As a huge fan of Marvel I'm a little biased because I pretty much like everything they put out. My bias aside, The Punisher is terrific! It's actually my favorite Marvel show (along with Daredevil). If you don't believe me just read through the reviews here and look at the ratings. Even the critics loved this. Jon Bernthal was born to play The Punisher. He's easily the best part of the show. He's one of the most underrated actors working today. Everything he's in is great! This is a show that you'll want to binge as quickly as you can, it's that good. It's too bad that Netflix couldn't renew their contracts with Marvel and they had to stop making the Netflix Marvel shows because every single one of them was great! Now that they're on Disney they can bring these wonderful characters back. They already started to with Daredevil and Kingpin and just renewed Daredevil for another season. Now they have to do the same for The Punisher, Luke Cage and Jessica Jones. At least bring them back into the MCU somehow. If you're a Marvel fan then this is a must watch!
717 Reviews
Jon Bernthal is perfect as the Punisher!
Supermanfan-1316 June 2021
If there's one word to describe The Punisher it would have to be...awesome! It's one of the most gritty, violent thrillers I've ever seen! There have been a bunch of different versions of The Punisher over the years but Jon Bernthal is absolutely, without a doubt, the best ever and it's not close! He's such an underrated actor who's great in just about everything he's done. Hopefully, they'll bring him back to reprise the role in the future because no one will be able to top what he did with the role! I really can not recommend this show enough, so just go watch it!
Such a great show
aastikhimta30 August 2021
Season 1- The storyline of this show was great . The main character and story was dark . I really liked how they build up the whole story for The punisher. There were some good action scenes. But Jon really nailed his role. This guy really made this show more fun while being The punisher. Ending was great too. 9/10.
Season 2 - This season came with some new surprises and some interesting twists. There were some good action scenes and then there was a great ending. But it feels so bad that a show like this got cancelled. It deserves a chance to get renewed . Jon really need to get back as Punisher coz this is absolutely fire. 9/10.
Season 2 - This season came with some new surprises and some interesting twists. There were some good action scenes and then there was a great ending. But it feels so bad that a show like this got cancelled. It deserves a chance to get renewed . Jon really need to get back as Punisher coz this is absolutely fire. 9/10.
Too much death too much blood!
ahmetkozan24 January 2019
After the first season, with the release of the second season, I finished the series in a breath. I think this is the best project of the Marvel-Netflix partnership. It is a solid series that has been achieved after the cancellation of many Marvel-Netflix joint projects.
Action and blood enthusiasts will love this series. There's a lot more blood, death and action than the first season. In the second season has as much violence, blood, action and cruelty as you don't want. At this point, one of the other thanks must go to the kerography team. As you will certainly notice, we are watching episodes filled with fight and conflict scenes. The tempo is not interrupted for a moment, and each episode tries to place at least one action sequence. The Punisher's 2nd season just put Frank Castle in the chaos he deserves, and he succeeded in bringing all the minuses into a negligible situation.
The season has two main villains and both are as wild as the Punisher. The fiction is also established accordingly, and our two main villains are advancing in parallel. Curtis is one of the good characters of the season. He represented the conscience side of the series very firmly. Amy is another prominent character of the season. She's under Frank's protection because she's close age to Frank's dead daughter. It's fun to see Amy with Frank. Amy is a well-designed character. Her adolescent behavior, her indiscretion, and Frank's reaction to all these things are very natural. With Jon Bernthal's great acting, we have access to the emotions of a father hidden behind a bloody face.
The music uses were probably the best among the Marvel-Netflix co-productions. Too much music has been used and each one is very successful in passing the emotions of the scenario. Like Daredevil's corridor scenes, it's like we're going to look again at the Punisher's list of songs. And of course it is necessary to mention the last episode. It was one of the finest series finals for me. After many striking and emotional moments, it is impossible not to experience emotional explosion with the last scene. The Punisher role is seated on Jon Bernthal like a shirt.
We have watched an immaculate season with strong scenes of conflict, good acting, immersive fiction and fluent scenario that never falls behind its first season and even better for some of us than the first season. I hope it will be a long-term series and we will continue to watch Frank Castle. 10/10
Action and blood enthusiasts will love this series. There's a lot more blood, death and action than the first season. In the second season has as much violence, blood, action and cruelty as you don't want. At this point, one of the other thanks must go to the kerography team. As you will certainly notice, we are watching episodes filled with fight and conflict scenes. The tempo is not interrupted for a moment, and each episode tries to place at least one action sequence. The Punisher's 2nd season just put Frank Castle in the chaos he deserves, and he succeeded in bringing all the minuses into a negligible situation.
