- "This office, under my leadership, will pursue every lead, every piece of evidence that leads us to uncovering the truth, wherever we may find it."
- ―Blake Tower[src]
Blake Tower is a New York County District Attorney who helped Daredevil by providing him with information to track down and capture criminals. He started out as a subordinate of Samantha Reyes while she attempted to bring the Punisher to justice, fighting against Nelson and Murdock during the court case. When Reyes was killed by Ray Schoonover, Tower then began assisting Daredevil in ensuring justice for his deceased boss while also helping resolve a hostage situation involving Luke Cage in Harlem and trying to prevent the acquisition of Judas Bullets by the NYPD. Tower later represented the state of New York during their case against Mariah Dillard prior to the latter's death.
Prior to his re-election campaign, Tower allowed the FBI to get Wilson Fisk out of Ryker's Island to extract the information about the criminal underworld of New York City from him. However, his controversial decision put him into the confrontation with Foggy Nelson who decided to join the election, in order to return Fisk behind the bars. Eventually, Tower was convinced by Nelson and Matt Murdock to allow Ray Nadeem to testify against Fisk in front of the grand jury. The first attempt to take Fisk down failed; however, Nadeem's dying declaration allowed the DA's office to take down Fisk, as well as all FBI agents under his command.
Biography[]
Early Life[]
Building a Career[]
Blake Tower joined the District Attorney's Office, working under the supervision of Samantha Reyes. He was aware that her former assistants Elliot James, Nicole Kent and Chris Davidson had all been let go because of misconduct, but Reyes remained in her position.[1] After he was hired, he found out that Reyes was covering up information about the Massacre at Central Park. Knowing that the cover-up was well underway and fearing for his job, he remained silent.[2]
Targeting the Punisher[]
Meeting Foggy Nelson[]
Tower and Samantha Reyes quietly concocted a plan to draw out the Punisher, a vigilante who had been targeting members of the Kitchen Irish, Dogs of Hell and Mexican Cartel. They planned to use Elliot Grote as bait. When Grote hired Nelson and Murdock to broker a witness protection deal for himself in exchange for information about the Kitchen Irish, Reyes and Tower met Grote, Foggy Nelson and Karen Page at the 15th Precinct Police Station.
Tower offers a protection deal to Grotto
They tried to strong arm Nelson into letting them deal directly with Grote, but Nelson wouldn't budge. In the end, they reluctantly agreed to let Nelson and Murdock handle the case. Grote agreed to wear a wire while meeting Edgar Brass, a known drug dealer, in exchange for witness protection and relocation to Florida. Although Grote was initially reluctant Blake and Reyes showed pictures of the Punisher's victims and explained how he had tracked them down to convince him. Neither Grote, Nelson or Page suspected that Grote was actually to be used as bait to lure out and capture the Punisher.[3]
Using Grotto[]
Tower, along with Samantha Reyes, told Foggy Nelson and Karen Page that they wanted Grotto to wear a wire while meeting Edgar Brass. During the arranged meet, Grote was pulled into a shipping crate while police waited for the arrival of the Punisher.
Nelson and Page were furious at the deception, but the operation was well underway. When a truck drove into the area, the police fired at it, believing it to be the Punisher. However, it was a decoy. The Punisher was on a nearby rooftop and was attacked by Daredevil. The police reported that they could not get a clear shot on the Punisher, but Reyes ordered them to fire anyway.[3]
Tower listening to Foggy Nelson's argument
After the firefight, there was no sign of Grote, the Punisher or Daredevil. Page angrily accused Reyes and Tower of using Grote as bait, but Reyes threatened to blame Nelson and Murdock for the failure if word ever went public about it.[1]
Visited by Karen Page[]
Karen Page visited Tower in his office to ask him for any information he had on the Punisher. She told him that she had researched Samantha Reyes and noticed how many of her subordinates had lost their jobs because of misconduct, while she kept hers. She suggested that Tower could be next, and offered him the chance to help Nelson and Murdock defend themselves against Reyes' threats. Although Tower warned her that he would never implicate the District Attorney, he handed her the Punisher files before telling her to leave and never come back.[1]
Seeking Grotto's Files[]
- "We need all your files in the Grote case, notes, interviews, any and all recordings and emails."
"And in return we get?"
