Daredevil (TV Series) Kinbaku (2016) User Reviews

Enter Elektra

[ThomasDrufke · 7/10 · 24 March 2016]

After four phenomenal episodes, Daredevil took a slight step back with episode 5. 'Kinbaku' still had its moments, but I feel like the momentum built by Punisher's presence was missing here. Elektra made her grand entrance in the previous entry, but this was her time to shine. Elodie Young didn't disappoint as the manipulative ex- girlfriend of Matt's and a lingering threat to Hell's Kitchen.

Karen and Matt continued their growing relationship by going out on a date which was shockingly not interrupted by crime or a surprise appearance by a villain. Seriously, I've seen too many of these 'nice' moments for superheroes to not at least expect something bad to happen. But besides an untimely phone call from Elektra, nothing could stop the two from having a nice night off. Knowing all of that makes me think the relationship won't last, but we can enjoy it for now.

The show used flashbacks to give us the history between Matt and Elektra, and it played out how I expected. I like the fact that Elektra is the one person Matt can't seem to get a grapple on with his powers even as much as he denies it. It creates an interesting dynamic for the rest of the season and a likely problem for Karen and Matt's relationship. The flashbacks gave us a look into Matt's first real step into becoming Daredevil as he nearly beat to death the man who killed his father. The idea that both Elektra and Punisher are both pro-killing forms the exact character arc that Matt is going through this season. How far are you willing to go to get done what needs to get done?

Foggy and Karen both sought out help in the fight against Reyes and the Punisher respectively. Karen took to Ben Urich's former boss for help while Foggy went to his ex-girlfriend for some advice. We actually got a clue as to how Jessica Jones and the rest of the Defenders will factor into Daredevil with information from Foggy's ex, and got confirmation from Karen's search that Punisher's family was in fact killed in crossfire between the 3 gangs in Hell's Kitchen. Overall, it wasn't as impressive as the previous 4 episodes, but we got a lot of progress in the plot against this season's main antagonists.

+Elektra didn't disappoint

+Karen and Matt have a nice night out

+Tidbits of clues piece some things together

-Felt the Punisher's presence was missing

7.7/10

The blind and the wild

[quincytheodore · 8/10 · 24 March 2016]

It's only time before Elektra, the sultry female agent, comes knocking. Thus, revealed the ballet of dysfunctional seduction Murdock and her underwent a decade earlier. Elodie Yung as the infamous Elektra has the exotic vibe with her slender build and raspy voice, she's the polar opposite of the mild Karen who Murdock engages on romantic approach just right now.

The different timelines work in favor of the narrative, it introduces Elektra and at the same time portrays her in a more mature seductress yet still slightly volatile role. There's a minor inconvenient about her, as Jennifer Garner who previously portrayed this character had athletic physique. It's, of course, another rendition, yet there's an expectation for sturdier visage from master martial art who reaches peak physical form.

As far as chemistry or writing go, it's a nice introduction for her, which also sets up contrasting relationship for Murdock, the shady affair. Meanwhile, Karen follows more lead, at this point she's comfortably taking the investigation aspect on her shoulder, she might even pass as Lois Lane.

Action slows down a bit, Punisher also takes a break on this episode, but it's fairly expected and to its credit, the inclusion of new character is done swiftly and without delaying the pace the series already set upon.

Enticing

[jamieww-37115 · 8/10 · 15 June 2021]

The introduction of Elektra and the backstory that follows provides a deeper understanding of the relationship between Elektra and Matt. Whilst the relationship between Matt and Karen begins to take off it makes the episode even more gripping. Overall, a solid introduction to the story for the next part of the season.

Cheesy episode

[lraimundo · 16 October 2018]

This episode showcases two different time lines: the present, where we see Matt, Karen and Foggy still recovering from the Punisher's events, and a romantic approach between Matt and Karen; and in some flashbacks we get to know how Elektra and Matt met, and start another romantic approach. Yeah, this episode is full of cheesy moments, and the one thing that made the last 4 episodes great (The Punisher) is missing. This episode doesn't thrill or shock us like Daredevil usually do.