The season has two main villains and both are as wild as the Punisher. The fiction is also established accordingly, and our two main villains are advancing in parallel. Curtis is one of the good characters of the season. He represented the conscience side of the series very firmly. Amy is another prominent character of the season. She's under Frank's protection because she's close age to Frank's dead daughter. It's fun to see Amy with Frank. Amy is a well-designed character. Her adolescent behavior, her indiscretion, and Frank's reaction to all these things are very natural. With Jon Bernthal's great acting, we have access to the emotions of a father hidden behind a bloody face.
The music uses were probably the best among the Marvel-Netflix co-productions. Too much music has been used and each one is very successful in passing the emotions of the scenario. Like Daredevil's corridor scenes, it's like we're going to look again at the Punisher's list of songs. And of course it is necessary to mention the last episode. It was one of the finest series finals for me. After many striking and emotional moments, it is impossible not to experience emotional explosion with the last scene. The Punisher role is seated on Jon Bernthal like a shirt.
We have watched an immaculate season with strong scenes of conflict, good acting, immersive fiction and fluent scenario that never falls behind its first season and even better for some of us than the first season. I hope it will be a long-term series and we will continue to watch Frank Castle. 10/10
So much better than I expected
belleverite3362614 June 2019
I really liked this show. I am not a comic book fan, but somehow found myself sucked in to Daredevil. It sux hard that Netflix cancelled all their Marvil shows.
Anyway, the Punisher was a great character on Daredevil, and despite some bad reviews, we gave the show a chance. We were really surprised how much we liked it. My husband likes it much more than Daredevil. It isn't as much of a comic book show as the other.
Despite lower reviews for season 2, I really liked both seasons. With so much crap on Netflix these days, it's hard for me to understand why they didn't fight harder to keep their Marvel Shows. I've heard Disney will reboot Daredevil for their streaming channel or for Hulu. But what's the point of remaking it with new actors when we love the show already? I doubt Punisher will have any chance for reboot or continuation. Very disappointing!
Anyway, the Punisher was a great character on Daredevil, and despite some bad reviews, we gave the show a chance. We were really surprised how much we liked it. My husband likes it much more than Daredevil. It isn't as much of a comic book show as the other.
Despite lower reviews for season 2, I really liked both seasons. With so much crap on Netflix these days, it's hard for me to understand why they didn't fight harder to keep their Marvel Shows. I've heard Disney will reboot Daredevil for their streaming channel or for Hulu. But what's the point of remaking it with new actors when we love the show already? I doubt Punisher will have any chance for reboot or continuation. Very disappointing!
The best of Marvel TV
Leofwine_draca28 February 2022
THE PUNISHER is the best of the Marvel/Netflix TV shows alongside DAREDEVIL. In fact I think it has a slight edge over the latter; the characters feel more human and the action has that extra touch of intensity about it. The first season has a strong first episode but then becomes a slow burner until the second half, while the second kicks off with a bang and manages to carry on the momentum throughout. Great, violent action bolstered by solid plotting and an excellent turn from Bernthal.
I can now understand why everyone wants a third season...
Achyut_Prashast_Singh23 July 2020
Netflix just never stops surprising me. The Punisher is an outstanding action series that only gets better with every episode. Having read no comics but seen only the Thomas Jane version movies (The Punisher, 2004 and Punisher: Dirty Laundry, 2012), I was already a fan of the character before starting this series recently. Having finished it last night, I can assure you I'm a bigger Punisher fan now and I can truly understand why fans still want a third season.
Season 1 is gritty, action-packed and dramatic with a lot of memorable characters. The best thing about this show is how it also adds the character drama without sacrificing a bit of the action we expect from anything that features The Punisher. However, while every episode delivered at least one memorable action sequence, it can't be denied that this season was at times pretty slow. It somehow didn't really have that sense of urgency to move on to the next episode very quickly, but this improved with the latter episodes.
Season 2 is where The Punisher triumphed in my opinion. While Season 1 was more about Frank Castle fighting bad guys, this season is more about him as The Punisher taking on bad guys. The slow pacing issue is fixed here, the action is more intense and there's a sense of urgency to move on to the next episode. I was planning to complete this season by today, but I found myself so gripped that I finished it yesterday itself. And that ending... Whoa!
Jon Bernthal truly gives in his best as The Punisher. Whether he's fighting, crying, smiling or simply grunting: I could feel all of that. I was similarly impressed with Amber Rose Revah, Ben Barnes, Jason R. Moore who played their parts with sincerity. Same for the rest of the cast. Josh Stewart came across as menacing and at the same time, a character you could feel for.
The action sequences are truly pure gold, done in a movie-style without an excessive shakycam effect, making it easier to watch and enjoy the action. There are some really gorgeous visuals too, and at times, the show feels like the live version of a comic book. The dark tone is just another plus point. If you ask me, I'd personally prefer season 2 over the first, because while I loved both of them, the second one was just so racy that I didn't have to think about anything else. I wish this was also available on DVD/Blu-ray as the quality is really something to remember and the action sequences, worth watching again.
