few episodes, but the way it goes at breakneck speed and then slows it right down is rather jarring. It perhaps works better if there's a slower episode followed by a faster one, especially if watching all in one go, rather than chunks of slower, more character or story building episodes. It doesn't ruin the season, but it is certainly an issue.