(Image Source: Marvel Studios)
The premiere episode of Daredevil: Born Again stunned viewers with the violent death of Foggy Nelson. The news that Elden Henson would be continuing the role in the second season prompted several fan theories. These theories suggested that Foggy had either faked his death or would be resurrected somehow. These theories intensified in the wake of “Isle of Joy,” the penultimate episode of Daredevil: Born Again Season 1. However, despite such dramatic devices being common to the comics, there is one thing that prevents the Disney+ show from taking the same route.
The “Isle of Joy” episode yielded two shocking revelations. First, that it was Vanessa Fisk who recruited Bullseye to kill Foggy Nelson, rather than her husband, Wilson Fisk. Second, that this was due to a case Foggy was pursuing that had nothing to do with Nelson, Murdoch, and Page exposing the Fisks’ crimes.
(Image Source: Marvel / David Aja)
These revelations renewed speculation regarding Foggy Nelson faking his death in Daredevil: Born Again, based on a story from the comics. Nelson faked his death and went into FBI Witness Protection after being stabbed in 2006’s Daredevil Vol. 2 #82. This was all later revealed to be a result of Vanessa Fisk’s scheming against both her husband and Matt Murdock.
Foggy faking his death would undercut Daredevil: Born Again’s story
The chief problem with the fan theory of Foggy Nelson faking his death is one of practicality. Matt Murdock’s story arc throughout Daredevil: Born Again Season 1 was driven by the loss of his best friend. Everything in his story, from his retirement from vigilantism to his new law firm, was born of that loss. Revealing all of that to be born of a fake-out would undercut all the series’ dramatic tension.
(Image Source: Marvel Studios)
While the idea of Foggy Nelson faking his death is not that outlandish, it defies belief that he could pull off such a feat in Daredevil: Born Again. The circumstances under which Foggy died are completely different from the comics. There, he was approached by the FBI after being taken to the hospital. In the show, Matt Murdock dramatically heard his best friend’s heartbeat stop from several stories up.
(Image Source: Marvel Studios)
While it wouldn’t be impossible to fool Matt Murdock’s heightened senses, it would require knowledge of his powers and preparation. Foggy Nelson had the former, but not the latter. Moreover, even if Nelson had advance knowledge of Bullseye’s assassination attempt, it would be out of character for him to risk endangering innocent people by taking advantage of it in a public venue. Additionally, there is no apparent reason for Foggy to fake his death and go into hiding.
Daredevil: Born Again Episodes 1-8 are now streaming on Disney+.
