MCU’s Most Mysterious Hero Unveiled: Born Again Season 2 Delivers Long-Awaited Action

In the latest episode of “Daredevil: Born Again,” titled “The Scales & The Sword,” the spotlight turns to Jack Duquesne, played by Tony Dalton. He finds himself at the center of a sham trial orchestrated within a covert Anti-Vigilante Task Force facility. The proceedings brand him as the vigilante known as Swordsman, leading to his confinement in the same small holding cells we saw at the conclusion of Season 1. However, Daredevil, portrayed by Charlie Cox, has devised a daring plan to break in and liberate the captives.

Outside, Karen Page, depicted by Deborah Ann Woll, awaits as Jack steps up to assist Daredevil during the breakout, unofficially becoming his second-in-command. As events unfold, the tension escalates into one of Daredevil’s trademark hallway brawls. This time, viewers finally witness Jack in action as Swordsman, although not yet in full costume. Until now, the only glimpse of this persona was a grainy video referenced since the first season.

Despite the lack of costume, Jack’s identity as Swordsman is now officially recognized, and his skill with melee weapons marks him as a formidable vigilante in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Ever since his introduction in “Hawkeye,” hints of his transition into Swordsman have been frequent and deliberate. The title of this particular episode is just one of many indicators, solidifying his vigilante role.

Jack Duquesne originally appeared poised to be a significant antagonist when he first entered the MCU through “Hawkeye.” This impression was a calculated move, leveraging Tony Dalton’s reputation for playing the sinister Lalo Salamanca in “Better Call Saul.” In the comics, Jack is both mentor and foe to Clint Barton, a.k.a. Hawkeye, played by Jeremy Renner. However, the narrative twist reveals Jack as a refined gentleman, defying expectations and distance from breaking any profanity records in “Daredevil: Born Again” Season 2. Remarkably, he emerges as one of the MCU’s most genuinely likable characters.

Jack Duquesne seemed like he would turn out to be a major villain when he made his Marvel Cinematic Universe debut on “Hawkeye.” This, of course, was by design. Casting Tony Dalton — known for portraying the bone-chilling villain Lalo Salamanca on “Better Call Saul” — as the character, whose comic book incarnation is Clint Barton’s (Jeremy Renner) mentor and adversary, was a clever red herring. In the end, Jack not only turned out to be a gentleman figure who’s unlikely to contribute to any Marvel Television profanity records for “Daredevil: Born Again” Season 2, but he actually proved himself as one of the genuinely nicest characters in the MCU.

Although “The Scales & the Sword” marks the first time MCU Jack Duquesne has fought antagonists after being legally deemed to be the Swordsman, we have actually seen him in action before. In “Hawkeye,” he deftly duels Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld), and he later uses his fencing skills to defeat a few Tracksuit Mafia goons. It’s that latter fight, in fact, that gives him the idea that vigilantism might be enjoyable. Perhaps now that the cat seems to be fully out of the bag we’ll get some better shots of Jack donning that Swordsman costume in the refined and confident second season of “Daredevil: Born Again.”