"I convince District Attorney Reyes to scratch the names Nelson and Murdock off her shit list." - ―Blake Tower and Foggy Nelson[src]
Tower visited the Nelson and Murdock Law Office and asked Karen Page if he could speak with Foggy Nelson. He tried to convince Nelson to hand over any and all files Nelson and Murdock had on Grotto. Nelson refused, saying that he would only share the files if Tower had a subpoena.
Tower explained that Samantha Reyes had her eyes on the mayor's office, and that Tower would likely succeed her as D.A. He told Nelson that getting in the new D.A.'s good favor would be a good idea. Nelson still refused, telling Tower once again that he would only hand over the files if he was served with a subpoena.[4]
Capturing the Punisher[]
Tower assisted Samantha Reyes in preparing a case against Frank Castle once he was arrested. The court assigned Christopher Roth to represent Castle. However, Nelson and Murdock convinced Castle to hire them instead. Although Foggy Nelson brokered a deal for Castle to plead guilty, at the arraignment, Castle surprised both the defense attorney and the prosecution by vehemently pleading not guilty.[5]
The People v. Frank Castle[]
Tower and Samantha Reyes prosecuted Frank Castle for multiple murders in a highly publicized trial. Over 400 potential jurors were vetted before both the prosecution and the defense agreed on a 12-member jury panel. After Reyes made her opening statement, Foggy Nelson made the opening statement for the defense. Although he faltered at first, in the end, he delivered a thought-provoking, well-made statement.
Tower called Gregory Tepper to the stand, to testify about Castle's many victims. When it was time for cross-examination, Matt Murdock began to ask Tepper about how many death certificates he had filed during his career. Suddenly, a very nervous Tepper asked Cynthia Batzer if he could make a statement. Batzer, sensing something was wrong, asked to have the courtroom cleared before Tepper continued.
Pepper described being coerced into falsifying the death certificates of Maria Castle, Lisa Castle and Frank Castle, Jr., as well as one for a John Doe who died on the same day. He said he was admitting this now because the previous night, a masked woman threatened to kill him if he didn't admit his wrongdoings to the court. Both the defense and the prosecution accused the other of harassing and threatening the witness, and the judge ordered all of his testimony stricken from the record. Nelson asked for a mistrial, but the judge refused.[6]
The defense called Ray Schoonover, Castle's former superior officer, to the stand, who described Castle as a hero who saved his fellow soldiers' lives. When Reyes cross-examined him, she suggested that Schoonover perhaps didn't know the real story. Schoonover clarified that he was one of the men whom Castle had saved. Tower was astonished that Reyes could have missed that fact, but she told him that all the names in Castle's file had been redacted.
Tower and Reyes listening to Andrew Lee
Next, Nelson called Andrew Lee to the stand, who testified about the damage Castle suffered from the gunshot wound to his head. He claimed that Castle was living in a constant state of fight-or-flight. Before the prosecution had a chance to cross-examine, Brian Cooley rose from the gallery and loudly declared that Castle had killed his father. Batzer then ordered to remove Cooley from the court.
Murdock called Castle to the stand and tried to ask him about the day his family was killed, but Castle was silent. Murdock got permission from the judge to treat the witness as hostile, and proceeded to talk about Castle's work as a vigilante, saying that the city needed men and women who would take the fight themselves. The gallery applauded when he referred to them as heroes, but he quickly pointed out that Castle had gone too far, and that he needed help and not punishment.
Tower and Reyes see Punisher's breakdown
Castle asked the judge if he could speak, and to everyone's surprise, loudly proclaimed that he would commit all the murders again. He began to scream that he was the Punisher and that he was guilty. Since Castle had confessed his guilt, the prosecution had won the case.[7]
Samantha Reyes' Murder[]
Tower and Samantha Reyes asked Foggy Nelson, Karen Page and Matt Murdock to come to her office. Tower and Reyes asked Nelson and Murdock to hand over all files they had on the Punisher. Tower urged Reyes to admit to the cover-up of the Massacre at Central Park. She also told them they were trying to draw out a drug dealer who called himself The Blacksmith. With the help of an undercover cop, they set up a meet between the Dogs of Hell, the Mexican Cartel and the Kitchen Irish. However, the Blacksmith did not show up, and the rival gangs rattled, turned on each other. Reyes showed them an x-ray of a skull that she found in her daughter's backpack. She pleaded with them to help, saying that she didn't care about keeping her job anymore; she just wanted to keep her family safe.
