Marvel Perfectly Explained 9 Years Ago Why Daredevil Doesn’t Reveal Where The Punisher’s Base Is After Finding It In Daredevil: Born Again Episode 4

Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Daredevil: Born Again episode 4

Marvel has already explained why Matt Murdock didn’t give up The Punisher’s base in Daredevil: Born Again…nine years ago. Having reunited amid a new conspiracy involving an impostor and corrupt police officers co-opting Frank Castle’s iconic skull logo, it’s been quite some time since Daredevil and The Punisher have crossed paths in the MCU. Likewise, the last time they met helps explain why Murdock doesn’t rat Frank out in this new series.

Regardless of whether you’ve seen the original Netflix Daredevil series or not, it’s made abundantly clear in Daredevil: Born Again episode 4 that Matt Murdock has never condoned Punisher’s use of lethal force. Castle’s mission is to secure what he sees as a far more “permanent justice” than Matt will ever be able to achieve as Daredevil, putting criminals behind bars instead of putting them in the ground as The Punisher does. That said, there’s an important reason why Daredevil doesn’t just give Punisher up to the cops, despite knowing exactly where Frank operates in Daredevil: Born Again episode 4.

Daredevil: Born Again’s Punisher Return Scene Raises A Major Daredevil Question

Why Doesn’t Daredevil Turn Punisher In?

In the previous Daredevil: Born Again episode 3, Hector Ayala aka White Tiger was shot and killed by a man dressed as The Punisher. This was the same night after Murdock had just represented Ayala in court, and a jury declared Ayala innocent in a case involving the death of a corrupt police officer, as Hector had intervened after seeing two dirty undercover cops beating a confidential informant. Now, Daredevil: Born Again episode 4 sees Matt investigating the crime scene and finding a shell casing with The Punisher’s logo printed on it.

Finding the shell casing, Murdock decides to pay Frank a visit with the surprising reveal that Daredevil apparently knows where the Punisher’s base of operation is located in New York. Despite Matt’s reunion with Castle and showing him the casing, The Punisher has zero interest in helping Daredevil. However, he doesn’t seem to share any love for his “bulls*** fanboys”, acknowledging his problematic following with many officers having been shown with Punisher skull tattoos in the MCU, a poignant parallel to a real-life controversy.

RelatedDaredevil: Born Again episode 4 features some VERY exciting Easter eggs and references, connecting to the greater MCU and the original Netflix show.

That said, Daredevil: Born Again episode 4 does not address why Matt simply leaves Frank to continue operating after their brutally intense argument, allowing Castle to presumably continue tracking his next target. It wouldn’t be surprising if many viewers found this somewhat odd, wondering why Daredevil wouldn’t give Frank up, especially when he knows where he lives and so clearly disagrees with The Punisher’s methods and lack of mercy, leaving no room for redemption and second chances. However, the answer more than likely lies in the MCU’s past.

The Punisher & Daredevil’s Last On-Screen Interaction Helps Explain Why Matt Would Be Reluctant To Give Him Away

“See You Around Red”

The last time Punisher and Daredevil saw each other was in Netflix’s Daredevil season 2. Not only had Matt Murdock represented Castle in court during the second season (much like he represented White Tiger), but he’d also saved Frank’s life as Daredevil when Castle was captured by the Kitchen Irish. Furthermore, the finale saw Punisher coming to Daredevil’s aid after Nobu Yoshioka killed Elektra Natchios and sent multiple Hand assassins to finish Matt off. Taking out the ninjas from a nearby roof with a sniper rifle, Frank gave Daredevil the opening he needed to defeat Nobu.

“Although Daredevil hates Punisher’s brutal brand of justice, Murdock owes Castle, and they both share a baseline level of respect for one another despite their core differences…”

The reason Murdock wouldn’t just give The Punisher up to the authorities has everything to do with their complex MCU history. Although Daredevil hates Punisher’s brutal brand of justice, Murdock owes Castle, and they both share a baseline level of respect for one another despite their core differences. Likewise, Matt does seem to believe that Frank could one day be redeemed and adopt more non-lethal methods. However, it’s also possible Murdock has concerns about what would happen to Frank’s fellow inmates if he were imprisoned. After all, the last time Castle was behind bars (Daredevil season 2) was an absolute bloodbath.

Frank Castle & Matt Murdock’s Complicated MCU History Makes The Future of Daredevil: Born Again & The Punisher Spinoff Even More Exciting

A Truly Dynamic MCU Duo (With A Lot of Layers)

Custom Image by Kevin Erdmann

It’s hard to imagine what Daredevil: Born Again would have been like without these incredible ties to the original Netflix series. It makes relationships like Matt and Frank’s so much richer than they would be otherwise, making the future of this new MCU series even more exciting as it continues to explore new layers. Thankfully, Daredevil: Born Again episode 4 is just the beginning of Castle’s return to the MCU, as he’ll likely end up joining Daredevil in future episodes. Likewise, it’s already been confirmed that The Punisher’s also getting his own spin-off Special Presentation.

New episodes of Daredevil: Born Again release Tuesday nights on Disney+.

After Charlie Cox’s cameo appearance in Spider-Man: No Way Home and supporting role in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, Daredevil: Born Again gives Matt Murdock his first show set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Daredevil: Born Again continues the story that started in Netflix’s three-season Daredevil series and sees Wilson Fisk ascend to mayor of New York City.
The Punisher stars Jon Bernthal as Frank Castle/The Punisher, who first appeared on Netflix’s Daredevil. Frank is a United States Marine Corps Scout Sniper veteran who is highly skilled in martial arts, stealth tactics, guerrilla warfare, and knows how to use a variety of weapons. The death of his wife and two children led him to take matters into his own hands, and he has been killing criminals indiscriminately ever since. Despite being beloved by fans, The Punisher was canceled in early 2019. Thankfully for fans of Bernthal’s character, it was announced in 2023 that he would be joining the MCU by appearing in Daredevil: Born Again, starring Charlie Cox.