Trying to make these reviews shorter (not for your benefit, but because it's cutting down on Netflix-watching).
This episode had really good pathos. And by that, I mean it really gave me the feels. The Jack/Matt interaction was great throughout. From Matt having to grow up early with the finances to Matt learning his dad died, it was great on that end. But from Jack's end, it was perfect. It didn't have MWOF's defiant last breath, but from the Murdocks get up moment of inspiration to betting on himself to calling Maggie (presumably), it was great. The moment of him hearing the crowd chant Murdock was great. It ended in tragedy, but it was a tragedy he knew going into it. Really expertly handled throughout. I will say I love how this interaction with the Fixer didn't involve him breaking hands for bookies and it didn't involve threats against his son. It was straight from Stan Lee, but it still had tons of shades of gray. Jack Murdock was a poor man trying to provide for his blind son to get him to rise above this. That involves hard choices. The braille books showed that he had to go above and beyond for his education (and the Thurgood Marshall quote was a nice touch). 9 year old Matt is smarter than his dad, but it was still a touching relationship. Glad to see what's his name the Judge from the Wire - really the more Wire the better. Small role but I liked it.
I liked Josie's bar. I hope to return to it. I like Foggy's optimism. It made for a nice change of pace. He's the one who sees the good in people, which is a good trait for a defense attorney.
The Claire/Matt scenes were the focus on the episode (sans flashback). They're the heart of the conflict. Good to see Matt doing good already. Obviously, a lot of issues so far and it's clear that he's in a very gray area, but he still hasn't completely crossed the line (although the eye-stabbing cut it close, as did the throwing from a building). I like the fight-style. It seems adapted for a blind hero. It's very reaction-heavy so he can hear the approach. Also, since he's not superpowered, people don't go down after just one hit. It leads to some satisfyingly brutal scenes.
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