Daredevil: Born Againis finally delivering on a love triangle that has been 9 years in the making. Charlie Cox’s Matt Murdock originally debuted in the NetflixDaredevilseries in 2015 and became an extremely popular character, prompting theMCUto produce a continuation of his story on Disney+. Originally meant to stay absent, the MCU also ended up bringing back Matt’s best friends Foggy Nelson and Karen Page because of fan demand. However,Foggy unfortunately dies in episode 1which becomes the catalyst for the whole show.
Stricken with grief from Foggy’s death, the remaining friends become distant asKaren relocates to San Franciscoand Matt stays in New York. During their time apart, Matt also reacquainted himself with another familiar face, Frank Castle. By the time of the season finale, Frank comes to escort Matt away from danger safely, and it’s revealed thatit was Karen who hired him to do so. The three have a conversation together where some groundwork for future relationships is set up, though it’s left unclear about which relationship will be pursued.
The Punisher Hinted That Karen Page & Punisher Have Feelings For Each Other
Everyone knows that Matt and Karen have a long history as best friends, business partners, then lovers briefly. However, Karen and Frank also had a budding relationship that was heavily hinted at. The pair first got to know each other in season 2 ofDaredevil, then their relationship grew stronger when Karen appeared in both seasons ofThe Punisher.There were some very obvious feelings between the two of them, but nothing was ever made official. Seeing them reunite on screen inBorn Againis already a big feat for most fans, but the show took it a step further.
After her brief reunion with Frank, Karen goes to search Foggy’s old case files with Matt. He tells his best friend that he heardFrank’s heartbeat get quicker when he saw her, and the same was true for her. Karen and Frank never pursued a relationship in eitherDaredevilorThe Punisher, but the show made it clear that there was something there. Now thatBorn Againhas officially confirmed that both of their romantic feelings are mutual, it feels like the show is setting up for their relationship going into season 2.
We’re Moving Into The MCU’s First Real Love Triangle
Image via Disney+
However, Frank and Karen weren’t the only two to share a moment in episode 9.Matt also notes that Karen’s heartbeat got quicker when she looked at him, confirming that there are still some lingering feelings there as well. With Heather working with Fisk now, it’s safe to assume that she and Matt have broken up going into season 2. Now that Karen seems to be back for good to work with Matt while he buildsDaredevil’s army, this leaves time for the two best friends to reconnect.
Episode 9 sets up these complex feelings between Karen, Matt, and Frank for a reason, leaving her choice open-ended. This is the first time that the MCU is diving into an explicit love triangle like this, and considering the long relationship that Karen has with both men, this is a great option for the MCU’s first love triangle.Romantic feelings are already established between two partiesrather than bringing an outsider third party for the sake of it. Whoever Karen ends up choosing in season 2 ofDaredevil: Born Again, it will be an interesting addition to her storyline.