Season 1 is gritty, action-packed and dramatic with a lot of memorable characters. The best thing about this show is how it also adds the character drama without sacrificing a bit of the action we expect from anything that features The Punisher. However, while every episode delivered at least one memorable action sequence, it can't be denied that this season was at times pretty slow. It somehow didn't really have that sense of urgency to move on to the next episode very quickly, but this improved with the latter episodes.
Season 2 is where The Punisher triumphed in my opinion. While Season 1 was more about Frank Castle fighting bad guys, this season is more about him as The Punisher taking on bad guys. The slow pacing issue is fixed here, the action is more intense and there's a sense of urgency to move on to the next episode. I was planning to complete this season by today, but I found myself so gripped that I finished it yesterday itself. And that ending... Whoa!
Jon Bernthal truly gives in his best as The Punisher. Whether he's fighting, crying, smiling or simply grunting: I could feel all of that. I was similarly impressed with Amber Rose Revah, Ben Barnes, Jason R. Moore who played their parts with sincerity. Same for the rest of the cast. Josh Stewart came across as menacing and at the same time, a character you could feel for.
The action sequences are truly pure gold, done in a movie-style without an excessive shakycam effect, making it easier to watch and enjoy the action. There are some really gorgeous visuals too, and at times, the show feels like the live version of a comic book. The dark tone is just another plus point. If you ask me, I'd personally prefer season 2 over the first, because while I loved both of them, the second one was just so racy that I didn't have to think about anything else. I wish this was also available on DVD/Blu-ray as the quality is really something to remember and the action sequences, worth watching again.
Bernthal is the punisher
Calicodreamin27 March 2021
Casting is off the charts in this series, Jon Bernthal carries this show, bullet wounds and all. The first season was amazing, the second lacked the storyline development and fell a bit flat. It's hard to care though when the action is so amped.
Best Netflix series
ben210410 October 2018
Whilst I really loved the new Netflix series MANIAC
the punnisher starts off slow Then builds to become a powerhouse of glorious revenge The acting is superb Gore is great. Better than both movies that were released previously
Waiting for HELLBOY series if it ever arrives
the punnisher starts off slow Then builds to become a powerhouse of glorious revenge The acting is superb Gore is great. Better than both movies that were released previously
Waiting for HELLBOY series if it ever arrives
brutal Marflix
SnoopyStyle21 April 2019
Former Marine Frank Castle (Jon Bernthal) is haunted by the murder of his family and his work for a secret off-the-books CIA operation in Afghanistan. He is assumed dead by everyone. He works at a construction site but even there, he cannot retire from his Punisher duties. He is found by tech-savvy David Lieberman, another member of the secret CIA operation, in hiding after a corrupt cop presumably killed him. Agent Dinah Madani from Homeland Security is tracking Frank Castle, not believing in his death. Frank insinuates himself into Lieberman's family. The two 'dead' men join forces to take down the corrupt CIA apparatus. In season 2, he is roaming America with a new identity from the CIA. He rescues a girl from a team of military mercenaries. She turns out to be a grifter with many aliases and being hunted by a powerful political family. Meanwhile, Billy Russo has escaped with the help of his therapist and Madani asks for Castle's help.
The first season is a dark, brutal story of PTSD and violence. Jon Bernthal is perfect. It is the darkest of the Marvel Netflix universe that rival Jessica Jones' issues. I really appreciate something more than comic book action. The second season has a few problematic issues. I don't the portrayal of the side character Brett Mahoney. He is supposed to be a dedicated good NYPD cop but the story simply stacks up his incompetence as his dedication becomes nothing more than arrogance. If the audience is to have any sympathy for Mahoney, he needs more in-depth reasoning and understanding. There is also no reason why Castle wouldn't simply explain some of the Schultz case to Mahoney or quite frankly Madani. Sure, he's a man of action but a few words would help here or there. There is room for improvement in the writing. Otherwise, I love the Schultz case, the Ghost, and the Girl. At first, I was concerned about Krista Dumont from the Billy Russo side of the season but her twisted nature is a nice highlight. The only problem with that half of the story is again Mahoney who seems utterly uninterested in recapturing a rampaging killer. The audience should see him as a reasonable man in an insane world. Instead, he's abandoning fellow cops during a shootout to chase after a ghost. He is self-righteous when he is the character with the least information and that always makes him look stupid and arrogant. I don't think he's supposed to be stupid and arrogant. It's a problem in the writing in an otherwise compelling season. Of the Marvel Netflix shows, this is one of the better ones.
