Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Daredevil: Born Again episode 9
MCU Easter eggs and Netflix references. The culmination of Matt Murdock's return as Daredevil and Wilson Fisk cementing his power as New York's mayor, the finale of Daredevil: Born Again ends on a major cliffhanger, one that sets up a very exciting Daredevil: Born Again season 2. While the series has had some great ties and connections, some of my favorite references have been saved for last.
In Daredevil: Born Again episode 9, Fisk's Anti-Vigilante Task Force is leading the charge as Mayor Fisk declares martial law, while Frank Castle's Punisher and Karen Page return to help a wounded Matt Murdock. The episode also sets the stage for New York's future, as the war against all New York vigilantes truly begins. To that end, here are all the biggest MCU Easter eggs and references in Daredevil: Born Again episode 9.
21 Agent Nadeem and FBI Corruption
Explaining Fisk's Acquittal
A flashback to Vanessa hiring Bullseye to kill Foggy Nelson confirms that Fisk was eventually acquitted due to the corruption of the FBI in Daredevil season 3. There's also a reference to Agent Ray Nadeem, a major player in the FBI who eventually helped Daredevil go after Fisk.
20 The Truth About Red Hook
Why Vanessa Had Foggy Killed In Daredevil: Born Again's Premiere
Image via Disney+
Red Hook is revealed to be a free port based on an old New York charter, explaining why Vanessa and Wilson Fisk are so interested in the area to create their own city-state, allowing them to do whatever they want without legal repercussions or reprisals. Likewise, Foggy's discovery of this truth a year prior explains why Vanessa had him marked for death in the series premiere.
19 Fisk's White Suit Is Here To Stay
Back To Form As The Kingpin
Image via Disney+
Even after the Black and White Ball, Fisk keeps wearing a white suit in Daredevil: Born Again episode 9. This serves to be an important visual cue, signifying his return to form as the Kingpin and his more traditional appearance.
18 City-Wide Lockdown Thanks To Bullseye
Just Like In The Original Comics
Fisk orders a city-wide lockdown of New York due to Bullseye's attack, mirroring recent Daredevil comics when Bullseye began indiscriminately killing civilians in Manhattan, forcing a major citywide lockdown in 2021's Daredevil #32 with New Yorkers fearing to leave their homes as the police and Elektra Natchios' Daredevil attemped to bring Bullseye (and his two clones) down.
17 "Always The Kingpin"
Gallo Knew Fisk Couldn't Change
Image via Disney+
Even with his last breaths before Fisk crushed his head with his bare hands, Commissioner Gallo had consistently been the one who'd vocally referred to Fisk as "Kingpin", confirming he's always known Fisk could never change or deviate from his darker nature.
16 Pym van Dyne Foundation
A Major MCU Company
Right before all power is shut down for the entire city, an ad for Hope van Dyne's company in New York can be seen. The Pym van Dyne Foundation researches all kinds of ways to improve the world using Pym Particles, and a similar as was seen in Times Square in Daredevil: Born Again episode 2.
15 “Got a Phonecall”
Fans of The Netflix Shows Immediately Knew Who Changed Frank's Mind
Image via Disney+
Frank Castle arrives to help Matt Murdock in Daredevil: Born Again episode 9, saying that he got a phone call and changed his mind about giving Daredevil a hand. Before she's revealed a few scenes later, those who watched the Marvel Netflix shows know that only Karen Page could have convinced Punisher to help Daredevil in this finale episode.
14 "Hey, Red"
Punisher's Classic Nickname for Daredevil
Image via Disney+
Punisher calls Daredevil "Red", just like he did in the series' fourth episode, and both movements are callbacks in the original Netflix series in Daredevil season 2.
13 Cole North's Skull Vest
Confirming He Killed White Tiger
Image via Disney+
Cole North is shown wearing Frank Castle's Punisher skull in Daredevil: Born Again's finale, confirming that North was indeed the one who killed White Tiger at the end of Daredevil: Born Again episode 3.
12 Frank's Love of Coffee
A Great Netflix Callback
Image via Disney+
Frank makes more than a few references to wanting a good cup of coffee in Daredevil: Born Again episode 9, connecting to his established love of coffee in his original Netflix show.
