Daredevil: Born Again Episode 4 Ending Explained- Punisher’s Return, Adam’s Identity, and more

Daredevil: Born Again episode 4 titled, “Sic Semper Systema” deepens the drama surrounding Wilson Fisk and his personal life, particularly the long-teased mystery of Adam. While the episode also brings Jon Bernthal’s Punisher into the MCU and escalates the White Tiger murder storyline, Fisk's troubled marriage takes center stage. 

The episode finally reveals who Adam is and how he became a key figure in the growing tensions between Fisk and Vanessa. Let’s break down everything that happened in episode four.

Adam’s Identity & The Truth Behind Vanessa’s Affair

Adam was first mentioned in the premiere episode when Fisk told Vanessa he knew about him. Vanessa begged Fisk not to kill Adam, hinting at a significant betrayal. Daredevil: Born Again episode 4 confirms that Adam was Vanessa’s lover, a man she was drawn to for his artistry and gentle hands. 

Feeling abandoned when Fisk disappeared to recover from his gunshot wound, she found comfort in Adam—an affair that deeply shook her marriage. Vanessa’s past plays a role in her choices, as she recounts how her father often left her alone for weeks due to work. 

This sense of abandonment resurfaced when Fisk was away, pushing her toward Adam. Their couples therapist, Heather Glenn, pushes them to confront the issue, believing their marriage cannot heal unless they address it. Fisk, however, responds in his own way—by tracking down Adam and confronting him.

Fisk’s Promise & Adam’s fate

Fisk insists he did not kill Adam, keeping his promise to Vanessa. But while Adam is alive, the truth is far from comforting. The episode’s ending reveals that Fisk has locked Adam in a cage, beaten and injured. Fisk visits him periodically, a chilling display of control rather than forgiveness. 

Earlier episodes hinted at this outcome, showing Fisk with bloodied knuckles without explanation—now, the pieces fall into place. This revelation adds another layer to Fisk’s character, showcasing his ruthless approach to betrayal. While he may have spared Adam’s life, he ensures that his wife's former lover remains a prisoner, both physically and psychologically.

How Adam’s Story Shapes Fisk’s Future

The Adam storyline not only reveals Vanessa’s secrets but also foreshadows Fisk’s growing instability. As Fisk balances his role as New York’s mayor with his criminal empire, his reaction to Vanessa’s affair suggests that his personal struggles could spill over into his public life. 

Episode four also introduces other challenges, including leaks from his inner circle and tensions with Daredevil. But with Adam now exposed, Vanessa may be forced to confront just how dangerous her husband truly is.

As Daredevil: Born Again continues, Fisk’s actions will undoubtedly have lasting consequences—not just for Adam, but for everyone in his orbit.

The Punisher Debuts in Daredevil: Born Again episode 4

The Punisher's MCU debut was teased when the crooked cops were shown having Punisher tattoos. White Tiger was also murdered by someone wearing the vigilante's logo. In fact, Matt discovers that the shell case of the bullet has the Punisher's logo on it as well. This connects Frank Castle to the murder. Matt then searches for Frank, who now lives underground.

He is using an abandoned facility as his new base of operations. When confronted, Frank says that he doesn't care about the copycats. This angers Matt, but Frank instead pushes him to confront his grief over Foggy's death. Matt begins crying when Franks talks to him about his dead son. The door to the Punisher's return has now been opened and it's almost certain that we will see him in action soon.

Also, Matt returning to his suit at the end of the episode hints that Daredevil will indeed be born again.

Where can you Watch Daredevil: Born Again?

New episodes of Daredevil Born Again are available to stream every Tuesday on Disney+. The fifth episode will air on March 25, 2025. If you want to refresh your memory, we have recaps of Episode 1, Episode 2, & Episode 3.