The first season is a dark, brutal story of PTSD and violence. Jon Bernthal is perfect. It is the darkest of the Marvel Netflix universe that rival Jessica Jones' issues. I really appreciate something more than comic book action. The second season has a few problematic issues. I don't the portrayal of the side character Brett Mahoney. He is supposed to be a dedicated good NYPD cop but the story simply stacks up his incompetence as his dedication becomes nothing more than arrogance. If the audience is to have any sympathy for Mahoney, he needs more in-depth reasoning and understanding. There is also no reason why Castle wouldn't simply explain some of the Schultz case to Mahoney or quite frankly Madani. Sure, he's a man of action but a few words would help here or there. There is room for improvement in the writing. Otherwise, I love the Schultz case, the Ghost, and the Girl. At first, I was concerned about Krista Dumont from the Billy Russo side of the season but her twisted nature is a nice highlight. The only problem with that half of the story is again Mahoney who seems utterly uninterested in recapturing a rampaging killer. The audience should see him as a reasonable man in an insane world. Instead, he's abandoning fellow cops during a shootout to chase after a ghost. He is self-righteous when he is the character with the least information and that always makes him look stupid and arrogant. I don't think he's supposed to be stupid and arrogant. It's a problem in the writing in an otherwise compelling season. Of the Marvel Netflix shows, this is one of the better ones.
One Batch, Two Batch, Penny and Dime.
reddiemurf814 November 2022
(If you haven't seen the DareDevil series,, go watch it first before you watch The Punisher.
Trust me,, it's incredible)
Frank Castle is a marine. He is the toughest son of a buck that any fellow marine ever fought with. He is an expert sharpshooter, at hand to hand, and most other forms of combat. Frank Castle, will just not die.
Frank had a wife, a daughter, and a son. They were murdered right in front of him by evil people who wanted to silence Frank for good.
Frank sets out to only punish those who took everything from him. Eventually, he sets out to punish evil everywhere he can find it.
Along the way Frank makes new friends,, and new enemies.
WoW!! Just,, WoW!!! Netflix hit the ball out of the park with this one (Imo,, this one is even better then DD,, and that's saying A LOT!). I never cease to be impressed with just how good of an actor Jon Bernthal is. He brought so much to this character (first in DD, then here). Other actors have done well as Frank Castle,, but Bernthal epitomized what the character should've been on screen! Such raw emotion and expression! I swear he reminds me of Robert DeNiro (and no, not just bc he played his son in a movie. I thought this before that role). A smaller guy. Not overly threatening or anything,, but the last guy you'd want to mess with. Completely ruthless when they want to be. Such good actors, both of them.
The supporting cast was excellent as well. We even get some of the Daredevil cast joining in this show!!
Overall, I'd give this show an 8.5 rating (at least the 1st season. Although the 2nd season is still REALLY good).
If you've already seen the Daredevil series, you have to see this one too!
(Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron fist?!? Don't bother with those)
Trust me,, it's incredible)
Frank Castle is a marine. He is the toughest son of a buck that any fellow marine ever fought with. He is an expert sharpshooter, at hand to hand, and most other forms of combat. Frank Castle, will just not die.
Frank had a wife, a daughter, and a son. They were murdered right in front of him by evil people who wanted to silence Frank for good.
Frank sets out to only punish those who took everything from him. Eventually, he sets out to punish evil everywhere he can find it.
Along the way Frank makes new friends,, and new enemies.
WoW!! Just,, WoW!!! Netflix hit the ball out of the park with this one (Imo,, this one is even better then DD,, and that's saying A LOT!). I never cease to be impressed with just how good of an actor Jon Bernthal is. He brought so much to this character (first in DD, then here). Other actors have done well as Frank Castle,, but Bernthal epitomized what the character should've been on screen! Such raw emotion and expression! I swear he reminds me of Robert DeNiro (and no, not just bc he played his son in a movie. I thought this before that role). A smaller guy. Not overly threatening or anything,, but the last guy you'd want to mess with. Completely ruthless when they want to be. Such good actors, both of them.
The supporting cast was excellent as well. We even get some of the Daredevil cast joining in this show!!
Overall, I'd give this show an 8.5 rating (at least the 1st season. Although the 2nd season is still REALLY good).
If you've already seen the Daredevil series, you have to see this one too!
(Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron fist?!? Don't bother with those)
Everyday Joe Delivering Deserved Punishment
PCT197014 May 2019
I'm not a Marvel or DC universe expert but I have watched many series and films, which I've enjoyed, so I do have something to compare this series to. This series is one of the more inventive and ingenious in it's genre. I think it has to do with the main character being a real person with no super powers relying on his past military expertise to conduct business. The series has exceptional directing, writing, cinematography, soundtrack and acting. Bernthal is commanding portraying a vengeful husband seeking justice for the murder of his family who has now become a vigilante for justice. The plot is clever, witty, action packed, duplicitous and cathartic. The supporting cast does a fine job as well. The second season lived up to the first and is as good if not better. The series and main character should strike a chord for the every day person who believes that sometimes justice needs to be and is better served by one's self.
