Why This 'Daredevil: Born Again' Romance Isn't Working In Season 2

When it comes to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, there are very few instances when a romantic relationship doesn't work. Given the canon we have from the comics, you almost have to accept what's given to you, and if there's something else you want, then that's what fan fiction is for. But then there are moments where the pairing is so off that it hinders the story in a way that's a disservice to both characters. As someone who always prefers a romantic arc in my fiction, I'd almost rather not have it when it comes out of left field as it does in Daredevil: Born Again (2025).

The sophomore season is relatively thrilling thus far, with its fourth episode providing brilliantly dark entertainment through Wilson Bethel's Benjamin "Dex" Poindexter as Bullseye, but the rest is questionable. Now streaming on Disney+, here's why we can't get behind Matt and Karen's romantic relationship this season.

'Daredevil: Born Again' Didn't Build Up To Matt And Karen's Relationship

While the Netflix origin series, Daredevil (2015), gives us insight into Matt Murdoch and Karen Page's brief history, it also indicates that they aren't a good pair. Matt's a man who's been around—which is in his right—so, the setup almost feels like an unexpected curveball. The chemistry is not only not there, but the bond they share also feels purely platonic. It doesn't feel earned, given their history.

While it isn't rare for TV shows and movies to throw us right into an already established relationship without the classic setup, the signs are at least present in other instances. Most recently, Miss Scarlet (2020) began its sixth season with the decision to showcase that the titular character and Alexander Blake got together off-screen. Given the hints we had about their feelings in the previous season, this setup was a pleasant surprise. 

James Gunn's Superman (2025) also threw us right into an already established relationship between Clark Kent and Lois Lane, and The Fantastic 4: First Steps (2025) followed the same footsteps with Reed Richards and Sue Storm. However, because both these relationships are canon in almost every universe we know them in, it makes complete sense to switch up their "beginnings." It also makes sense to expect the audience to follow along.

And while Daredevil: Born Again had ample opportunity to potentially show us a different side to Matt and Karen last season, it never did. Instead, it gave us a few subtle moments to indicate why they're better suited as friends. If the showrunners wanted us to believe in this relationship, they needed to show it. The two of them grieving Foggy's death is substantial, but it's not enough to then say that somewhere off-camera, they decided to get together. None of the canon material is enough to show us why they're romantically tethered to each other because it's all awkward now.

Karen And Frank Castle Work Better As A Potential Couple

A large part of the reason why fans shifted from Matt and Karen was because of the moments we got between Karen and Frank in The Punisher (2017). Their chemistry is not only engrossing, but there's a distinction and depth in the way the two of them care for each other.

For a man like Frank Castle, who's hard around the edges and ruthless around everyone, to soften for one woman—there's something worthy of exploring there. Karen not only brings out the best in Frank and restores life to the darkness he lived through after his family was murdered, but he also brings out the edges in her. There's a delicate, deliciously enticing balance that's apparent every time they share a scene together. 

There's also something to be said about how she clearly prefers to be a bit harsher than Matt while they're on the job together, and so much of that is because of Frank. It's because of everything he's brought out in her, which simultaneously makes it hard to root for her and Matt because they aren't bringing out the best in each other the way that romantic pairings should. 

Ultimately, this isn't a matter of shipping preferences as much as it is an observation about what's shown to us, versus what we're supposed to believe without the necessary layers to invest in the love story. Most Marvel couples have a rich history that makes believing in their romance easy, even if we don't get too much screentime. Sadly, that isn't the case with Matt and Karen, making their new relationship an odd roadblock in an otherwise great season instead.