Thanks to earning praise for his performance as Frank Castle/The Punisher in Daredevil’s second season, Jon Bernthal signed on to play the character in a solo TV series. Set after Daredevil’s second season finale, Frank comes out of retirement when he discovers his former military group including his close friend, Billy Russo tied to a conspiracy. Frank becomes allies with a computer hacker named, Micro. Together, they work on exposing the unit’s dirty secrets.
The Punisher’s first season officially streamed in 2017 on Netflix. It received praise from critics, fans and streamers alike. The series ended with a second season. Mr. Bernthal confirmed he’ll reprise his role in a Disney Plus special and “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.” By the way, he and Tom Holland will also co-star in Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey.”
Today’s review contains no SPOILERS.
Innocent & Guilty Aspects
Innocent: Jon Bernthal reprises his role as the titular character. He did an excellent job for his performance. Mr. Bernthal based his performance on Thomas Jane’s iteration of The Punisher.
Other Cast Members such as Ebon Moss-Bacharach & Ben Barnes both did a decent job for their respective performances.
Deborah Ann Woll reprises her role as Matt Murdock’s secretary, Karen Page.
Fun Fact: Jon & Ebon also collaborated in “The Bear.” The latter went on to play The Thing/Ben Grimm in “The Fantastic Four: The First Steps.”
Steve Lightfoot did a good job mapping out all thirteen episodes.
Action Sequences never shy away on fatalities.
Tyler Bates (Dawn of the Dead, Pearl, John Wick series) orchestrated the soundtrack.
Cinematography didn’t succumb to technical problems.
Frank’s chemistry with Micro serves as the main highlight.
Callbacks to Daredevil & The Defenders.
Twist and turns will make you gasp.
Guilty: Supporting Characters are forgettable including Micro’s family and the support group.
Pacing can be a drab.
Episode 1 – 3 AM
After taking down a target, Frank quits his vigilante career and works as a bearded construction worker. He befriends a colleague, Donny Chavez.
Frank visits an old ally from the Navy.
A funny moment in a bathroom stall.
One characters says, “Welcome Back, Frank.” A reference to a Punisher storyline.
Episode 2 – Two Dead Men
A man named, Micro spies on Frank using drones and cameras across NYC.
A video of Frank in the military plays a key part.
Frank reunites with Karen Page. He seeks help over his situation.
Frank confronts Wolf.
Episode 3 – Kandahar
We learn about Micro’s backstory.
A flashback shows Frank & & Billy serving their country as soldiers during the War in Afghanistan.
It’s revealed Frank’s a fan of a singer from the ‘80s.
Episode 4 – Resupply
Frank must replenish his ammo. He seeks to obtain a shipment. Cue, Neo or John Wick’s line. “Guns, lots of guns.”
Billy delivers a speech.
A car chase ensues.
Episode 5 – Gunner
Frank & Micro trace the former’s old comrade for answers.
A legit battle in the woods full of stealth tactics and booby traps.
Madani talks with Karen about her relationship with her former client. Madani tries to obtain evidence on Frank.
Episode 6 – The Judas Goat
Frank yells, “NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO!” “WAIT, WAIT, WAIT!” “HEY!” “WAIT, WAIT, WAIT, WAIT!” Thus, a meme was born. He sounds like Patrick Star yelling.
Frank recovers from a battle since the last episode.
Frank & Micro talk about their lives.
Madani & Stein examine the aftermath of the battle in the woods.
Episode 7 – Crosshairs
Frank & Mirco attempt to search another lead.
An intense moment with Frank and a young soldier.
A funny moment when Frank barges in seeing an “interesting sight.”
Episode 8 – Cold Steel
Frank & Micro have a conversation about their wives.
Russo goes on a covert operation.
Somebody meets his end.
Episode 9 – Front Toward Enemy
Frank has an intense phone call.
Karen appears on a talk show.
A chase scene reminds me of “Assassin’s Creed.”
Curtis gets caught in a predicament.
Episode 10 – Virtue of the Vicious
This episode pays homage to Akira Kurosawa’s “Rashomon,” but set in a hotel. Flashbacks of a character talking about Frank’s actions. Other TV shows also featured a Rashomon inspired episode.
- The Simpsons – Bart Got Hit by a Car
- Rugrats – The Trial
- The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air – Will Goes a-Courtin
- The Powerpuff Girls – The Bare Facts
- Johnny Bravo – Rashomoron
- Lizzie McGuire – She Said, He Said, She Said
- Ed, Edd n’ Eddy – Once Upon an Ed (my personal favorite)
- Avatar: The Last Airbender – The Great Divide
- My Name Is Earl – Buried Treasure
Frank must stop a mad bomber from blowing up the hotel.
It’s worth a rewatch if you missed out on certain parts.
Somebody meets his end.
Episode 11 – Danger Close
As things get tough, Frank gears up for a point of no return. After ten episodes in, you’re get a kick outta it.
Micro compares Frank to “The Wild Bunch.” A classic Sam Peckinpah western which inspired Dutch’s gang from “Red Dead Redemption 2.”
Frank goes Agent 47 (from the Hitman games) on some foes. I’m giving Punisher Bonus Points for racking up a whole lotta tallymarks.
Episode 12 – Home
Frank has a serious confrontation.
Russo seeks revenge for something personal.
Body Count racks up more tallymarks.
Frank performs a fatality.
Episode 13 – Memento Mori
Frank comes face to face with Russo. A final boss fight.
A Plot Twist reveals a familiar enemy from the comics. If you know, you know.
Somebody offers Frank an opportunity.
Season 1 ties loose ends. Until Season 2.
The Final Verdict: B, FOR BULLETS AWAY!
The Punisher’s first season is a great start for a solo TV series. Despite my two grips on some of the supporting cast and pacing, I really enjoyed it. If you’re gearing up for Spider-Man: Brand New Day or The Odyssey, stream The Punisher on Disney Plus.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 