The Daredevil universe continues to expand, and even though ten years have passed since the first season, the events of that initial chapter continue to leave their mark
Fisk’s secret weapon
Since the first episode of Daredevil in 2015, the series has stood out for its tone darker and more realisticmoving away from the spectacle of the Marvel Cinematic Universe films. This difference allowed Wilson Fisk to be built as a complex and methodical villain. However, before audiences met the fearsome Kingpin, he was James Wesley who spread fear in the streets of Hell’s Kitchen.
Wesley was more than just a helperthey were Fisk’s voice and eyes, intimidating the mobster’s enemies and allies with a mix of calm and menace. His loyalty and efficiency made him an extension of Fisk, but also an autonomous figure who wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty. His death at the hands of Karen Page in the first season marked a before and after, not only in Fisk’s life, but in the direction of the series.
Fisk’s transformation after the loss of Wesley
Wesley’s death broke something in Fiskleaving a void that can never be filled. Although he has always been a dangerous man, Wesley acted as his emotional anchor, helping him maintain control at the most critical moments. Without his friend, Fisk became more impulsive and less methodical.
For example, his relationship with Vanessa, which began as an emotional refuge, It became an obsession that distracted him from his initial goals.. His treatment of criminal partners changed dramatically, leading him to commit more extreme acts, such as murdering Leland Owlsley after discovering his attempted betrayal. Fisk stopped being a strategist who planned for the long term and became a crime kingpin who reacted with brutality.
Season 3 of Daredevil explored this transformation in depth, showing how Fisk manipulated the FBI to work in his favor, which would have been more difficult without the loss of Wesley. However, his attempt to replace him with figures such as Ben Poindexter (Bullseye) only underlined the irreplaceable bond between the two.
Wesley’s impact on Daredevil: Born Again
In Daredevil: Born Again, Wesley’s legacy lives on. Fisk, now campaigning to become mayor of New Yorkshows how much it has changed since the days when Wesley led it. Without his friend, Fisk has fully embraced his manipulative nature and opted for a more direct and brutal strategy to achieve his goals.
While Fisk has always had political ambitions, it is likely that, with Wesley at his side, His promotion would have been more calculated and less controversial. Now, with all his flaws exposed, Fisk seems more determined than ever to achieve power, even if it means trampling on his enemies more openly.
On the other hand, Karen Page also has to deal with the consequences of killing Wesley. His confession about this act in season three started a chain of events that could culminate in Born Again. The reappearance of Bullseye, whose resentment towards Fisk and Karen is deeply intertwined with Wesley’s death, promises to be a central focus in the new plot.
The catalyst for an unforgettable saga
Wesley’s impact lies not just in his presence, but in what his absence has caused. His death not only transformed Fisk into the ruthless Kingpin we know, but also set the stage for some of the most intense plots in the Daredevil universe. From Bullseye’s rise to Fisk’s political campaign, the void left by Wesley continues to mark the path of all the characters.
The Daredevil series wouldn’t be the same without the legacy of James Wesley. Ten years later, his shadow remains to remind us that every action has consequencesa message that is reflected in both the heroes and villains of this story.