Suddenly, gunfire filled the room. Nelson was shot in the arm, and Tower watched in horror as Reyes was killed. Outside the courthouse, Tower admitted to Page and Nelson that he found out about the cover-up after he had joined the D.A.'s office. Convinced that the Punisher had been the one to shoot up the District Attorney's office, Tower announced he was leaving town, and urged Page and Nelson to do the same.[2]
Questioned by Daredevil[]
Tower was on his way out of New York City when he was stopped and interrogated by Daredevil, who wanted information on the Blacksmith. Tower admitted that they had very little, but that Samantha Reyes had been looking into his competition. He never got a name, but he knew there was a new drug dealer working out of Chinatown. Daredevil suggested that Tower continue to leave town and stay out of the city.[8]
Harlem Crisis[]
Aiding Priscilla Ridley[]
- "I don't trust Mariah Dillard."
"Yeah, I don't either. But she has the juice with people way above our paygrade."
"I just don't want this to turn into the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. Frank Castle shot this city to hell and he only had regular bullets. Now imagine what he or somebody like him can do with these things." - ―Blake Tower and Priscilla Ridley[src]
Due to Samantha Reyes' death, Tower was officially promoted and became the District Attorney. During the shootout turned hostage crisis at Harlem's Paradise, Tower was asked by the New York City Mayor to assist the situation. Arriving in Harlem, Tower told Priscilla Ridley that the Mayor had sent him as a way of helping both parties achieve a promising outcome. Ridley said that she did not need his help at all, as she was worried about was getting the hostages and Misty Knight to safety, while also seeking to arrest Luke Cage, who was thought to be the perpetrator behind the recent criminal activities.
However, Tower informed Ridley that Mariah Dillard managed to sell specialized weaponry to the New York City Police Department that would be capable of killing Cage, as well as other enhanced individuals. Before they could discuss the situation, Donnie Chang informed Tower and Ridley that Damon Boone contacted them to pass the message that Cage demanded an escape helicopter, in exchange for liberating some hostages. Tower further reminded Ridley that they should aim to arrest Cage without using the weapons, citing that they would soon flood the streets and would be dangerous and unstoppable in the hands of individuals such as Frank Castle.[9]
Prosecuting Mariah Dillard[]
Tower going up against Benjamin Donovan
- "Your Honor, the State of New York charges the defendant, Mariah Stokes Dillard, with the crime of murder in the first degree. Twelve counts, with victims that include her own cousin, Cornell "Cottonmouth" Stokes."
- ―Blake Tower to Amanda Garmon[src]
In the wake of Mariah Dillard's arrest following the Bushmaster's attack on Harlem's Paradise, Tower personally prosecuted Dillard in court. Tower stated that the State of New York charges Dillard with illicit activity, particularly several murders, such as killing her own cousin, Cornell Stokes. However, Benjamin Donovan who was Dillard's legal counsel ultimately objected to Tower's statements, for the fourth time.
Garmon reminded Donovan that the trial is not a show recorded by cameras and he had to stop acting. However, Donovan claimed that the one who acting there is Tower who prosecuted Dillard for simple arraignment for a first-time offender what Donovan objected. Tower assured Garmon that he was not grandstanding, stating that Dillard's hands are drenched with blood. To match his words, Tower pointed at Dillard's role in her separate federal SEC violations for financial irregularities for her role in the Atreus Plastics merger and the massacre at Gwen's. Despite, Donovan's best efforts, Garmon found Dillard guilty for her crimes and sent her to Ryker's Island until a trial date is set.[10]
Kingpin's Return[]
Meeting with the FBI[]
Tower and Chris DiMolina speak with the FBI
- "You're the District Attorney, Mr. Tower. Think of the long game here. We can't prosecute everything Fisk is giving us at the federal level. It's gonna trickle down."
