Karen Page’s Absence In Daredevil Born Again Explained

Nivedita Dubey
April 17, 2025

Summary:

Karen Page appears in episodes 1, 2, and 9 of Daredevil Born Again, after initially being left out of the show’s original plan.
Her absence is tied to Foggy Nelson’s death and her estrangement from Matt Murdock during their grieving process.
Karen Page will have a larger role in season 2, with confirmed appearances and a more active part in the fight against Mayor Fisk.

Why Karen Page Didn’t Appear Since Daredevil Born Again Episode 1 Explained

Karen Page in daredevil born again final episode

Deborah Ann Woll’s return as Karen Page in Daredevil: Born Again episode 9 marks a pivotal moment for both her character and the overall arc of Matt Murdock and Frank Castle. Although Daredevil: Born Again is the first MCU entry to bring back Woll and Elden Henson (Foggy Nelson), their roles in season 1 are minimal. Foggy’s death in episode 1 catalyzes the season’s events, but he only appears briefly. Karen, meanwhile, is present in episodes 1, 2, and 9.

Why Was Karen Page Missing After Daredevil: Born Again Episode 1?

Karen Page and Matt Murdock were coping with Foggy Nelson’s death separately. After Foggy Nelson is killed in episode 1, Matt Murdock isolates himself, pushing Karen Page away. Though they share a brief scene during Benjamin Poindexter’s trial in episode 2, Karen leaves New York and cuts contact with Matt. Her grief, combined with Matt’s retreat into solitude, results in the dissolution of Nelson, Murdock & Page.

Karen finds a new life in San Francisco, distancing herself from the trauma in New York. While Matt partners with Cherry and Kirsten McDuffie, Karen’s activities in San Francisco remain unknown. However, showrunner Dario Scardapane confirmed that their estrangement reflects how “families tend to fracture when a loved one passes.” Their eventual reunion in episode 9 shows signs of healing.

Karen Page Wasn’t Included in Daredevil: Born Again’s Original Plan

Initially, Deborah Ann Woll and Elden Henson weren’t part of the cast. The original version of the series would have referenced Karen only in dialogue, with Foggy’s death happening off-screen. Karen would have been absent altogether, with no on-screen resolution or chance to interact with Matt or Frank Castle.

The overhaul of Daredevil: Born Again brought significant changes to episodes 1, 8, and 9. As a result, Karen Page appears in key emotional moments, reacting to Foggy’s death and reuniting with Matt. This change allows the show to preserve the emotional legacy of Netflix’s Daredevil and set up future character arcs.

What Happens to Karen Page in Daredevil: Born Again Episode 9?

Karen Page reappears to support Matt Murdock in his efforts against Mayor Wilson Fisk. Her reintroduction is not only emotionally resonant—it reconnects her with both Matt and Frank Castle, whose feelings for Karen are still complicated but evident. Karen’s investigative instincts remain intact, and her return shows that she’s willing to re-enter the fight against Fisk’s regime.

Karen Page Will Return in Daredevil: Born Again Season 2

Set photos confirm Deborah Ann Woll will reprise her role as Karen Page in Daredevil: Born Again season 2. Karen will have a more prominent role, with a visible makeover—bright red, shoulder-length hair—and a storyline that sees her go undercover with Matt Murdock.

Karen appears motivated to dismantle Mayor Fisk’s administration, potentially using her investigative skills to support the growing resistance. This development echoes her arc in Netflix’s Daredevil, where she worked with Ben Urich to expose Fisk. In season 2, Karen may collaborate with BB Urich—Ben’s niece—to continue that mission.

Karen Page’s Role Could Fill the Void Left by Foggy Nelson

With Foggy Nelson gone, Karen Page may become a core strategic player alongside Matt. As the team rallies support to challenge Mayor Fisk, Karen’s insider knowledge and emotional ties to both Matt and Frank Castle give her a unique position. Her presence balances the darker themes of loss with a renewed sense of purpose.