- "If you're already a target, you might as well be the first person to take a swing."
- ―Marci Stahl to Foggy Nelson[src]
Marci Stahl is an attorney who previously worked at Landman and Zack and had a brief relationship with Foggy Nelson. While initially opposing Nelson and Murdock in Elena Cardenas' tenement case, Stahl started questioning her firm's true integrity. She eventually decided to assist Nelson and Matt Murdock in taking down Wilson Fisk and later was scouted by Hogarth, Chao & Benowitz, following Parish Landman's arrest. Stahl rekindled her relationship with Nelson and the two became a proper couple, as she encouraged Nelson to run for District Attorney in order to overturn Fisk's release and get him back in prison.
Biography[]
Working for Landman and Zack[]
Rivalry with Foggy Nelson[]
- "You would have killed it here, Foggy Bear. You never should have left."
"You never should have signed on, Marce. You were really something, back in the day. When you had a soul." - ―Marci Stahl to Foggy Nelson[src]
While training to become a lawyer herself, Marci Stahl began a casual relationship with Foggy Nelson. However, when the long-serving interns Nelson and his close friend Matt Murdock turned down a job offer from Landman and Zack in order to start their own law firm at Nelson and Murdock. Stahl saw the opportunity and took the job herself, gaining large financial success.[2]
Elena Cardenas' Case[]
Stahl mocks Foggy Nelson and Karen Page
- "You know how this goes. It's her word versus my client's, and there's a whole backlog of these cases pending throughout the city. No one is going to help her but us. If I were you, I'd go to Mrs. Whatever today and strongly urge her to accept our offer."
"Marci. Convincing my client to agree to your terms, that's your job, and I'm not going to do it for you." - ―Marci Stahl and Foggy Nelson[src]
While working for Landman and Zack, Stahl was ordered to greet Foggy Nelson, who had since set up with own independent law firm with Matt Murdock named Nelson and Murdock and was now representing a woman named Elena Cardenas, who was suing one of Landman and Zack's own clients Armand Tully over damage to her home. She met him and Karen Page and explained she had taken his job and was representing Tully, instantly trying to throw off Nelson by using her nickname of Foggy Bear and teasing his relationship with Murdock and his own commitment issues.
Stahl debates with Foggy Nelson
Getting to business, Stahl argued that the workman had not acted illegally and had left because they feared for their own safety as the building was filled with drug-dealers and they had offered Cardenas a pay-off to leave. Nelson argued back that Tully was acting illegally and could not force Cardenas out and promised he would see her in court. When Stahl told Nelson he would have done well at Landman and Zack, Nelson told her she did not have a soul since being there.[1] Later, Nelson spoke to Stahl and learned that Tully was "on an island without a name for the unforeseen future."[3]
Late Night Affair[]
Stahl after having sex with Foggy Nelson
- "Can you do it with your indoor voice without speaking?"
"That's a very asshole thing to say. I'm impressed."
"Sorry."
"And now you've ruined it. You going to work or what?" - ―Foggy Nelson and Marci Stahl[src]
Stahl met with Foggy Nelson a few nights later and they ended up having sex in her apartment. While Stahl prepared to go to work the next morning, she used her favorite nickname for Nelson, "Foggy Bear" while she was preparing to go to work at Landman and Zack. While he was in bed, Stahl nagged Nelson about to go work at Nelson and Murdock, leading to Nelson insulting her about not wanting to hear her voice.
Stahl explains she does not care for drama
Stahl complimented Nelson for being rude to her for once as she called it being an asshole, which he ruined by then apologizing for being rude to her. While Stahl put her own clothes back on, Nelson revealed that he may never go back to work with Matt Murdock ever again for reasons he did not tell her. Stahl noted that the pair of them had been friends for as long as she had known them before she then told him she did not care for his drama as she did not want to be involved in all of their own drama and then left for work, telling him to lock the door when he had finally left her apartment.[4]
Foggy Nelson's Request[]
Stahl meets Foggy Nelson at Josie's Bar
- "I remember how much you cared. About the law, about what was right. Before the clothes and the expense account, and scrambling to make partner."