"You're trying to buy the NYPD with collars and me with convictions." - ―Tammy Hattley and Blake Tower[src]
Tower was contacted by the FBI, as Tammy Hattley arranged a meeting with him and Chris DiMolina to discuss the situation with Wilson Fisk. Hattley and Ray Nadeem presented them the results of the recent FBI operation to take down the Albanian Syndicate, which succeed only because of Fisk's intel. However, Fisk was assaulted by the another inmate during his sentence in Ryker's Island, so the FBI requested Tower and DiMolina to move him out of the prison under the FBI supervision.
Tower considering Tammy Hattley's new offer
DiMolina ultimately protested against this idea, pointing that Fisk is responsible for multiple crimes, including the deaths of multiple NYPD officers. Hattley then reminded Tower that the FBI cannot prosecute everything Fisk is giving to them at the federal level and some cases would be profitable for the NYPD and DA's office. Tower noticed that Hattley wanted to convince him, offering the convictions to him and still was not impressed enough to agree to her offer.
However, Nadeem stepped in and pointed out that the FBI managed to cause the Albanian Syndicate significant damage, despite they previously avoided any prosecutions. Tower listened to Nadeem reminding them about multiple task force operations against the Albanians which ultimately failed and stated that Fisk's intel allowed them to behead the organization without any casualties. Despite his disgust to Fisk, Nadeem claimed that New York City became safer only because of him. DiMolina still was not impressed by Nadeem's statements, however, Tower, considering their situation, agreed with Hattley's offer and allowed the FBI to work with Fisk.[11]
Meeting with Foggy Nelson[]
- "Would you care more if you weren't trying to get reelected?"
"Watch it, Counselor."
"Fisk had Ms. Cardenas killed. Maybe you don't give a damn, because she's dead and can't vote for you." - ―Foggy Nelson and Blake Tower[src]
With the District Attorney elections at hand, Tower began preparing for his re-election campaign, rehearsing his speech with Arlene. He was then approached by Foggy Nelson who wanted to discuss something important with Tower, so he gave him five minutes to speak his mind. Nelson talked with Tower about the Wilson Fisk case, assuming that Tower is working to disrupt his deal with the FBI and get back behind the bars, so Nelson offered his assistance to work on the case together. Tower replied that he had tried everything in his power and objected to Fisk's house incarceration on every legal ground, however, his deal with the FBI still stands. Nelson proposed to open a state case to get him back in the prison for the time being until they can figure something out, but Tower stopped him, claiming that it was not feasible.
Tower ignored Nelson's proposals and stated that Fisk is cooperating with the federal government, giving out criminal organizations of New York City, which made him a valuable asset. Tower added that fighting with the FBI and the Department of Justice was nothing but a lost cause, saying that Nelson should let it go, although he refused to give up. Nelson was shocked that Tower gave up so easily, but Tower told him that there was nothing he can do, but doing his job and preparing for his campaign. Suddenly, Nelson called Tower out, claiming that he did not want to risk fighting against Fisk because of his upcoming re-election, which enraged Tower. Nelson went on further, saying that Tower should be the voice of people, like Elena Cardenas, whose lives were ruined because of Fisk, but Tower refused to listen and told Nelson to leave immediately.[12]
Public Forum Debate[]
- "At your fancy law firm, what they teach is 'create a fiction.' What story does a jury need to hear? Not what facts. I have been prosecuting for thirteen years, and I can tell you this is not how criminal law works. Moving speeches impress a crowd, but they don't stand up in criminal court."
- ―Blake Tower to Foggy Nelson[src]
Proceeding with his re-election campaign, Tower attended a public forum debate at the Hell's Kitchen Club to gain more political support. In his speech, Tower stated that the prosecution office does their work efficiently, ensuring maximum amount of convictions at the lesser cost, which was met with applause. However, Foggy Nelson, who recently announced his candidacy for the District Attorney, called Tower out on letting criminals out of the jail when it is beneficial for him. As Tower and all the attendants listened, Nelson claimed that he is running for the position to hold Tower accountable for Wilson Fisk's liberation. Tower allowed Nelson to speak out, but argued that the District Attorney's office has no influence over Fisk's current deal with the FBI.
Nelson continued to question Tower's integrity, to which Tower replied that the power of his office are limited to state law, while Fisk's case is under the federal jurisdiction. However, Nelson suggested that Fisk can still be prosecuted for the crimes he had committed after his deal with the FBI, which confused Tower, as Fisk was under the constant supervision of the FBI. Tower stated that Fisk upheld his end of the bargain and gave up major criminal figures in New York City, but Nelson objected, saying that Fisk only makes his competition disappear. Nelson then elaborated that Fisk is manipulating the FBI to take down the targets he personally selected to reclaim his position in the criminal underworld, while Tower found Nelson's claims ridiculous.
