Greetings True Believers, Marvel’s The Punisher was released through Netflix on November 17th. Since then, it has grown to be a massive success, with a second season already confirmed. This review will take a look at episodes 10-13. You can read our reviews of The Punisher episodes 1 – 9 here.
Episode 1.10 “Virtue of the Vicious”
The episode starts with Detective Brett Mahoney (Royce Johnson) investigating the attempted assassination of Senator Ori (Rick Holmes) and Karen Page (Deborah Ann Woll) in the Senator’s hotel room being protected by Anvil. Though various flashbacks, we see what exactly what went down and how Frank Castle (Jon Bernthal) is involved with all of this. Meanwhile, Agent Madani (Amber Rose Revah) confronts Billy Russo (Ben Barnes) about the Anvil’s involvement in the Homeland sting that led to many agents’ deaths including her own partner.
This episode is a personal favorite of mine. Everyone is on their A game, acting wise. It was a well done and fitting end to the Lewis Wilson (Daniel Webber) story. Which I must commend Mr. Webber for his acting and for being the surprise of the season. This was also the end of Karen’s story on the show. In my opinion, the way they ended her story was beautifully bittersweet. Even though those two were the main focus, they still managed to make major strides in the overall plot.
Episode 1.11 “Danger Close”
This episode starts with Anvil agents abducting Micro (Ebon Moss-Bachrach)’s wife, Sarah (Jamie Ray Newman) and son, Zach (Kobi Frumer). Luckily, Micro’s daughter, Leo (Ripley Sobo) managed to escape. This leaves Micro with the job of helping his scared daughter. While Frank has the job of dealing with Anvil agents that are headed to their hideout, having backtracked the wife’s phone.
This episode had a lot of great moments for me, like Leo being scared but not a complete damsel in distress, Leo confronting her thought to be dead father and of course, Frank’s takedown of a whole squad of Anvil agents. Speaking of which, I feel now is the time to commend the fight choreographer and the whole stunt team for their great work. Frank’s fighting is, I believe, unlike anything we’ve seen so far in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It’s brutal like Daredevil, but you can also see military influences and incorporation of firearms.
Episode 1.12 “Home”
We start off this episode with Micro and Frank giving official taped statement to Agent Madani. This is in exchange for Homeland Security’s help with saving Micro’s wife and son. Billy says that he will exchange the wife and son for Frank and Micro themselves. Things don’t go according to plan, but luckily, Frank and Micro have a secret plan for just such an occasion.
This is an episode that really shows you the depths of Mr. Bernthal’s acting ability. Both character and actor are put through the ringer in this episode. We also get see the true sinisterness of CIA Director William Rawlins (Paul Schulze) and how far he will go. This show can be very graphic and brutal at times, like in Home. However, I feel that this episode, like the show as whole, can juxtapose that with truly beautiful moments. Moments like when Frank is choosing to live.
Episode 1.13 “Memento Mori”
The final episode of the season starts with Billy. His world is imploding, with all his crimes now publicly known. Meanwhile, Frank is recovering from what all he went through last episode. We then see the two have a modern day version of a Mexican standoff at the house of Curtis Hoyle (Jason R. Moore). They agree to take the fight elsewhere, a one-on-one final fight. Only problem is, the setting the carousel where Frank’s family died. Frank now must push through some very painful memories and fight a man he once called brother.
In my opinion, this was a great conclusion to everything has so far happened to Frank and all the other characters. Everyone still around gets at least one moment to shine. It’s not the happiest of endings. However, considering Frank journey and where it began, it better than what we could have hoped for. It was a satisfying but bittersweet ending. Though I am very excited for it, I have no clue what they will do for season two.
As a whole, I really enjoyed Marvel’s The Punisher season one. So far, it is my second favorite of the Netflix Marvel shows. I thought it was brutal and elegant at the same time. It had great action but was also smartly written. On top of that, all the actors did a great job. There wasn’t a bad one in the bunch. Everyone had great moments, even the child actors.
What did you guys think of these Punisher episodes? What are your thoughts on the show as a whole? What would you like to see in Season 2? Let us know in the comments below.