- "I see right through you, Fisk. You... You're not a mayor who loves his city. You're a whiny kid who wants everyone to love him, a monster trying to rewrite his legacy. Well, guess what? It's too late. Once a thug, always a thug. See you around, Kingpin."
- ―Phil Gallo to Wilson Fisk[src]
Commissioner Phil Gallo was the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department. He decided to resign from his post in defiance when Wilson Fisk became Mayor of New York City, but Fisk blackmailed him, forcing him to abandon his plan. Gallo continued to work with Fisk, dealing with Muse, and discussing the creation of the Anti-Vigilante Task Force. However, he was soon approached by BB Urich, who allied with him to take Fisk down. During Fisk's blackout of the city, Gallo planned to leave for Albany to go against Fisk and shared this with Sheila Rivera. This turned out to be a fatal mistake when Rivera reported his insubordination to Fisk, resulting in his murder.
Biography[]
NYPD Commissioner[]
Feud with Mayor Fisk[]
- "One of my sources at the NYPD tells me that Gallo is now poised to resign. I mean, Gallo is a celebrated police commissioner. Maybe the most beloved this city has ever seen. That puts you in a big fat bind. That NYPD's rank and file are planning on standing behind their guy in protest of you, Mr. Mayor."
- ―BB Urich to Wilson Fisk[src]
Born in Philadelphia, Phil Gallo moved to New York City and joined the New York City Police Department and made himself a reputation of being one of the most celebrated commissioners in the city. Gallo was married but had a mistress back in Philadelphia with whom he fathered a son, and therefore kept the mistress and son hidden.
When Wilson Fisk was elected as the mayor of New York, Gallo strongly disapproved of him, given Fisk's extensive criminal record and the number of police officers who died because of him. Gallo planned to retire from the department in protest of Fisk, with many rank-and-file officers considering following him despite the NYPD being greatly understaffed. Gallo was approached by BB Urich on three separate occasions to discuss Fisk, but he refused to speak with her every time.[2]
Kel Shanahan's Funeral[]
Gallo approaches Wilson Fisk at the funeral
- "Do you know who Samuel Vance was? No, of course you don't. Mayor Vance was the mayor of New York in 1874. He served for one month. It is my personal mission to make sure that your term is shorter than his."
- ―Phil Gallo to Wilson Fisk[src]
When Kel Shanahan was killed during a run-in with Hector Ayala, Gallo attended the funeral with his wife, and spotted Wilson Fisk arriving at the cemetery. Gallo commented on Fisk deliberately waiting after the funeral's end to show up, to which Fisk replied that he did not want to be a distraction. Gallo then asked Fisk if he was capable of feeling guilt or remorse; when Fisk responded that Shanahan's death was not on him, Gallo reminded him of all other NYPD officers that had died because of him.
Gallo berates Wilson Fisk
Gallo asked Fisk why he would give up his criminal empire in order to be the mayor, as he would have less money and power than he already had. Fisk merely inquired what they needed to do in order to work together, but Gallo had no intention to cooperate with Fisk. Gallo informed Fisk about Samuel B. H. Vance, whose mayoral term lasted only a month, and stated that his personal mission was to make sure that Fisk's term would be even shorter. Gallo told Fisk that he was just a child who desperately wanted to rewrite his legacy and make people love him and that he would always be a thug, and bade farewell to Kingpin before he walked away.[2]
Blackmailed[]
Gallo turns in his resignation to Wilson Fisk
- "I'm resigning my post, effective tonight at midnight. And due to unforeseen scheduling conflicts, I will not be able to stay on to help with the transition. But you will need a new Police Commissioner, and... And guess what? A lot of new cops as well."
- ―Phil Gallo to Wilson Fisk[src]
Gallo visited Wilson Fisk at the New York City Hall to officially turn in his resignation notice, noting that due to scheduling conflicts, he would not be able to help with the transition of a new Commissioner. He taunted Fisk about his resignation would sign trouble for Fisk's relations with the New York City Police Department and was about to walk out, but Fisk stopped him. While eating a cheesesteak sandwich, Fisk talked with Buck Cashman about cheesesteak shops in Philadelphia.
