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Note: This article contains spoilers from “Daredevil: Born Again” Episode 9.
With the debut of “Daredevil: Born Again,” viewers anticipated an exploration of the dynamic between Wilson Fisk, portrayed by Vincent D’Onofrio, and his wife Vanessa, played by Ayelet Zurer. However, few expected Vanessa to evolve into one of the season’s most intricate antagonists by its conclusion.
The character’s arc has taken unexpected turns since her introduction as a refined and compassionate curator in the original Netflix series. Reimagined in “Born Again,” Vanessa transforms into a criminal mastermind, adeptly steering their illicit operations during Fisk’s absence and grappling with feelings of betrayal stemming from his neglect. Her journey reflects a stark transition—from a supportive spouse to a ruthless queenpin—as Vanessa navigates love, infidelity, and moral ambiguities throughout the season.
This return to the role posed a challenge for Zurer, who originally brought Vanessa to life on Netflix. With years having passed since her last portrayal, she felt the need to rethink Vanessa’s character in a new light. “People change, and I’ve changed,” Zurer said in an interview, highlighting her initial struggle to reconcile the character’s past with her newfound complexities. “But I quickly realized why this new direction was necessary for the story.”
One of the most contentious aspects of Vanessa’s transformation is her affair with an artist named Adam. Zurer, who always viewed her character as a paragon of loyalty, found the concept of infidelity difficult to digest. “Vanessa has always been honest, so how could she betray that trust?” she reflected. Yet, acknowledging the shift in her character’s trajectory allowed Zurer to embrace the depth and intrigue of Vanessa’s development, finding joy in the challenge of portraying a more nuanced villain.
Zurer describes Vanessa as a woman who understands human behavior profoundly and leverages this insight for her success. She views Vanessa’s character through a lens of complexity—less a straightforward antagonist, more a deeply flawed individual navigating love and power dynamics. “She is fiercely committed, and her love is what makes her fascinating, even if it leads her down a dark path,” Zurer suggested.
As the season progresses, Vanessa’s moral decisions take a notably darker turn. In a shocking twist, she ultimately kills Adam in a brutal act meant to affirm her commitment to Wilson. Faced with the choice presented by Wilson—who had kept Adam imprisoned—Vanessa’s actions underscore her loyalty, echoing themes from the original series regarding the nature of acceptance and brutal honesty in their relationship.
This connection between past and present highlights Vanessa’s internal conflicts. Zurer indicates that for Vanessa, love is intertwined with stark honesty, allowing her to act without the constraints of conventional morality. “For her, it’s not just about love; it’s about accepting the totality of who her partner is,” she noted. “This willingness to embrace darkness reflects her commitment.”
As the season touches on broader themes, it reveals Vanessa’s involvement in a plot leading to the tragic death of Foggy Nelson, Matt Murdock’s close friend. This development places Vanessa at the center of a burgeoning political narrative where her ambition to create an untouchable criminal state intertwines with a growing sense of moral decay.
“Her fearlessness mirrors Wilson’s intensity, but it stems from a place of love,” Zurer stated. Vanessa is neither a typical villain nor an archetypal hero; she embodies the duality of love and ambition, showcasing her as a product of her choices. The recruitment of Benjamin Pointdexter, a character with a dark past, complicates her schemes and serves as a pivotal plot point going forward.
The culmination of this season’s events forces Vanessa to confront the implications of her actions. When Matt Murdock is injured due to her machinations, guilt begins to seep into her psyche, setting the stage for future consequences. “It’s the starting point of her realization about what her choices have wrought,” Zurer commented. The ramifications of her decisions signal a drastic escalation in the conflict moving into the next season.
Season 2 is already in production, with new showrunner Dario Scardapane steering the narrative in a direction that promises to deepen Vanessa’s complexity. “I feel liberated by the new writing style and the freedom it brings,” Zurer expressed, looking forward to exploring this multi-faceted character further. The continuation of Vanessa’s storyline is expected to delve even deeper into her artistic inclinations and the dualities of beauty and darkness that define her character.
As the series progresses, Vanessa’s obsession with art remains a central theme, reflecting her unique perspective on life. The juxtaposition of love and the underworld continues to shape her actions, creating a captivating character navigating her own labyrinth of morality.
“Daredevil: Born Again” Season 2 is now streaming on Disney+.
Source
www.thewrap.com