AceShowbiz - The seventh episode of Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 includes a subtle yet significant Easter egg that holds weight within the broader Marvel Cinematic Universe. Set firmly in New York City, this series centers on Wilson Fisk’s efforts to reshape Manhattan according to his vision. Episode 7 highlights this theme by depicting the death of Daniel Blake, a prominent figure in Fisk’s administration who symbolized the everyday New Yorker.

Beyond the narrative, the episode features breathtaking views of the city skyline. Attentive fans have spotted an important detail: the skyline shown is not the standard New York City but rather the MCU’s version, featuring the Thunderbolts’ Watchtower, previously known as Avengers Tower. While this might appear to be a minor nod to eagle-eyed viewers, it actually carries considerable importance.

Born Again serves as a spiritual successor to the original Marvel Netflix shows launched in 2015 starting with Daredevil Season 1. Those series were initially marketed as integral parts of the shared universe, yet fans noticed strange inconsistencies. Major MCU events were referenced indirectly—for example, the Battle of New York was only ever called “The Incident.” A notable omission was the absence of Avengers Tower in the skyline, which was particularly conspicuous given that the shows were set in New York.

Jeph Loeb, then head of Marvel Television, addressed this oddity in a 2017 interview with Inverse. He explained that the shows purposely avoided specific landmarks to make the setting feel like any generic street corner. “Being less specific helps the audience understand that this could be on any street corner,” he said. He argued that the Empire State Building might not be visible from every vantage point, so the same applied to Avengers Tower. However, since the shows often identified precise locations, this reasoning seemed unconvincing to many viewers.

The more practical explanation was likely budgetary: the Marvel Netflix series relied on stock footage of the New York skyline, and modifying it to include the tower would have increased costs unnecessarily. This absence frustrated fans who desired a more integrated MCU experience. Therefore, seeing Avengers Tower—now renamed the Watchtower—in the skyline of Daredevil: Born Again feels like a clear statement that the MCU’s connectivity is now fully intact.

This Easter egg does more than just enrich the background—it officially confirms where Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 fits into the MCU timeline. During the Thunderbolts movie, the Watchtower’s construction was still underway, with scaffolding visible on the building’s exterior. However, in Episode 7 of Daredevil: Born Again, the scaffolding is gone and the tower is complete, indicating that the series takes place shortly after the events of Thunderbolts.

This timeline confirmation is crucial to understanding the plot’s context. The character Mr. Charles is revealed to be working under the Contessa, exploiting Wilson Fisk’s influence to operate a gun-running operation through New York. This illicit activity unfolds in a post-Thunderbolts world, where the Contessa has seemingly evaded political scrutiny and remains active. The Thunderbolts, or as the Contessa dubs them, the “New Avengers,” appear ineffective at keeping her under control.

The timing may also explain the initial alliance between the Contessa and Fisk. With vigilantes outlawed by Fisk’s regime, this would presumably hamper the New Avengers’ operations in New York. Fisk likely negotiated a truce, allowing the Contessa to utilize the Red Hook freeport for her schemes in exchange for leaving the New Avengers alone. This fragile balance deteriorates following Mr. Charles’s misstep of involving Jessica Jones, escalating the conflict.

Ultimately, the inclusion of the Watchtower in the skyline and the absence of construction scaffolding serve as visual storytelling devices, anchoring Daredevil: Born Again firmly within the evolving MCU landscape. This integration not only satisfies longtime fans who have awaited a more cohesive universe but also advances the ongoing narrative involving Fisk, the Contessa, and the New Avengers.

With its careful attention to detail and timeline consistency, Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 Episode 7 underscores Marvel’s commitment to weaving together its sprawling storylines. The series’ depiction of New York City as a battleground for power and influence gains added depth thanks to these subtle yet meaningful connections.

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