Gallo being blackmailed by Wilson Fisk
Gallo was confused, but then Fisk started talking about Cashman visiting D'Angelo's Steak & Sandwiches and showed Gallo a photo of his mistress and son that Gallo was trying to keep in secret. Realizing that he was being blackmailed into staying, Gallo stood silently and listened to Fisk rejecting Gallo's proposals for the NYPD, such as a pay raise, overtime minumums, and an expanded cadet class. When Fisk asked if they had a deal, Gallo begrudgingly told Fisk that he would stay as the Commissioner, but warned Fisk to be careful with his wishes and he walked out.[2]
Muse Serial Killings[]
- "Not a single word leaves this room."
"This is no way to run a goddamn railroad." - ―Wilson Fisk and Phil Gallo[src]
When the New York City Police Department received orders to bring down Muse and stop his killing spree, Gallo and Angie Kim arrived at the New York City Hall for a briefing. Gallo reported to Wilson Fisk that the police analyzed the murals around the city and concluded that Muse was using his victims' blood and the epoxy to make his artworks almost impervious. Gallo and Kim informed Fisk that the police found twelve murals with five unique DNA profiles in each, which would drive Muse's body count to sixty victims.
Gallo disagrees with Wilson Fisk's decision
While Kim and Sheila Rivera talked about Muse somehow avoiding every surveillance camera in the city and committing his murders undetected, she and Gallo stated that the public must be alerted about Muse's killings. Suddenly, Fisk started laughing and told Gallo and Kim that if the NYPD issued a public warning, Muse would know that they were on his trail and lay low. In order to make sure Muse would not slip away, Fisk ordered them to keep every detail about Muse's killing spree in secret, which prompted a complaint from Gallo.[3]
Wilson Fisk's Task Force[]
- "Then put more cops on the street!"
"That's exactly why I asked you here. I intend to. A task force. Hand-picked by me."
"This is every bad apple in the barrel." - ―Phil Gallo and Wilson Fisk[src]
Gallo arrived at the New York City Hall to confront Wilson Fisk about his conduct with the Muse investigation, citing Fisk's recent cuts to the New York City Police Department budget. Gallo said that if Fisk truly cared about New York City, he would put more officers on the streets to catch Muse, but that turned out to be what Fisk wanted to discuss. Fisk then handed Gallo a proposal for the task force, consisting of the officers he picked personally.
Gallo checks out Wilson Fisk's task force candidates
Gallo flipped through the files of Connor Powell and Cole North, remarking Fisk picked the most problematic officers in the department. Fisk disagreed with Gallo's opinion on those officers, convinced that their extreme methods was exactly what they needed. Fisk also said that due to the nature of Muse's killing spree, the task force would be provided with special privileges, like overtime and the lack of body cameras. Gallo was baffled by the proposal and asked who would be overseeing the task force, to which Fisk implied that he would take it upon himself.[3]
Black & White Ball[]
Gallo confronts Connor Powell
- "When did you become Fisk's Minister of Propaganda?"
"Right about the time you became head of his SS, I figure."
"No... No, that's not me. The Task Force is all him." - ―Phil Gallo and BB Urich[src]
Gallo was among those invited to the Black & White Ball at Gracie Mansion, hosted by Wilson and Vanessa Fisk, which he begrudgingly accepted. During the event, Gallo witnessed Connor Powell and the Anti-Vigilante Task Force strong-arming the journalist who infiltrated the ball, so he went there to confront them. Gallo ordered Powell to stop and threatened to charge him with assault, but Powell ignored his orders and stuck the journalist's hand into the deep fryer. Powell said that Gallo was powerless there, since the AVTF answered to Fisk directly, while a horrified Gallo claimed that what they were doing was a dereliction of duty.
Gallo talks to BB Urich about Wilson Fisk
Later, Gallo was approached by BB Urich who wanted to know if Fisk consulted with him prior to the AVTF's foundation. In response, Gallo scoffed and commented on Urich's article on Muse's downfall and how she gave all credit to the AVTF for taking him out. Gallo said that it was obvious to anyone that Daredevil was the one who stopped Muse and accused Urich of being Fisk's propagandist. In response, Urich held Gallo responsible for the AVTF's illegal conduct, but Gallo stressed that the AVTF was all on Fisk personally and he had no control over them.
