Marvel's The Punisher Spoiler-Free Review

2. (Mostly) A Return To Form

The Defenders Punisher
Netflix

Even with the plot issues, The Punisher does feel like a step back up for the Netflix Marvel Universe. Admittedly that's not too difficult after Iron Fist and The Defenders, and the show doesn't come close to the heights of Daredevil Season 1, Jessica Jones, or the Punisher mini-arc from Daredevil Season 2, but it is a move in the right direction.

The acting is solid, the action well-choreographed, and there's some strong direction from the likes of Dearbhla Walsh and Andy Goddard, who effectively imbue the series with a consistent moody atmosphere and sense of impending doom at every turn.

It's every bit as dark as it needs to be, without becoming unbearably grim, and while it does lack for an enticing story it does provide a worthy study of its main character (albeit one that repeats quite a few notes we've already seen - the amount of times we have to watch Frank having visions of his wife's murder is ridiculous).

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Contributor
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.