"You're asking me to commit career suicide."
"I'm asking you to trust me." - ―Foggy Nelson and Marci Stahl[src]
Foggy Nelson asked to meet Stahl at Josie's Bar. While she waited, she ordered a Vodka Martini from Josie but only got a glass of vodka. When Nelson arrived, he informed her that he needed her help, much to Stahl's disappointment as she was hoping they would have sex again. Nelson revealed that Elena Cardenas' case was bigger than they expected and they had learned that many other similar cases were being organized by Wilson Fisk. Stahl tried to leave as Landman and Zack represented Fisk, but Nelson convinced her to read his case file about it all.
Stahl listens to Foggy Nelson's theory
Stahl became transfixed by Nelson's papers and saw the corruption that Fisk was involved with. Nelson revealed much of the information they had gained from Daredevil; they debated if Daredevil or Fisk were responsible for the Bombing of Hell's Kitchen. Nelson tried to convince her of Fisk's guilt but Stahl argued that Fisk was one of their most valuable clients and she could lose her job just speaking to him. Nelson convinced her that Fisk was going down, and this was her chance to help herself. She agreed to help and began sending Landman and Zack documents to help with the investigation.[5]
Taking Down Landman and Zack[]
Stahl watches Parish Landman being arrested
- "Oh, it's kinda like when I lost the job at Landman and Zack. Thank God HC&B was hiring."
- ―Marci Stahl to Foggy Nelson[src]
Thanks largely to Stahl's help, Nelson and Murdock were able to take on Carl Hoffman as a client and he revealed Wilson Fisk's entire organization, resulting in the arrests of everyone connected to his criminal empire. As Stahl arrived at her work, she witnessed her employer Parish Landman being arrested by the FBI for his part in Fisk's organization. As she watched him being taken away, Stahl sat in her car and smiled to herself, knowing that she had helped bring down a powerful criminal empire. She later worked with Nelson to try and find her a new employer,[6] and Stahl was hired shortly after by Hogarth, Chao & Benowitz.[7]
Helping Foggy Nelson[]
Giving a Tip[]
Stahl catches up with Foggy Nelson
- "She gets him... she sets precedent against these other vigilantes popping up. One in our office is already under serious scrutiny, lady by the name of Jessica Jones. Oh, and you know who I bet is next? The horny one. It's... Daredevil."
- ―Marci Stahl to Foggy Nelson[src]
Stahl was invited by Foggy Nelson to meet him at Josie's Bar for drinks. Nelson expressed his desire for them to catch up, but Stahl noted how she had not heard from him in months. Nelson told Stahl about how Matt Murdock was dating Karen Page, and that Samantha Reyes coming after the firm. Stahl realized that Nelson had actually called her for help, so she informed Nelson that Reyes wanted to become mayor, and planned to build a platform from Punisher's trial, leading to a precedence against vigilantes like Jessica Jones and Daredevil.[7]
Visiting Foggy Nelson[]
Stahl offers Foggy Nelson an opportunity
- "You can finally be your own man. What you might consider a failure could actually be something else. A new beginning. I knew you were gonna be sensitive about this. That's what I like about you. I'm just asking if it would be okay, in the near future, for me to set up a meeting."
- ―Marci Stahl to Foggy Nelson[src]
When Foggy Nelson was shot and brought to Metro-General Hospital, Stahl went to visit him, bringing him a teddy bear and alcohol. After commenting on the amount of security in the hospital, Stahl asked Nelson how he was feeling, so he mentioned that in addition to his injury, Nelson and Murdock was over. This led to Stahl revealing that she came to offer Nelson an opportunity following his impressive opening statement during Punisher's trial. Stahl saw Nelson's supposed failure as a chance for him to start a new beginning. Stahl then told Nelson that she wanted to set up a meeting with him and Hogarth, Chao & Benowitz, but she needed to get his name out more.[8]
Working with Foggy Nelson[]
Stahl is interrupted by Jeri Hogarth
- "Franklin, I need a word."
