- "I have a special gift, too. I'm impervious to bad attitude. So you can throw your self-pitying bullshit at me all day, Murdock, and I'll still be standing right here. Pissed off, maybe, but right here."
- ―Maggie Grace to Matt Murdock[src]
Sister Margaret "Maggie" Grace is a nun at Clinton Church, who briefly had an affair with Jack Murdock, giving birth to Matt Murdock. A short time later, she was forced to abandon her child due to her own mental illnesses. Many years later, Grace was reunited with her son after he had been saved from the ruins of Midland Circle, as Grace and Paul Lantom helped Murdock regain his strength and enhanced senses, in order to continue his battle against Wilson Fisk. However, just as Murdock had gained his confidence, he learned the truth about his mother, causing him to abandon her, as Grace was then forced to care for Karen Page, as she was attacked by Benjamin Poindexter who then proceeded to murder Lantom before being stopped by Murdock. Eventually, Murdock defeated Poindexter as well as Fisk, avenging Lantom's death, as he and his mother made peace with each other, while Grace remained at the church.
Biography[]
Early Life[]
Meeting Jack Murdock[]
- "I was a danger to Matthew when I gave him up. Nowadays, they know a great deal about postpartum, but at the time I was convinced that I was betraying God. I hadn't yet taken my vows, but in my heart I believed I had committed an unforgivable sin. And so I replaced that sin with another. I abandoned my child."
- ―Maggie Grace to Karen Page[src]
Grace was raised Catholic at a young age in New York City and soon became a nun. During a visit at the boxing arena, she met a boxer named Jack Murdock. Despite warnings from her friends, she walked up to him as he called for her. He asked for her help in between rounds as he thought a nun would be helpful. He told her he only needed a minute, three tops, but then proceeded to tell her to put the mouth guard into his mouth in between rounds as well as give him water. She said she thought he only needed a minute, but he claimed this was all a back up plan. The round proceeded and she gave him water as well as cleaning his wound, falling in love with him.[2]
The two became romantically involved and Grace even left the church.[3] Since she left the church, she had sex with Murdock. On one occasion, the two kissed in their kitchen. However, following the birth of their son, Matthew Murdock, Grace suffered from postpartum depression, believing she had turned away from God and betrayed him for having pre-marital sex. Late at night, Matthew was crying, but Grace did not bother helping him. Jack ran in asking what was wrong with her as Grace stared into the distance. It got so bad that Father Paul Lantom had to return to get her. She left Jack without saying good bye and retreated to Saint Agnes Orphanage to live as a nun.[2]
Keeping the Secret from Matthew[]
Jack Murdock was forced to raise Matt Murdock alone. When Jack was murdered in an alley, a blinded Matthew stayed at Saint Agnes Orphanage. Grace cared for him, but never revealed the truth to her son, who went on thinking he had no parents. Grace always wanted to tell him, but worried he would think she betrayed him.[2]
Family Reunion[]
Matt Murdock's Recovery[]
- "Back then, you were just a boy who lost his eyesight. And now, you're the Devil of Hell's Kitchen."
"You've heard of me."
"I live in an orphanage, not under a rock. I just never imagined it'd be one of ours running around in that Halloween costume." - ―Maggie Grace and Matt Murdock[src]
Grace had been given the heavily injured body of Daredevil by Father Paul Lantom, tasked to patch and heal his wounds under secrecy. She wanted to get him to a hospital, but was told he was a vigilante and would be arrested. Grace did not care and called, but Father told her that it was Matt Murdock. She hung up and helped. Grace swore the nuns to secrecy, but also yelled at Lantom.
Several weeks later, Murdock woke up asking for Elektra. She helped the dazed Murdock, but did not know who Elektra was. He then fell to the ground saying he could not see. She walked in to help Murdock later and talked to him about being Daredevil while cleaning his wounds and changing his bandages. She asked if he was truly blind and he told her about his powers. She assured her that he was not Daredevil anymore as his right ear was deaf.
