Marvel’s The Punisher TV Series Review

I had issues with Daredevil Season Two, but the brilliant addition of Frank Castle in his skull outfit was a highlight for me with his violent nature coming across fresh in the Cinematic Universe. I grew up with the 90's Marvel comic prints, with both Venom and Punisher bringing together darker places in the universe. The Rambo styled anti-hero was the right addition to a child-friendly comic book publisher; Marvel struck gold with a PSD shrunken more solid home for revenge.

But after failed attempts at bringing to the big screen, can the anti-hero get a break on the small screen? Or does it fail in celebrating a rich history? All eyes are on Marvel's the Punisher to bring a darker character to the frontline in a feature-length TV Series.

Marvel's The Punisher (2017) TV Series Review

Credit: Marvel

This dark action film, based on the comic book series, follows FBI agent Frank Castle (Thomas Jane) as he transforms into the vengeful Punisher after criminals murder his family, including his wife and son. Castle is gravely injured in the attack and believed to be dead by Howard Saint (John Travolta), the crime lord who ordered the hit. Following his recovery, Castle becomes a heavily armed vigilante who will stop at nothing to exact revenge on Saint and dismantle his underworld empire.

I was quite afraid of the premise of a Punisher spin-off in the Netflix portion of Marvel Cinematic Universe, due to the terrible attempts in the past. Could the favorite fan character in Daredevil work in this series? Are they going to withhold the violence?

I am happy to confirm Marvel’s The Punisher (2017) is the most violent Netflix original series yet, as blood covers hallways and dozens of people are killed throughout 13 episodes but does not take away from a great revenge story. Frank Castle (Jon Bernthal) dark backstory is explained throughout 13 chapters, giving the audience a more significant connection for his revenge ridden journey and inner demons faced with new twists.

After I stopped watching all the episodes, the dark and mysterious character's backstory got into my head with his narrative pulling strings. Unlike most cookie cutter Netflix programs, something about the Punisher goes to new levels with serious emphasis on loss and rage. Filling out the character with needed dread to understand his viewpoint on criminals and their powers.

Credit: Marvel

The Punisher (2017) is not all about crazy violence, instead revolves around grief and guilt. Powering through demons, Frank Castle is a lost soul who needs to find peace in revenge: as his unpleasant memories haunt the man each day. His attack is developed with flashbacks to his happy family memories, giving him a human value that expands upon his quest in getting answers.

Punisher is not outstanding, due to an overreliance on Frank Castle’s (Jon Bernthal) more solid buddies struggles throughout the 13-episode run. Throwing away the focus of Frank’s journey for generic moments, perhaps a more streamlined episode count would have allowed air to breathe into his character needed arc. Jon Bethnal (Baby Driver) is excellent in the role, delivering on already stellar Daredevil Season Two introduction with his brutal and rugged performance working in favor of a very 2D character. I enjoyed a return to grounded characters after the cosmic movies, with Jon Bethnal (Baby Driver) giving me a decent mouthful of grit with his superpowerless anti-hero.

New characters are decent with their introductions working in the context of the show and fleshes out another superhero in the MCU. David is a hacker who lives underground and serves as the second lead in the show as his family brings more twists to the table - I loved his connection with Frank that flesh out bonds.

I also enjoyed Dinah (Amber Rose Revah), the FBI agent after Frank and his activities, delivers a knock out performance and deserves to be reused again in future seasons. They might not rival daredevils supporting cast; I left wanting more from the characters. Karen Page (Deborah Ann Woll) makes a brief appearance and provides some high points on the show with a significant interaction.

Credit: Marvel

The Punisher is not the best Netflix show but leaps above the competition, with a grand revenge story which might not set the world on fire but delivers solid performances. The 13-episodes range from outstanding to a bit overwhelming with various sub-plots adding nothing to Frank Castle's story. Marvel put effort into making the story flow while giving the character needed development: something is necessary to flesh out a classic anti-hero.

Jon Bernthal (The Walking Dead) is a brilliant leader, defining character elements of the controversial anti-hero. His support cast members all come together in a John Wick inspired TV programme with heart despite grim subject matter. Despite the controversial launch, and links to unrelenting gun violence The Punisher (2017) is a great show! Deserving of the Marvel universe