Jon Bernthal is incredible
natekahle29 January 2019
Honestly, this show is pretty much perfect to me. My favorite marvel character executed surprisingly well by Jon Bernthal. I can't think of anyone else that would be better. Josh Stewart was also incredible; such an underrated actor and wonderful to see him in this. Please give us season 3, Netflix!
It lost its way and got a little boring...
fallyhag31 January 2019
I started watching this and liked the way it got straight to it. A little mystery around who the characters were. All the actors were good. I like the lead actor. But as it went on you could feel the story stretching. It started to slow down. Then all the cliche story plots started to come to the surface. The double crosses. The surprises. All highly predictable. But then the cardinal sin. The lead actor went from stealth warrior to serious sidekick. Then the action turned from Ninja attacks to sitting around, talking, a lot. Then as it gets near the end everyone gets stupid and logic is replaced with a lot of luck and coincidence.
This started well but then drags on with a flakey storyline. I didn't hate it but I did feel a little let down. Less episodes for more quality.
I do recommend it but disconnect from reality as it goes along...
This started well but then drags on with a flakey storyline. I didn't hate it but I did feel a little let down. Less episodes for more quality.
I do recommend it but disconnect from reality as it goes along...
Best show I've watched in a while.
rossjackson21 July 2022
The Punisher has been on my list to watch for a while and finally got round to it. And what a show it is. It starts off a little slow in season 1 but when it gets into its stride it certainly gets into its stride. Jon Bernthal is truly amazing as the Punisher - such a great actor I think. There's also a great supporting cast. It's very violent in places but I don't mind that and the action scenes are great. But it's not all action as there's a good storyline for both seasons and good character development. Let's just hope they make a third season now it's on Disney+
Frank(ly)
kosmasp15 September 2020
Jon Bernthal is the Punisher! He is Frank Castle, he is or rather was the best one for the "job". Now you may disagree of course and that is all fair. I for one can tell you that he really has the presence, has the physique but also it feels like every fiber of his body is into this. And while I don't want to idolize him too much (as he acknowledges himself or rather his character does, he is broken, he is beyond saving - he is what he is as others state also), there is an attraction to a character that has moral values and fights for against the big evil and helps the weak.
His moral compass may come in question (even by himself) and killing is bad. How much should we care about this? How much do we blame him? Can he be saved? Will it happen during the course of the just 2 seasons Netflix produced? You have to watch to find out. You can't be squeamish though, if I haven't made that clear yet. Daredevil and Punisher were the only shows that got an 18 rating in Germany (not Luke Cage, nor Iron Fist, nor Jessica Jones or Defenders). And it also sort of works as standalone. Though you do have characters that cross the line and at least appear in this too (be it small time criminals, police or a certain lady).
So while there is a sort of timeline to watch the Netflix Marvel shows, Punisher seems to be doing his own thing. Very fitting I'd say ... and very well done too! No nonsense, hardcore and taking no prisoners ... can you deal with that? Can the MCU deal with it? It's no secret Bernthal and Holland (Spiderman) like each other - now wouldn't that be a great team up?! That's rhetorical obviously ;o)
His moral compass may come in question (even by himself) and killing is bad. How much should we care about this? How much do we blame him? Can he be saved? Will it happen during the course of the just 2 seasons Netflix produced? You have to watch to find out. You can't be squeamish though, if I haven't made that clear yet. Daredevil and Punisher were the only shows that got an 18 rating in Germany (not Luke Cage, nor Iron Fist, nor Jessica Jones or Defenders). And it also sort of works as standalone. Though you do have characters that cross the line and at least appear in this too (be it small time criminals, police or a certain lady).
So while there is a sort of timeline to watch the Netflix Marvel shows, Punisher seems to be doing his own thing. Very fitting I'd say ... and very well done too! No nonsense, hardcore and taking no prisoners ... can you deal with that? Can the MCU deal with it? It's no secret Bernthal and Holland (Spiderman) like each other - now wouldn't that be a great team up?! That's rhetorical obviously ;o)
The best!!!
andrevalenca7 January 2021
One of the best shows of its' genre
vargassylvia-8530229 March 2020
This show was unjustly cancelled due to drama with Netflix and Disney+. You should watch Daredevil first because The Punisher TV series was a spin-off from Season 2 of Daredevil, Frank Castle stole the show. It's still worth watching.
