Nathaniel Nelson / Winonan

When “Marvel’s Daredevil” premiered last year on Netflix, it proved Marvel could do something new. It surpassed expectations, with a perfect blend of dark themes and superhero action. It was the first time since “The Dark Knight” that a superhero show did a crime story well. Sadly, the second season of “Daredevil” is a muddled and overstuffed narrative mess that, while still an enjoyable ride, undoes many of the successes of the first.

The new characters this season came in the form of Elektra (Elodie Yung) and the Punisher (Jon Bernthal). Bernthal’s Punisher is a tour de force, bringing some real emotion to a character that’s only been used for his actions. That being said, the Punisher is a brutal S.O.B., pulling in some of the most destructive scenes the show has ever produced. Yung’s portrayal of Elektra is equally fantastic. The chemistry she has with Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox) is palpable, which is unheard of in most superhero stories.

The first, and most glaring, problem with the season comes from showcasing these two iconic characters during the same season. Neither story gets enough time, which cripples the pacing. The beginning of the season focuses on Punisher’s rise and fall, but after only four episodes, the show shifts to a mind numbingly long court saga. Here, Murdock is off gallivanting with Elektra while Foggy Nelson (Elden Henson) and Karen Page (Deborah Ann Woll) are left to defend the Punisher against a crooked D.A. Suddenly, in episode nine, we move back to the Punisher’s story and leave Elektra’s behind, until two episodes later when she becomes the focus again. This back and forth leaves you drained, and when neither story truly resolves, it’s a real disappointment.

The first season had this single story tying everything together, with a solitary villain and enough twists and turns to keep you guessing. This is the one thing that season two really fell flat on. There’s a solid four stories being told here, with only circumstantial connections. The whole thing feels loose and haphazard. Even with some great comic book throwbacks, like the debut of Daredevil’s signature billy club, there just isn’t the same kind of narrative focus as the first season.

As for Foggy and Karen, it was nice to see them having more to do for once, but there is a catch. Karen in particular has an odd character arc this season, including a lackluster romance with Murdock and a brief stint as a journalist. The romance in particular is the problem, with a complete lack of set-up and just plain oversight by the writers. Murdock has more chemistry with both Elektra and his nurse Claire Foster (Rosario Dawson) than Karen, so it just does not make sense. Admittedly, Karen’s role in the Punisher saga was well done, but she still needs plenty work. Also, splitting Murdock from the two during the middle third slowed things down remarkably and didn’t do any favors for anyone involved.

The show’s saving grace is in its action sequences, which it delivers in spades. Every episode has at least one jaw-dropping sequence that shows the directors have talent. In episode four, there is a scene on a stairwell where the camera doesn’t cut once, and it is a complete wonder. The action is darker than last season, too, with more blood and carnage than ever before. This isn’t a show for the squeamish. Keeping the dark tone and Frank Miller-esque visual style from season one only helps.

The second season of “Daredevil” is a perfect example of a sophomore slump. The visuals, direction, action and tone are all perfect, but those were well established the first time around. The new actors were incredible, but by trying to cram as much into a season as possible, the show runners forgot what made the first season truly great. When a show is praised for its crime elements and not its superhero part, you don’t double down on the hero aspect. This was their biggest mistake. The second season of “Daredevil” is still worth a watch, but do not expect the kind of narrative bliss as the first.