Marvel's The Punisher Review: 6 Ups And 3 Downs

5. It Distinguishes Itself From The Rest

Punisher Netflix Karen Page
Netflix

Had you never watched any of the other Marvel Netflix shows and you came into The Punisher cold, then you might not guess it was linked to them. Even if you had watched Daredevil, you'd find it very hard to find many more connections to the wider-MCU.

The only concession the show makes to this universe is the inclusion of Karen Page for a few episodes, but even then there's enough work done between Page and Castle in this series to stand on its own, and doesn't feel forced for the sake of a link to another show.

The Punisher is not a superhero - he's not even a hero, really - and making the distinction from the rest of the MCU allows it to really be its own unique thing. You can find some similarities with other shows in terms of general tone, but largely this feels different to the others and is able to breathe with space not taken up by shoehorning in references or other characters.

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Contributor

NCTJ-qualified journalist. Most definitely not a racing driver. Drink too much tea; eat too much peanut butter; watch too much TV. Sadly only the latter paying off so far. A mix of wise-old man in a young man's body with a child-like wonder about him and a great otherworldly sensibility.