SEASON 1 REVIEW: One of the most impressively thought-provoking and bad*** superhero projects ever!
frankiesilver-9183619 July 2022
So going into this show as a spin-off of Daredevil, it has some impossible shoes to fill, but when looking at it on its own it's really great. This is the most gruesome character MCU has done a project for and seeing more of the Punisher (and Karen Page) is fantastic.
The season goes deep into the backstory behind Punisher before Daredevil Season 2 while also exploring how he can move forward.
Focusing on an anti-hero, we get villains who at face value can be comparable to Frank, but are shown why at the end of the day he's still the good guy of this story.
We get plenty of great military-style fight scenes while exploring the darkness within the U. S. government. Personal highlights when it comes to new characters were Micro and Billy. Madani was a bit annoying, but I warmed up to her eventually.
Along with all these amazing fight scenes and interesting and unique characters (accompanied by a great soundtrack) we get just about every plot thread you'd expect in a show about an ex-military vigilante in a superhero world: Government corruption, gun-control debates, war crimes, veteran issues, terrorist attacks, police vs superheroes, fake identities, etc. The show manages to cover all of this while keeping it from feeling forced to any side politically and keeping constant action.
Overall, it may not be Daredevil, but it's still one of the best Marvel outings ever! (just skip over some of the unnecessary long sex scenes..)
The season goes deep into the backstory behind Punisher before Daredevil Season 2 while also exploring how he can move forward.
Focusing on an anti-hero, we get villains who at face value can be comparable to Frank, but are shown why at the end of the day he's still the good guy of this story.
We get plenty of great military-style fight scenes while exploring the darkness within the U. S. government. Personal highlights when it comes to new characters were Micro and Billy. Madani was a bit annoying, but I warmed up to her eventually.
Along with all these amazing fight scenes and interesting and unique characters (accompanied by a great soundtrack) we get just about every plot thread you'd expect in a show about an ex-military vigilante in a superhero world: Government corruption, gun-control debates, war crimes, veteran issues, terrorist attacks, police vs superheroes, fake identities, etc. The show manages to cover all of this while keeping it from feeling forced to any side politically and keeping constant action.
Overall, it may not be Daredevil, but it's still one of the best Marvel outings ever! (just skip over some of the unnecessary long sex scenes..)
An Excellent Cast and Brutal Action Help The Punisher Deliver Solid Entertainment
CANpatbuck36647 August 2022
Jon Bernthal's turn as Frank Castle on season 2 of Daredevil completely stole the show. His intensity and conviction as The Punisher blew everyone away and he deservedly got his own series. His brilliant performance carries over into The Punisher series, he's not as emotionally vulnerable but the man knows how to grunt, scream and act like he's viciously "punishing" his enemies. He's a bull in a china shop, just like the character should be and he has great chemistry with all of his co-stars including Ben Barnes as his antagonist Billy Russo. Bernthal channels Castle's rage and pain into every interaction and he's great throughout. Ben Barnes has never really stood out in any performance I've seen (to this point) but I think he's just as good as Billy. They gave Russo a lot more dimension than I expected but Barnes is surprisingly adept at conveying his inner anguish and his struggle to accept the compromises he made for fortune and power. Because of Barnes' work, you want to trust Billy and you want to believe he can be redeemed. Amber Rose Revah also brings some humanity to Dinah Madani. Madani starts as the typical "tough and no nonsense type" but after she's manipulated by Russo, her layers are peeled back a little and her perspective shifts. Revah is adept at showing Madani at her strongest and at her weakest and she takes what could have been a stock police contact and makes it something more. Jason R. Moore and Ebon Moss-Bachrach are both really good as Curtis and David respectively. Jason especially helps humanize Frank and make Curtis a sympathetic ear to both friends and foes of Frank Castle. Deborah Ann Woll is a welcome return as Karen Page, her character's conflict and her compassion helps ground Frank and she still works well with Jon Bernthal.
Personal growth is an important part of any character piece but I don't think that's the primary focus of this show. Castle is a force of nature and a man willing to lay his life on the line to enforce his stance on the various problems afflicting him. But while I'll talk more about the pros and cons of his morality (or lack thereof), I was less interested in seeing him upgrade his moral compass. The other characters come around to his viewpoint, not the other way around and while that could be viewed a problematic, it wasn't a deal breaker for me. The show does have a few good messages about the treatment of vets with PTSD and how they don't get the resources or care they need when they return home from their fight which helps mitigate the more shades of grey moral of the story.
Frank Castle isn't known for his mercy or his even temperament and if there's another aspect of this show that shines, it's the bone-crunching action. The fight choreography is great and would leave me wincing or a little shocked. The gun play is also good and the action set pieces play an important part in the story overall. They underscore the gravity and depth of Frank's inner torment and how his commitment to his form of "justice" is unwavering. He believes wholeheartedly in his cause and he is the unstoppable force that armed with his purpose, he cannot and will not be contained.
