Marvel's The Defenders: 10 Ways It Sets Up Daredevil Season 3

8. Matt Finally Accepts His Identity

The Defenders Daredevil
Netflix

The big dilemma faced by Matt in The Defenders was whether or not he should resume his vigilante career. He accepts his fate by the show's end, content with his life under the mask, and that's a fairly massive leap for the character to make.

He's always been at odds with the Daredevil identity throughout his history, but there comes a point where Matt Murdock realises that the city needs him both in and out of the courtroom. That moment came at the end of The Defenders, and while he won't be granting Stick any favours for the path he put him on, it's clear that Matt - and those around him - understand why Daredevil is necessary not only for Hell's Kitchen, but for Murdock himself too.

There was an argument that Murdock had an addiction to the violence of vigilantism (encouraged by Elektra's presence in season two), but - as was reiterated in The Defenders - all Matt wants to do is help people. Obviously returning from the dead can weigh heavily on anyone's decision making, so it remains to be seen if that acceptance will continue next year, but it's a big moment for Murdock, and for his friends too.

Matt Murdock's life is perpetually tragic, but if he manages to weave both his lives together, things could be looking up for him come season three.

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Content Producer/Presenter
Content Producer/Presenter

Resident movie guy at WhatCulture who used to be Comics Editor. Thinks John Carpenter is the best. Likes Hellboy a lot. Can usually be found talking about Dad Movies on his Twitter at @EwanRuinsThings.