Romantic & dangerous!

[giraldogandres · 9/10 · 18 May 2020]

Maybe this episode is the most romantic one of the series, but there are some interesting details about Matt Murdock's dark past. I liked how Karen was investigating more about Frank Castle. And Elektra is really dangerous and manipulative! Great episode!

Normal

[amindostiari · 10/10 · 31 March 2021]

A normal episode, but as always great. The relationship between Matt and Karen is great.

It's not exciting

[martinleonel-55554 · 7/10 · 8 June 2021]

After 2 chapters with a score of 10, this episode is a downfall. It's still nice to know about Daredevil's past, but Elektra isn't a great character. It does not thrill like other chapters.

It's Decent [7.5/10]

[panagiotis1993 · 7/10 · 18 May 2023]

Live Reaction / Review for Daredevil Season 2 Episode 5: Episode 4 was really good, I hope this one is good too. The flashbacks with Elektra are nice. Any news from Frank though? I would like to know what is going on with him, that's it? No more episodes with him? I don't really understand what Elektra wants from Matt. It seems like Elektra and Matt were really in love. I wonder what happened and they broke up though. This episode focuses on Matt's relationships, while im not the biggest fan of the idea, the episode is decent. The scene where they kiss was kind of awkward, the chemistry is not the best, like Matt was thinking about something else. Matt absolutely destroyed the face of the guy responsible for his dad's death. Ok so he broke up with Elektra because she has no moral code I think. Overall a good episode but not as good as the previous episodes in my opinion. My rating is 7.5/10.

Worst episode of the show so far.

[Eskimaux · 5/10 · 2 September 2018]

The arrival of the character Elektra has brought this cheesy cheap theme to the show. I couldn't help but cringe every time she spoke and the character is extremely annoying. Worst episode of the show so far, hoping it gets better again from here.

Meh

[dosefade19 · 5/10 · 20 February 2020]

Was enjoying the show quite a lot until this episode. Matt and Karen have to be one of the worst pairings I've seen in a show ever. No chemistry there at all since the beginning except for Karen constantly drooling over Matt, feels rushed and shallow. I was expecting Karen to get with Foggy if anything since that's what season 1 set me up to believe and they both have really good chemistry, but Karen is clearly too shallow to date Foggy. Iron Fist is honestly better.

Not Electric

[galahad58-1 · 4/10 · 2 November 2017]

The episode that started the decline of Daredevil. Electra was a mistake - her character development is terrible and the actress looks like she is struggling to pull off the role in every single episode. Daredevil was the better entry in the Marvel TV universe until this episode and now it has declined into the realms of the Electra and Daredevil movies.

It is a shame that the folks involved in these shows feel the need to keep adding more and more characters - which usually ends up in hurting shows/movies.

Ruined season two for me

[pomegranatetaco · 3/10 · 21 March 2022]

This episode was the start of something awful. After watching just two episodes with elektra I was tried of her character and her storyline. She is one of most boring characters with little to no redeeming qualities. If you watch season two I suggest skipping ever scene with elektra and her story. I hate this character and it really sucks that would entangle a great story like Frank's with hers. I just wish that they would have ended franks part and then started elektras storyline. Even though I dislike the character this has nothing to do with the actress as she did amazing at making me hate the character and is really talented. I think that was probably the main flaw with her character I think the writers over did it and it just made it on watchable for me which really sucks because I love the show but I just can't force myself to watch it anymore. Again no hate toward the actors and actresses.

What were they thinking?

[Leofwine_draca · 3/10 · 24 October 2021]

This was an awful episode, the worst of the show yet. Elektra fails to impress and the actress playing her is way below par. The Karen/Matt scenes are purely cringeworthy and feel like they belong in a cheesy romantic comedy and the rest is just inert with Punisher sorely missed. What were they thinking?