Marvel’s Cinematic Universe (MCU) has grown so big that it has become a household name, even if you haven’t watched the films, and now TV shows, within the universe itself. It has grown even bigger since its latest edition, and with wonderful results.

Marvel’s “Daredevil” is the first component to the MCU to be featured exclusively on Netflix. It is also supposed to be the first of many Netflix original series that are intended to be set within the universe. The next series is said to  be “A.K.A Jessica Jones”.  “Daredevil’s” release on Netflix  embodies a much darker tone and more adult subject matter than “The Avengers.” In the first episode, bones are crushed, bullets fly, and blood is abundant which makes the show both cliché and refreshing.

The darker tone of “Daredevil” illustrates much more depth to the chronicles of the superhero. This is in contrast to Marvel’s other projects, which have been more fun and light-hearted. There are scenes that bring about emotion to a point where you almost forget that you’re watching a show about a  comic book character. Intense sequences of dialogue between the main characters give the story line the typical turning point within the plot, but also creates an emotional connection with viewers.

The hero, Matt Murdoch, played by Charlie Cox, is a conflicted character that cannot decide whether he is doing the right thing or causing more harm than good. As the show progresses, we feel each struggle going on within Matt; his internal conflicts on whether to kill, his stress in distancing himself from the ones he loves so they don’t get hurt, his torment in blaming himself for his father’s death. Matt’s inner battles are expertly interspersed with scenes of beautifully choreographed hand-to-hand combat, in a pace that couldn’t have been done better.

Another refreshing idea is a hero with limits. Each time he fights, he ends up with more and more injuries, making each consecutive move harder. Some of the best fight scenes within the show, however, are not with Matt Murdoch, but instead with his primary antagonist: Wilson Fisk, played by Vincent D’Onofrio.

D’Onofrio’s Fisk is one of the strongest and most unique characters to ever have been involved in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Instead of being the typical one-sided villain that we are used to, we are given a man who truly feels that he is doing “good,” while he supports murderous actions, pays off police and other members of the law, and decapitates members of the Russian mob with a car door. None of this would have worked in other Marvel movies or shows, but the dark tone and D’Onofrio’s impeccable acting makes it work and it becomes a natural part of the show. Having Fisk as the primary antagonist serves as the perfect counterpart to Daredevil; Fisk is a man who is bad, but feels he is doing the right thing, while Murdoch is a man who is good, but worries if he’s in the wrong.

The religion aspect of the show also gives a new spin on comic book adaptations because  it brings about questions of morality and justice, while giving more depth and meaning to all of the events taking place. One of the best moments of the entire first season of “Daredevil” is a scene in which Wilson Fisk recounts the “Good Samaritan” story from the bible. The benediction that emanates from Fisk’s voice during the intense, game-changing scene piles on the kind of emotional baggage viewers need to stay hooked.

“Daredevil “offers a glimpse into the soul of a blind man who can only see “a world of fire” through the tormenting demons within himself. The show has its definite cliché moments, but overall is one of the strongest and most in-depth comic book adaptations. The show  is already garnering attention, and a seal of approval from comic book lovers and thriller series junkies.

Jesse Hernandez can be reached at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter @jesseroberto812