The Punisher doesn't have many glaring weaknesses but I'm going to echo a lot of the user reviews here have said already. The 2nd season is fine but the 1st season is the stronger one. The villains they bring in just aren't as intimidating and Castle's journey in the initial offering is a lot more streamlined and the motivation is stronger. I wasn't as offended or angry as some of the other reviewers but it just doesn't live up to the bar the original season set. I also mentioned that Frank has his own special brand of justice he likes to dole out to the guilty. While the show does intermittently point out that Frank's ruthlessness isn't fair or without moral missteps, it kind of glosses over any unpleasant questions it raises. This is fine but I think Daredevil did a better job of showing the whole scope of Frank's actions and how the consequences to both the guilty and the righteous don't always allocate how they should.
The Punisher is an appropriately gritty and heavy handed show about one vigilante's search for justice and despite some well worn material and an only okay second season, it gets the job done. If you focus on the highlight performances and the blood-soaked fight scenes, the show carries the ball past the goal line. As long as you aren't squeamish (both for the gore and the style of justice Frank espouses), it's worth checking out. It's a shame that we may never see Jon Bernthal portray Frank again and he'll always be who I picture as this character.
Personal growth is an important part of any character piece but I don't think that's the primary focus of this show. Castle is a force of nature and a man willing to lay his life on the line to enforce his stance on the various problems afflicting him. But while I'll talk more about the pros and cons of his morality (or lack thereof), I was less interested in seeing him upgrade his moral compass. The other characters come around to his viewpoint, not the other way around and while that could be viewed a problematic, it wasn't a deal breaker for me. The show does have a few good messages about the treatment of vets with PTSD and how they don't get the resources or care they need when they return home from their fight which helps mitigate the more shades of grey moral of the story.
Frank Castle isn't known for his mercy or his even temperament and if there's another aspect of this show that shines, it's the bone-crunching action. The fight choreography is great and would leave me wincing or a little shocked. The gun play is also good and the action set pieces play an important part in the story overall. They underscore the gravity and depth of Frank's inner torment and how his commitment to his form of "justice" is unwavering. He believes wholeheartedly in his cause and he is the unstoppable force that armed with his purpose, he cannot and will not be contained.
The Punisher doesn't have many glaring weaknesses but I'm going to echo a lot of the user reviews here have said already. The 2nd season is fine but the 1st season is the stronger one. The villains they bring in just aren't as intimidating and Castle's journey in the initial offering is a lot more streamlined and the motivation is stronger. I wasn't as offended or angry as some of the other reviewers but it just doesn't live up to the bar the original season set. I also mentioned that Frank has his own special brand of justice he likes to dole out to the guilty. While the show does intermittently point out that Frank's ruthlessness isn't fair or without moral missteps, it kind of glosses over any unpleasant questions it raises. This is fine but I think Daredevil did a better job of showing the whole scope of Frank's actions and how the consequences to both the guilty and the righteous don't always allocate how they should.
The Punisher is an appropriately gritty and heavy handed show about one vigilante's search for justice and despite some well worn material and an only okay second season, it gets the job done. If you focus on the highlight performances and the blood-soaked fight scenes, the show carries the ball past the goal line. As long as you aren't squeamish (both for the gore and the style of justice Frank espouses), it's worth checking out. It's a shame that we may never see Jon Bernthal portray Frank again and he'll always be who I picture as this character.
BEASTLY
FeastMode18 August 2019
Season 1: 9 stars (3 viewings, 1/26/2022)
Wow. Beastly times infinity. Another great season in the Marvel Netflix series, once again filled with awesome characters that you love to follow. And another example of why certain superhero movies/shows need to be rated R. Some of the brutality in these scenes is incredible and fitting of the name.
Season 2: 8 stars (2 viewings, 3/22/2022)
Wow. Beastly times infinity part 2. More awesome punishing with beastly villains. Wow Jon Bernthal wow. Another great performance including a couple moments that brought me to tears. Same with the actor who plays Billy Russo. The acting in one of his scenes gave me goosebumps. Good character relationships. Another great season.
Wow. Beastly times infinity. Another great season in the Marvel Netflix series, once again filled with awesome characters that you love to follow. And another example of why certain superhero movies/shows need to be rated R. Some of the brutality in these scenes is incredible and fitting of the name.
Season 2: 8 stars (2 viewings, 3/22/2022)
Wow. Beastly times infinity part 2. More awesome punishing with beastly villains. Wow Jon Bernthal wow. Another great performance including a couple moments that brought me to tears. Same with the actor who plays Billy Russo. The acting in one of his scenes gave me goosebumps. Good character relationships. Another great season.
