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

2. It Lacks A Great Overarching Antagonist

The Punisher Billy Russo
Netflix

The first season of The Punisher effectively serves as the origin story for a major villain, should the show get a second season, but it lacks an overarching antagonist for much of its run. One of the many reasons Daredevil (Season 1) and Jessica Jones stand out as the best of the universe is that they both have an exceptional villain - Kingpin and Kilgrave respectively - and none of the other seasons have matched that. Too many have been bogged down by the Hand, Luke Cage had Cottonmouth but unfortunately switched him out for Diamondback halfway through, and this has... what, exactly?

Frank and Medani, two heroes chasing the same thing by different means, are after a shadowy figure at the top of the conspiracy chain, and there's nothing to pull that together or give the show a tangible threat until the (admittedly great) final third. Even then, Rawlins is lacking - a by-the-numbers high-ranking government agent - and you never believe he'll get the better of the heroes.

Ben Barnes' Billy Russo fares better, with a real personal edge to his battles with Castle and Medani, but even then it's only a few episodes he serves as a true villain, and is instead being saved for his transformation into Jigsaw. It means there's a lack of focus and threat, and ultimately to the show's detriment.

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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.