Best Daredevil Quotes from the Marvel Television Series
“There are other ways to see.”
Well, this is just the hero Daredevil summarized, isn’t it? When Matt is questioned about his abilities despite his lack of sight, he replies with this amazing quote. Because it’s true — blind or not, we are not limited to “seeing” through vision alone. Matt’s other senses are heightened. But he’s also attuned to people, feelings, even places. He pays more attention because he has to, and sees even more than sighted people because of it.
“I’m not seeking penance for what I’ve done, Father. I’m asking forgiveness for what I’m about to do.”
Matt Murdock struggles with Catholic guilt throughout Daredevil. Devoutly religious, he’s taken on a devil persona and is exacting vengeance through his fists — a far cry from the tolerance, peace, and love associated with his belief system. With time, however, Matt finally decides his actions are righteous. He refuses to stop his vigilantism while also recognizing that he’s consumed by the sin of wrath. Still, he can’t stop himself. So he is assigned his “Hail Marys” and moves on.
“How long have you been practicing law?”
“What time is it? About seven hours.”
Matt Murdock is a lawyer by day and the vigilante Daredevil by night. He takes both jobs seriously. While this quote comes across as a bit flippant, it’s really just Matt being honest and a little humorous at the same time. Because this is the first meeting between him, Foggy Nelson, and their new client Karen Page, they want to give her the truth. And the truth is that at the moment they agree to defend her, they’ve only been officially practicing law for less than a dozen hours. Gotta start somewhere, right?
“I didn’t ask for that name.”
The Punisher and Daredevil’s first meeting simmers with frustration and tension. Their conversation highlights all the similarities and differences between the hero and antihero. They fight about their methods, with Daredevil scorning Frank Castle’s lethal justice and Frank reminding Daredevil that anyone he knocks out will ultimately get up to hurt people again. Eventually Frank points out that the nickname “The Devil of Hell’s Kitchen” is surrounded by fear and violence. While Daredevil claims it’s not his choice to be called that, Frank points out that the red-costumed hero isn’t exactly running from it, either.
“Listen, I need you to know why I’m hurting you … I’m doing this ’cause I enjoy it.”
Matt Murdock has always had trouble controlling his rage. Although he practices a religion that encourages forgiveness and pacifism, he can’t follow those creeds. He thinks the best way to fight violence is with violence. Plus, he kind of enjoys hurting people who have hurt people — in his mind, they deserve it. This character trait is a dynamic addition to what could otherwise be a trope-filled “Catholic man consumed by regret” story.
“Damn, what happened to you?”
“Life.”
Perhaps the most relatable Matt Murdock quote, this is spoken after one of Matt’s many near-death experiences. Recovering in the church orphanage in which he was raised, Matt is approached by two young boys. They are shocked by his bruises and injuries. But when they ask for an explanation, likely expecting some incredible story, Matt simply replies, “Life.” It’s a subtle comedic beat that works really well against the darker, tragic tones of Daredevil season 3.
“How do you know the angel and the devil inside me aren’t the same thing?”
After a few seasons of wrestling with his identity, Matt is eventually more willing to accept all of himself, the dark and the light. He’s the devil that his city has called him. But he’s also the avenging angel, and the good man who people see Matt Murdock as being. While he has to take these thoughts to confession to sort them out, it’s still important that he’s ready to reconcile these two parts of himself.
“You don’t get to destroy who I am.”
Our lingering question during Daredevil is: How far will Matt Murdock go to defeat Kingpin? Wilson Fisk is Daredevil’s arch nemesis. They’ve defeated each other countless times, but are still at odds in the final season. No matter what Matt does, he can’t win against this guy, so will he finally cross his final line?
We watch Daredevil beat Kingpin bloody and wonder if this is it. However, Daredevil won’t let Kingpin take that goodness from him. He won’t kill a man, or kill his own soul, to save his city. He’ll find another way like he always does.
What’s your favorite Daredevil quote? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to Let Your Geek Sideshow!