Netflix is stupid to cancel such a great show
diamoreiii23 September 2020
It took me a while to watch the second season but I though this show was just insanely good. The violence was perfect and the fight scenes were just awesome. Netflix has a lot of trash shows but this show was just brilliant. It had the perfect authenticity to what the Punisher is and it was told really well. Hell, I think this show is way better than Umbrella Academy, but that's just me. Sadly, you could tell it was going to end at season 2 just by seeing how Jigsaw was handled at the end...what a waste. It had so much more potential and only 2 seasons...stupid Netflix.
The actors in this show are all incredible and you fall in love with all the characters. You really get to know their personas and how each character has an influence on each other. The writers, actors and everyone involved in its creation made a show that I will always remember. Jon brought the Punisher to life and I don't think there will ever be a better Punisher than him, he really owned that character. To me, he's what Ryan is to Deadpool. If there ever is a Movie, Jon just has to be the Punisher or it won't be the Punisher.
The actors in this show are all incredible and you fall in love with all the characters. You really get to know their personas and how each character has an influence on each other. The writers, actors and everyone involved in its creation made a show that I will always remember. Jon brought the Punisher to life and I don't think there will ever be a better Punisher than him, he really owned that character. To me, he's what Ryan is to Deadpool. If there ever is a Movie, Jon just has to be the Punisher or it won't be the Punisher.
The real PUNISHER!!!
patrikjakopanec26 March 2020
Really good when it wants to be
roaches_974 November 2022
Season 1 - 8/10
Season 2 - 7/10
Punisher is solid. It's probably the second-best Netflix Marvel show behind Daredevil. The first half of season 1 is okay but it becomes really great in the last few episodes, and season 2 has the opposite problem, where the first half Is excellent but the second half drags, although the last few episodes get a bit better. Jon Bernthal is perfect as Frank Castle. In fact, this entire Marvel TV show universe has great casting across the board. The action is pretty bad at the beginning of season 1 but gets much better as the series continues. It never entirely becomes Daredevil levels of awesome, but it is really good in its own right. But I think the biggest thing holding this show back is the fact that the Punisher stuff in Daredevil season 2 really should have been its own series. Removing Punisher from Daredevil season 2 could have fixed a lot of the problems with it and made it a more focused story. There could have been one season of Punisher containing the stuff from Daredevil, including the trial, and then season 2 could have been Punisher properly avenging his family. This is probably the best adaptation of the Punisher so far, and I have no faith that Disney will do the character justice, so I'd say give this a watch if you're a fan of the comics. Watch it in between Daredevil seasons 2 and 3. Season 2 of Punisher technically takes place after season 3 of Daredevil, but neither show has any impact on the other, and Daredevil season 3 works as a really great finale for the Netflix Marvel shows.
Punisher is solid. It's probably the second-best Netflix Marvel show behind Daredevil. The first half of season 1 is okay but it becomes really great in the last few episodes, and season 2 has the opposite problem, where the first half Is excellent but the second half drags, although the last few episodes get a bit better. Jon Bernthal is perfect as Frank Castle. In fact, this entire Marvel TV show universe has great casting across the board. The action is pretty bad at the beginning of season 1 but gets much better as the series continues. It never entirely becomes Daredevil levels of awesome, but it is really good in its own right. But I think the biggest thing holding this show back is the fact that the Punisher stuff in Daredevil season 2 really should have been its own series. Removing Punisher from Daredevil season 2 could have fixed a lot of the problems with it and made it a more focused story. There could have been one season of Punisher containing the stuff from Daredevil, including the trial, and then season 2 could have been Punisher properly avenging his family. This is probably the best adaptation of the Punisher so far, and I have no faith that Disney will do the character justice, so I'd say give this a watch if you're a fan of the comics. Watch it in between Daredevil seasons 2 and 3. Season 2 of Punisher technically takes place after season 3 of Daredevil, but neither show has any impact on the other, and Daredevil season 3 works as a really great finale for the Netflix Marvel shows.
I can't think of a way to make it worse
non-shill29 January 2019
You have all the usual and annoying cliches:
* Don't let the audience know what the hell is going on. If they knew the plot straight away, they'd figure out too early how awful it was.
* Killing men is just fine.
* Killing women is wrong, even if they have killed others and are trying to kill you.
* Always avoid killing some of the worst people, even if you have slaughtered droves of others for far smaller reasons.
* Insist on helping the most annoying girl ever, for no reason whatsoever.
* Don't call the police, even when it is the obvious thing to do.
* If someone saves your life multiple times, be sure to lie to them, try to ditch them, and try to screw them over with the police. Because this isn't annoying to sane viewers, no not at all.
* Take your viewers for granted.
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