"See you later." - ―Jeri Hogarth and Marci Stahl to Foggy Nelson[src]
Stahl was able to set up a meeting with Foggy Nelson and Jeri Hogarth, which was a success and Nelson was hired by Hogarth, Chao & Benowitz, where Stahl would work with Nelson.[9] Many months later, Stahl was talking to Nelson when Hogarth rudely interrupted them and pulled Nelson to the side. Stahl told Nelson she would see him later before leaving.[10]
Foggy Nelson's Bid for DA[]
Kingpin's Return[]
Stahl comforts a distraught Foggy Nelson
- "The best way to protect yourself from Fisk is to make noise, is to be out in the open."
"Oh, like a public execution."
"Like a public call to action. If Blake Tower won't do anything to stop Fisk, then run against him for District Attorney." - ―Marci Stahl and Foggy Nelson[src]
Stahl and Foggy Nelson began dating again, and soon they were living together. While Stahl was in a briefing interview, Nelson woke up from a nightmare about Matt Murdock, as he was struggling after his death. Nelson expressed how he felt guilt that he had a great life but Murdock was gone, so Stahl suggested Nelson talk to someone, but he did not think it would help. When Nelson got up, he read the news that Wilson Fisk had been released from prison.[11]
Stahl tells Nelson how to fight Wilson Fisk
Nelson came home stressed out and revealed to Stahl that Murdock was alive. As Nelson frantically checked the door, Stahl tried to calm him down, but he was too worried about Fisk coming after him. Nelson began ranting about Murdock telling him to step aside while he alone dealt with Fisk, but Stahl advised Nelson to stand up to Fisk. Nelson brought up Blake Tower's refusal to go after Fisk, which gave Stahl the idea for Nelson to run for District Attorney, with the focus on putting Fisk back in prison. Stahl knew Nelson would not win, but the publicity would get the issue talked about and protect him from Fisk.[12]
Worried about Foggy Nelson[]
Stahl hugs Foggy Nelson after the attack
- "Let's go to the courthouse right now."
"Foggy Bear, slow down."
"I love you, Marci, and I'm pretty sure that you love me, too."
"I do love you. But when you propose, I want it to be from your heart. Not from this." - ―Foggy Nelson and Marci Stahl[src]
Stahl heard about the Attack on the New York Bulletin Building, which Foggy Nelson was present at, causing her to worry as she stayed up all night watching the news. When Nelson returned home, Stahl rushed to him and asked if he was hurt. Nelson told her he was just tired, so Stahl went to take him to bed, but he instead pulled her towards him and kissed her. Stahl pulled Nelson to the couch, where they had sex.
Stahl is proposed to by Foggy Nelson
Afterwards, Stahl listened as Nelson told her that he thought he was going to die in the attack but felt that there were things left unsettled for him. In the spur of the moment, Nelson then proposed to Stahl and wanted to get married immediately at the courthouse, but she stopped him, stating that she wanted him to propose from his heart, not from fear. Stahl then went to work, and when she returned, she found Nelson looking through numerous files, and he told her that he figured out Wilson Fisk's plan.[13]
Foggy Nelson's Success[]
Stahl tells Foggy Nelson that he could win
- "Foggy, if you play this right..."
"I could actually win."
"And as the new DA, you make it your top priority to nail Wilson Fisk" - ―Marci Stahl and Foggy Nelson[src]
Stahl spoke to Foggy Nelson about his campaign, telling him that he couldn't quit, as he was giving people hope. She then revealed that she was shown a viral clip of Nelson's speech, which he was confused about. Stahl showed Nelson the clip of him debating against Blake Tower which gained him a lot of support from the NYPD. Stahl deduced that Nelson now had a chance to win and as the new DA, he could actually stop Wilson Fisk. Stahl joined Nelson at Nelson's Meats, where his family showed off the clip to a crowd, and she commented that Nelson was now making a name for himself. Stahl spoke with Nelson's mother, who asked her if considered freezing her eggs.[14]
Future[]
Stahl and Foggy Nelson discuss the future
- "I was starting to like the idea of being married to the DA."
