Marvel's The Punisher Spoiler-Free Review

7. You'd Hardly Know It's In The MCU

The Punisher Karen Page
Netflix

Deborah Ann Woll reprises her role as Karen Page early on in The Punisher, reuniting with Frank Castle and further developing the surprising bond they built during Daredevil Season 2.

While Page is a very familiar face to fans of this universe, having appeared in both seasons of Daredevil and The Defenders, the character is pretty much the only concession made to acknowledging the wider Netflix universe, let alone the MCU as a whole.

All of the Netflix shows exist somewhat independently, but there are clear links - through location, references to the other characters, and of course the recurring presence of Rosario Dawson's Claire Temple (who sits this one out).

The Punisher has none of those outside of Page, and their relationship exists in the bubble of this show, which is an odd experience (note: not necessarily a bad one). It's allowed to stand on its own, rather than feeling like a part of this universe, and that's largely a good thing after Iron Fist and The Defenders. Your own response may depend on how much you want these shows to share a connection, but at least this one is telling its own story.

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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.