As Tower listened, Nelson went on to accuse Fisk of corrupting a number of the FBI agents and offering criminals of New York a protection from the federal prosecution in exchange for massive profits. Tower stated that Nelson cannot simply pander to the crowd with speeches and he has to support his case with evidence, which he claimed Nelson cannot do. He claimed that law firms like Hogarth, Chao & Benowitz instruct lawyers to create a fictional narrative that a jury would want to hear, instead of using the actual facts, and that is not how criminal law works. Nelson agreed with Tower that he does not have his experience, preparing another moving speech, however, Nelson suddenly stopped and left the building, as Tower jokingly remarked that freezing in front of a crowd would not help him in court.[13]
Ray Nadeem's Testimony[]
Driving through the streets, Tower was suddenly pulled over by Brett Mahoney who told Tower that there was someone who needs to talk with him. To his annoyance, Tower saw Foggy Nelson and reluctantly allowed him to enter his car for a talk. Tower assumed that Nelson wanted to pull a stunt, like another viral video, to support his campaign, but Nelson wanted to make an offer. Nelson offered to drop out of the election race and hand the position to Tower, in exchange for providing him an hour of his time. Tower was reluctant to accept such a deal, asking what was the catch, to which Nelson replied that his offer was related to Wilson Fisk's case.
Once Nelson mentioned Fisk, Tower angrily told Nelson to leave his car, but he suddenly told Tower that Fisk is threatening his family, using them as a leverage on him. Tower realized that Fisk wanted to have an influence over the potential District Attorney, and Nelson stated that he will drop out of the race regardless of the outcome. Having a sympathy for Nelson's situation, Tower accepted the offer, so Nelson brought him to Fogwell's Gym where Nelson and Murdock presented Ray Nadeem to Tower. Tower recognized Nadeem as the FBI agent who convinced him to get Fisk out of the Ryker's Island in the first place, as a part of Fisk's deal with the FBI and the Department of Justice.
Preparing for the meeting, Matt Murdock stated that Nadeem speaks under the terms of immunity, while Tower told Nadeem that Nelson and Murdock have their own agendas in Fisk's case. He warned Nadeem about a potential conflict of interests, but Nadeem was certain that he wants Nelson and Murdock to represent him in the court of law. Nelson and Murdock then informed Tower that Nadeem is willing to testify against Fisk and his conspiracy to manipulate the FBI for his benefit and the benefit of New York City's criminals. Tower questioned why Nadeem decided to come forward now, to which he replied that pursuing Fisk's case made him hurt a lot of people, and now he wants to amend for his wrongdoings.
Tower listens to Ray Nadeem's testimony
As Tower accepted the terms of immunity, Nadeem told him everything about Fisk's conspiracy, detailing that he coerced a number of the FBI agents into becoming his accomplices and carrying out his orders. Tower was baffled at Nadeem's words and informed Nelson that he can convene a grand jury, so Nadeem could make an official testimony in court and bring Fisk down. However, Tower refused to accept Murdock's demand of full immunity, claiming that Nadeem is responsible for numerous homicides, while Nelson noted that Tower cannot build the case without Nadeem's testimony. Tower insisted that Nadeem is a federal law enforcement agents that was an accomplice in class A felonies, being silent about the deaths of Winn and Everett Starr that occurred in front of him.
Murdock claimed that Fisk is targeting Nadeem's family and almost tried to kill them, but Nadeem still took it upon himself to testify, while Tower was doing nothing to stop Fisk. Murdock told Tower that if he does not cooperate, the offer expires, and they will advise Nadeem to run for his life. Tower, however, said that a criminal cannot be free and Nadeem needs to serve five years in prison on each count, which both Nelson and Murdock immediately dismissed. Nelson tried to convince Tower that with their help, he will be able to prosecute Fisk, which would even pave his way to the governorship, but Tower insisted on five years sentence on all counts in response.