Grace and Lantom brought Murdock down to the basement. She showed Murdock a button to press if he needed help because they had nothing better to do. Murdock rudely said it was very christian of her. Grace responded saying he was rude. He said caring for people made him weak. He walked over to old books and Grace pointed out that Murdock was probably the last to use them as a child. After a brief talk with Murdock claiming about hating God. Grace gave him her cross necklace and he simply threw it onto the bed, saying she did not hear a word he just said. She took the necklace and hung it on the lamp before Murdock claimed he would rather die as the devil than live as Matt Murdock.
When Murdock tripped over a stone, Grace brought him something to drink and he complained about only tasting blood and ash. She gave him a talk about improving his mindset and sarcastically told him she thought he was a hero hiding in a basement feeling sorry for himself. He scolded her for thinking she knew anything about his life and she simply told him she had been a nun for thirty years and knew pity when she saw it. She told him that she knew Jack Murdock, who always got up.
Later, she walked downstairs to find a new man who had regained his senses. He was punching a punching bag saying that there were trains running under them. She brought him food, but he could already tell what she brought him. She left saying he was showing off. She talked to Lantom, who worried that Murdock wanted to know that he still got it. Grace pushed Lantom to allow a boxer in the basement because it was the only thing that kept him out of bed. She watched as Murdock boxed someone. He felt like he was underwater, but pushed through it. He was then punched and lost his senses once again, falling to the ground.
She met with a saddened Murdock later and gave him the necklace once again, saying he was incredible. Murdock admitted that she had been kind and patient to him and showed his gratitude. She looked at Murdock's stitches and he said he used to sew up Jack. She gave him an ice pack and offered he go to mass with her before leaving. He told her maybe next time.[1]
Finding Murdock[]
Grace found Matt Murdock unconscious on the floor. When she helped him up, she talked to him about how he went out again as Daredevil. Murdock was bloody and bruised, giving her reason to think so. Murdock asked why she became a nun with Grace replying that it was God's call. Murdock asked what she would do if she could not do it anymore. Grace instead told him what she would not do: lose faith. Murdock was not for her question dodging and repeated the question, asking if she would grieve. She told him yes, making him annoyed telling her to leave. She admitted to leaving the church for a while, but ultimately decided to do her best.[3]
Talking about Fisk[]
In the early hours of the day, Grace found Matt Murdock, asking if she even wanted to know. Murdock asked if people could change and admitted that he did not think so. People came into the world and maybe changed slightly, but their fundamental nature stays the same. Murdock said he was talking about Wilson Fisk. Murdock talks about finally getting his hearing back and the first thing he hears in that Fisk was out of prison. Grace called it narcissistic while she clean Murdock's knuckle wounds. Grace claimed he could have changed over love for Vanessa Marianna. She asked what Murdock was going to do. He said he might stop him for good. Grace looked up at him, saying to be careful he did not become the monster.[4]
Meeting Karen Page[]
- "Everyone in Matthew's life abandoned him. Including me. When someone in need tries to push you away, you have to find the strength to hold on tighter."
- ―Maggie Grace to Karen Page[src]
Grace was approached by Karen Page, a friend of Matt Murdock. Page asked where Murdock was, but Grace had no idea. They then sat down and talked about their troubles with Murdock. Grace talked about Murdock's troubled childhood. Later, she found Murdock getting dressed on a suit. She jokingly remarked how he can dress like a normal human. Murdock made a joke which left Grace astonished. Grace talked about Page and Murdock admitted to meeting her. Grace spoke highly of Page, but was surprised that she knew Murdock was Daredevil. Murdock said they were just friends, but Grace was proud of him for reconnecting.[5]
Aiding Murdock[]
- "I'm the idiot. I told you to involve your friends, and I made things worse. I'm used to putting on a brave face when people bring their troubles to the church. And I find that they don't just bring their troubles, they bring their answers, too, if you let them talk enough. But what you're dealing with is so far beyond my experience that... Well, all I can hope to do is help keep your wounds stitched and your head clear, so you can be safe."
