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Daredevil S2 Ep 7 “The Hateful Darkness” Kills Daniel Blake

4/29/2026

Summary

Daniel Blake Killed

The seventh episode of Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 is titled “The Hateful Darkness.”
Showrunner Dario Scardapane decided that actor Michael Gandolfini’s character Daniel Blake would be killed off.
The decision means Daniel Blake, portrayed by Michael Gandolfini, will die in the episode as part of the storyline.
The episode belongs to Season 2 of Daredevil: Born Again.

Summary

Daniel Blake Sacrifices

Daniel Blake dies while saving BB Urich, ending the episode with his self-sacrifice.
His death highlights Wilson Fisk’s lack of a suitable heir, deepening Fisk’s isolation.
Showrunner Dario Scardapane said Daniel’s innate goodness stopped him from becoming the next Kingpin, foiling Buck’s corruption plan.
Michael Gandolfini’s limited screen time in the finale was chosen over weak material later.
The ComicBook Forum invites fan comments on the storyline, showing active participation.

Summary

Gandolfini Announces Death

Marvel’s VFX team mocked up a CGI gunshot in the editing room, creating the fatal blast that shocked the crew.
Michael Gandolfini called co-star Arty Froushan to tell him Daniel Blake had died, leaving Froushan visibly distraught.
Gandolfini told showrunner Dario Scardapane that the change felt right, thanking the team for a respectful farewell.
Episode 7 brings back Detective Brett Mahoney, played by Royce Johnson, tying the story to the original Netflix Daredevil series.

History

Historical Context

In February 2009 Lost aired “The Life and Death of Jeremy Bentham,” killing John Locke (played by Emmy-winning Terry O’Quinn). Showrunners Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse scripted the shock, echoing the series’ 2007 “Through the Looking Glass” finale that also featured bold character deaths. Critics praised the episode, giving it a Metacritic score of 92.

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Daniel Blake Killed

The seventh episode of Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 is titled “The Hateful Darkness.”
Showrunner Dario Scardapane decided that actor Michael Gandolfini’s character Daniel Blake would be killed off.
The decision means Daniel Blake, portrayed by Michael Gandolfini, will die in the episode as part of the storyline.
The episode belongs to Season 2 of Daredevil: Born Again.

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