In this episode of Challenge Accepted, Frank and Thomas dissect Daredevil: Born Again Episode 7, "Art for Art's Sake." With Muse's storyline abruptly cut short and Kingpin's dark side reawakening, the episode leaves fans both frustrated and intrigued. We talk character motivations, missed opportunities, jaw-dropping moments, and what this all means as the show hurtles toward the finale. Also, shoutout to Apple TV's The Studio—we've got a hot new comedy recommendation you won't want to miss.
00:00 Introduction and first impressions
00:25 Muse's abrupt ending and missed villain potential
01:36 Muse's motivations vs. lost storytelling opportunity
03:24 The therapist connection and what was missing
04:30 Muse's character in the comics vs. the show
05:06 Alternate endings and writing what could've been
06:01 Vigilante task force development and character cracks
08:09 Vanessa's secret moves and Kingpin's true nature
10:25 Power shifts, betrayals, and Vanessa's motivations
12:04 Mirrored arcs of Matt and Fisk
13:22 The return of Karen Page and Daredevil's emotional grounding
15:29 Adam: Kingpin's punching bag or pressure valve?
16:40 Fisk's rise through legal channels mirrors comic roots
17:24 New York as a character and who really protects it
18:40 Sherry's confrontation with Matt and moral questions
20:41 Muse fight choreography and ADR fail
23:52 Fixing the series—rewrites and Bob Iger's intervention
25:40 Show Recommendation: The Studio on Apple TV
27:56 Final thoughts and listener shoutouts
Muse's arc was a major letdown, especially given his deep comic origins as an Inhuman with sensory-disrupting powers.
Vanessa manipulates Kingpin back to his criminal roots, proving she's the real power behind the throne.
Daredevil and Fisk are perfectly mirrored this season, both believing they need to unleash their darker sides to save New York.
Episode 7 suffered from rushed pacing, missing an opportunity to build suspense with Muse's obsession.
The vigilante task force and North's internal struggle are promising but need more screen time.
The rewrites are clearly working—shifting the tone back toward what fans loved in the Netflix series while keeping things fresh.
"Let him breathe... but I do want to see the conclusion of everything else." — Frank
"Daredevil is Kingpin's Joker." — Thomas
"Muse deserved better. Give me one more episode with him in it!" — Frank
"I think New York is a character too—and it needs both Daredevil and Kingpin to survive." — Frank
"Vanessa doesn't want Mayor Fisk. She wants the Kingpin back." — Thomas
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