- ―Maggie Grace to Matt Murdock[src]
Following the Attack on the New York Bulletin Building, Matt Murdock made his way back to Saint Agnes Orphanage, where his wounded were tended to and stitched by Grace. As Murdock berated himself for believing he had trumped over Wilson Fisk, only to put his friends' lives in danger and cause the death of Jasper Evans, Grace assured him that she was the idiot for advising him to work with his friends. With Murdock ranting on the assassin having the same Daredevil suit, Grace reminded him that the unique suit could not be bought at a Sears, causing Murdock to realize that Melvin Potter is involved.[6]
An Accidental Reveal[]
Mother of the Devil[]
- "When Jack was alive, I convinced myself the truth would confuse Matthew. After Jack died, I convinced myself it would do more harm than good. Finally, I just realized that I was too much of a coward. The Lord has a way. Sending the Devil of Hell's Kitchen to me now. Showing me what became of my sin. The Lord gave me another chance to make things right. And I failed, yet again."
- ―Maggie Grace to Karen Page[src]
Murdock returned to the church with recordings of the man who attacked the Bulletin, Benjamin Poindexter. The recordings were of audio files from Poindexter's therapies in the past. Murdock knew that Grace wanted to say it sounded familiar. Poindexter grew up with no parents and so did Murdock. However, the latter claimed that they were nothing alike. He was not a psychopath.
Grace returned upstairs where she lit a candle and starting praying. She talked to Jack Murdock and talked about how much alike he and his son was. She wanted Jack to protect their son.[7] Later, she helped a child to his room when Paul Lantom told her that Matt Murdock overheard her prayer. She rushed downstairs to find Murdock gone and his necklace on the lamp. She hugged the bed while she sobbed into the blankets.[2]
Providing Sanctuary[]
- "Trust me. The church has been helping people hide for two thousand years. Hide here. Give me a day to make a few calls, and you'll have shelter halfway around the world by the end of the week. Please, let me do something for you. For Matthew."
- ―Maggie Grace to Karen Page[src]
Grace went out to the park to watch the children and was helping one of them tie their show laces when Karen Page walked up to her. Grace said that Matt Murdock was gone. Page asked when he would be back only for Grace to say he will not be. She explained that Murdock found out the truth that she was his mother. Page became speechless as Grace explained her regret.
Page did not know what to say as Grace worried that he was in a lot of pain. Page explained that she was in a lot of danger. Grace asked if she had anywhere to go, but Page said no. Grace explained that the church had been letting people hide for years. She did this for her son, to protect his friend.[2]
Search for Daredevil[]
- "Eternal Father, I beg you welcome Paul into your holy embrace and do not punish him for my stupid decisions, for my weakness, my sin, and for what I have brought unto us all."
"Sister, we need access to every area of the church grounds. Now."
"I'm sorry, Sister. I know you're in mourning, but we need your help." - ―Maggie Grace, Benjamin Poindexter and Ray Nadeem[src]
Walking back to the Clinton Church, Maggie witnessed as civilians ran from the building and man in the Daredevil suit leave the scene. With the arrival of NYPD officers and FBI agents outside the church, she approached Ray Nadeem, Brett Mahoney, and Benjamin Poindexter, informing them that she had spotted Daredevil leave the area, though the agents contradict her account. She was then told that Paul Lantom was killed.
Entering the church, she knelt in the aisle and prayed for forgiveness for her abandonment of Matt Murdock and for protection before she was approached by Nadeem and Poindexter for permission to search around the entire building. She purposely fiddled with the lock to give Murdock time to escape. Poindexter had her step aside as his men cut through the barrier. Downstairs, they found no one. Grace noticed a box stained with blood and covered it as she realized Murdock was in there. She then directed everyone upstairs.