Tower is stopped by Ray Nadeem
As both Nelson and Murdock refused to accept Tower's conditions, he prepared to leave the gym, however, Nadeem suddenly stopped him. Nadeem claimed that Tower was right for condemning him, and agreed to serve the sentence, so Fisk could be imprisoned and his family could be safe. Once the deal was settled, Tower and Nelson headed to the New York State Supreme Court Building to organize a grand jury, however, they were informed that Nadeem and Murdock were attacked on their way to the courthouse. As the building was on the lockdown, Murdock managed to bring unharmed Nadeem, telling that Fisk is aware of the testimony and tried to silence Nadeem. Tower then brought Nadeem to the courtroom where he openly testified on all of Fisk's crimes, however, the jury dismissed the testimony, because of Fisk threatening their safety.[14]
Prosecuting Fisk[]
- "Wilson Fisk is a malignant tumor. Well, the State of New York isn't going to make the same mistake. Everyone knows his game now. Fisk won't manipulate the system again."
- ―Blake Tower[src]
As their plan failed, Tower attended a press conference outside of the New York State Supreme Court Building, stating that the grand jury has elected not to indict Wilson Fisk.[14] However, he added that the District Attorney's office will continue to pursue every possible lead to uncover the truth, wherever they may find it. Soon after Ray Nadeem was found dead, the District Attorney's office received Nadeem's dying declaration in which he openly condemned Fisk and confessed about his conspiracy, which allowed Tower and the NYPD to take Fisk and all FBI agents on his payroll under custody.
With Fisk back in prison, Tammy Hattley corroborated Nadeem's confession, which allowed Tower's office to bring down Fisk's criminal network, including the Red Lion National Bank, which ensured the safety of Foggy Nelson's family. Tower gave an interview to the press, stating that with all the intel in their hands, he will personally ensure that Fisk will not be able to manipulate the system again. He was then approached by Nelson who officially announced that he is dropping out of the election race, and openly endorsed Tower as the District Attorney. As Nelson stated that Tower's integrity in the fight against Fisk was inspirational, he promised to vote for Tower, so they shook hands in front of the press, ending their rivalry.[15]
Personality[]
- "Blake Tower is a good man doing nothing."
- ―Foggy Nelson[src]
To be added
| This section requires expansion |
Abilities[]
- "As District Attorney, you can't just pander to a crowd. You have to prove your case."
- ―Blake Tower[src]
- Master Lawyer: Tower was a skilled lawyer, and respected enough to become the district attorney. He was a prosecutor for thirteen years, and learned to prove his case in an effective capacity. He assisted Samantha Reyes in the trial against Frank Castle, and represented the state in its case against Mariah Dillard.
Facilities[]
- New York State Supreme Court Building: Tower attended Wilson Fisk's trial in the Supreme Court building, and gave a press conference outside the building, announcing that the jury did not indict Fisk.
- Hell's Kitchen Club: Tower gave a speech at the Hell's Kitchen Club when campaigning to be district attorney and debated Foggy Nelson at the club.
Relationships[]
Allies[] |
Enemies[] |
Appearances[]
Trivia[]
- In the comics, Blake Tower succeeded Foggy Nelson as a District Attorney, and ended up hiring Jennifer Walters as a lawyer in his office. As a District Attorney, Tower was involved in trials of the Punisher, Peter Parker, Karen Page, and Winter Soldier.
Behind the Scenes[]
- Steven Cachie Brown was a stunt double for Stephen Rider in the role of Blake Tower.
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Daredevil: 2.03: New York's Finest
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Daredevil: 2.10: The Man in the Box
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Daredevil: 2.02: Dogs to a Gunfight
- ↑ Daredevil: 2.05: Kinbaku
- ↑ Daredevil: 2.06: Regrets Only
- ↑ Daredevil: 2.07: Semper Fidelis
- ↑ Daredevil: 2.08: Guilty as Sin
- ↑ Daredevil: 2.11: .380
- ↑ Luke Cage: 1.11: Now You're Mine
- ↑ Luke Cage: 2.13: They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)
- ↑ Daredevil: 3.02: Please
- ↑ Daredevil: 3.03: No Good Deed
- ↑ Daredevil: 3.08: Upstairs/Downstairs
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 Daredevil: 3.12: One Last Shot
- ↑ Daredevil: 3.13: A New Napkin