"Pretty sure Blake Tower's not married."
"Yeah, he'll have to get by without me. You, on the other hand, are in luck." - ―Marci Stahl and Foggy Nelson[src]
Following the arrest of Wilson Fisk, Stahl attended the funeral of Father Paul Lantom. Outside, she talked to Foggy Nelson, who formally withdrew his run for District Attorney. Stahl said that it was too bad as she was starting to like the idea of being married to the District Attorney. Stahl said it was okay as Hogarth, Chao & Benowitz would be happy to have him back, but Nelson did not want that. Instead, he wanted to restart a firm with Matt Murdock and Karen Page. Later, she attended a party at Nelson's Meats.[15] Despite both of them wanting to be married to one another,[13] by 2025, Stahl and Nelson had broken up.[16]
Personality[]
- "Baby... What was it this time? Laughing Matt?"
"Body Matt."
"Foggy Bear, whatever happened to Matt, it's not your fault. You have nothing to feel guilty about." - ―Marci Stahl and Foggy Nelson[src]
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Stahl is outspoken and very honest with little care for how her words may affect others. When Foggy Nelson learned that his best friend for years, Matt Murdock, was habitually lying to him, Nelson went to Stahl for comfort.
Though Stahl is blunt and usually says what she feels, she hides that she truly cares for Nelson. When she saw him approaching Josie's Bar to meet her, Stahl's face lit up and she checked her appearance; something that was unnecessary if it was only a "booty call" as she claimed. Stahl knows that she can be callous to others, but she is also respectful; after the death of Elena Cardenas, Stahl no longer mispronounced her name.
Abilities[]
- Expert Lawyer: Along with Foggy Nelson, Stahl was a good lawyer for her former work of Landman and Zack. She was tasked with talking to Nelson and Murdock about Elena Cardenas who was their client and who was suing Landman and Zack.
- Investigator: As a lawyer, Stahl was a good investigator as well, being able to uncover illegal dealings with Wilson Fisk brought on by Landman and Zack. She wanted to quit, but Foggy Nelson convinced her to stay and get information. Stahl was successful in providing files that elped Nelson and Murdock take on Carl Hoffman.
- Tactician: Stahl helped Foggy Nelson a lot by getting his name out there when he had quit Nelson and Murdock. She also gave him the idea of running for district attorney in order to make sure Kingpin was kept behind bars.
Facilities[]
| This section requires expansion |
- Marci Stahl's Apartment: To be added
- Landman and Zack Building: To be added
- Josie's Bar: To be added
- Hogarth, Chao & Benowitz Office: To be added
Relationships[]
Allies[]
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Enemies[]
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Appearances[]
Behind the Scenes[]
- Marci Stahl was only supposed to appear in one episode, but Amy Rutberg's acting was so well received, she went on to appear in more episodes. Rutberg herself has asked Joe Quesada when her character will appear in the comics.[17]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Daredevil: 1.05: World on Fire
- ↑ Daredevil: 1.10: Nelson v. Murdock
- ↑ Daredevil: 1.09: Speak of the Devil
- ↑ Daredevil: 1.11: The Path of Rigtheousness
- ↑ Daredevil: 1.12: The Ones We Leave Behind
- ↑ Daredevil: 1.13: Daredevil
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Daredevil: 2.05: Kinbaku
- ↑ Daredevil: 2.11: .380
- ↑ Daredevil: 2.13: A Cold Day in Hell's Kitchen
- ↑ The Defenders: 1.02: Mean Right Hook
- ↑ Daredevil: 3.03: No Good Deed
- ↑ Daredevil: 3.04: Blindsided
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 Daredevil: 3.07: Aftermath
- ↑ Daredevil: 3.09: Revelations
- ↑ Daredevil: 3.13: A New Napkin
- ↑ Daredevil: Born Again: 1.01: Heaven's Half Hour
- ↑ Amy Rutberg, of Daredevil and The Defenders gives a warm intimate interview to Brandon Schreur at starsandcelebs