Gallo then said that Urich did not know anything about Fisk and informed her that he was the main suspect in the murder of Ben Urich, but she replied that she had known that all along. To Gallo's surprise, Urich revealed that her pro-Fisk coverage was only a cover and in truth, she was just trying to get closer to him. She then gave Gallo her business card in case he had something he wanted to put out about Fisk and Gallo mentioned that he had files on the AVTF officers under Fisk's command. However, the event was soon disrupted by Benjamin Poindexter who made an attempt on Fisk's life and failed only because Matt Murdock shielded him.[4]
Defying Mayor Kingpin[]
Gallo stands up to Wilson Fisk's unlawful orders
- "I'm going up the ladder. The Governor, State Supreme Court. This is still the mayor's office. Not the Kingpin's. And he is still subject to the law. And I'm hoping for your support."
- ―Phil Gallo to Sheila Rivera[src]
In response to what happened at the Black & White Ball, Wilson Fisk gathered his subordinates at the New York City Hall and ordered the Anti-Vigilante Task Force to stage a city-wide crackdown to take down not only Benjamin Poindexter, but all vigilantes in New York City. Gallo strongly opposed Fisk's order, claiming that it was going against the principles of the New York City Police Department and was highly illegal, with Fisk openly condoning the use of lethal force. Fisk ignored Gallo's protests as he wanted to seal off the entire city, but Gallo then witnessed Sheila Rivera trying to dissuade Fisk, before all of them were dismissed.
Gallo tries to get Sheila Rivera on his side
While Fisk was occupied, Gallo talked to Rivera in the hallway, thinking that she also saw what Fisk was doing as a Mayor. Gallo cited Fisk's massive cuts to the NYPD, which caused a spike in crime and authorized Fisk to use the AVTF as his personal militia. Refused to stay idle while Fisk was consolidating the power, Gallo tried to get Rivera on his side, so they could stop Fisk together. Gallo informed her that he was planning to leave for Albany and turn to the New York Governor and the State Supreme Court, and although Rivera could not join him, she promised Gallo her support.[5]
Killed by Kingpin[]
Gallo gets intercepted by Luke
- "Yeah, I was right. You... never stopped being Kingpin. You can't."
- ―Phil Gallo to Wilson Fisk[src]
On his way out of the New York City Hall, Gallo got into his car and told Mario to take him home, but then found out that Luke was sitting in the driver's seat instead. Seeing a tattoo of Punisher's skull on Luke's neck, Gallo questioned if he joined the Anti-Vigilante Task Force, and Luke confirmed that he was recruited by Wilson Fisk. Realizing that Sheila Rivera ratted him out to Fisk, Gallo did not resist and allowed Luke to drive him to Red Hook Pier, where Fisk was waiting for him.
Gallo is confronted by Wilson Fisk
Being guided through the AVTF base, Gallo told Buck Cashman that they would not get away with doing something like that to the NYPD Commissioner, but Cashman only said that New York City was on Fisk's side. Gallo then stood in front of Fisk, who claimed that he wanted Gallo to face the officers who risked their lives for the city, blaming Gallo for letting them down. As Fisk continued his speech on Gallo being nothing but a product of a broken system, Gallo remarked that he was right and Fisk never stopped being Kingpin.
Gallo gets killed by Wilson Fisk
In response, Fisk assaulted Gallo and brought him to his knees, before grabbing his head and squeezing it with his bare hands. As Gallo felt immense pain from the pressure, Fisk addressed the AVTF officers and proclaimed that they will protect the city by themselves. As the officers witnessed in silence, Fisk murdered Gallo by crushing his skull and let his lifeless body hit the floor.[5]
Personality[]
- "Still makes no sense to me, this mayor thing. So you gave up your criminal empire for what? So you could have less money and less power? So you could kowtow to an Italian son of a bitch in a cemetery?"
- ―Phil Gallo to Wilson Fisk[src]
| This section requires expansion |
To be added
Relationships[]
Family[]
Allies[]
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Enemies[]
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Appearances[]
In chronological order:
Daredevil: Born Again | Episode 1.02: Optics- Daredevil: Born Again | Episode 1.03: The Hollow of His Hand (mentioned)
- Daredevil: Born Again | Episode 1.06: Excessive Force
- Daredevil: Born Again | Episode 1.08: Isle of Joy
- Daredevil: Born Again | Episode 1.09: Straight to Hell
Trivia[]
- Michael Gaston was credited in Art for Art's Sake as Gallo, but did not appear.
Behind the Scenes[]
- Richard Buckman was a stunt double for Michael Gaston in the role of Phill Gallo.
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