Outside, she overheard Poindexter and Nadeem arguing. Nadeem approached her with questions. He asked if she knew the suspects and she said she knew her. He asked where they could have gone, but Grace called him out saying she thought they knew she was still in the church. She asked Nadeem if he was moral and said that Lantom died protecting Page. If he was moral, he would not help Poindexter.
Grace rushed downstairs to find Murdock and Page she gave them clothes, but Murdock ignored her. He then walked away saying that the FBI had search dogs. Grace went back upstairs, telling a nun to lie to the FBI, saying "Daredevil" was in the orphanage. She then was told by Foggy Nelson that this was a state case, meaning Page could get handed over to the NYPD other than the FBI. Grace brought Page out and she was "arrested" by the NYPD, who were on nelson's side.[8]
Guiding Her Son[]
- "You have a generous heart, Matthew. To see the good in so much pain."
"Not always. In fact, Father Lantom used to help me with that. Help me see the errors of my ways. I could use someone else to help me with that now, once in a while."
"I'm a nun, Matthew. Helping is what I was called to do." - ―Maggie Grace and Matt Murdock[src]
Grace was in the basement, still mourning Paul Lantom when Matt Murdock walked downstairs, having defeated Wilson Fisk. He explained that he was truly angry last time they spoke, but Lantom's last words were "forgive us." Hopeful, Grace asked if he could do that. Murdock told her he could. Murdock said that if his life turned out differently, he would not have become Daredevil, so it was all God's plan for his life to happen. Grace said he had a generous heart to see the good in so much pain. At Lantom's funeral, Murdock gave his speech and thanked Lantom for making him a man without fear.[9]
Personality[]
- "Maggie's a good person, Matthew. Flawed, like us all. And tortured over decisions she's made. But she dedicated her life to making amends."
- ―Paul Lantom to Matt Murdock[src]
To be added
This section requires expansion |
Abilities[]
- "I used to sew up my dad. And your stitches are perfect."
"Well, there's plenty of practice around here." - ―Matt Murdock and Maggie Grace[src]
- Expert Physician: Maggie Grace had some skill as a medic, as she learned from having to patch up and treat many of the children in the orphanage and the various people that came to the church in need of help. She has also treated and dressed several of Matt Murdock’s wounds and helped with his recovery after his near death under Midland Circle. However, Murdock barely gave a thank you even though Grace had single handedly helped him, giving Murdock a liquid to help him clear his sinuses. When Murdock was back on his feet as Daredevil, Grace would often find him coming back with brusies and cuts and helped him stitch them up. She used gauze pads and other means to help Murdock heal more quickly. She also could sew and stitch perfectly, which was something her son subconsciously picked up from her as he always stitched up Jack Murdock.
Facilities[]
This section requires expansion |
- Jack Murdock's House: To be added
- Saint Agnes Orphanage: To be added
- Clinton Church: To be added
Relationships[]
Family[]
Allies[]
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Enemies[] |
Appearances[]
Appearances for Maggie Grace |
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In chronological order:
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Trivia[]
- In the comics, Margaret Grace Murdock is the estranged wife of Jack Murdock and mother of Matt Murdock who left her family and became a nun.
Behind the Scenes[]
- Maggie Grace in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is the second live-action incarnation of the character, following an incarnation portrayed by Vivian Palermo Winther.
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Daredevil: 3.01: Resurrection
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Daredevil: 3.09: Revelations
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Daredevil: 3.02: Please
- ↑ Daredevil: 3.03: No Good Deed
- ↑ Daredevil: 3.06: The Devil You Know
- ↑ Daredevil: 3.07: Aftermath
- ↑ Daredevil: 3.08: Upstairs/Downstairs
- ↑ Daredevil: 3.12: One Last Shot
- ↑ Daredevil: 3.13: A New Napkin