MCU: Ranking Every Netflix Marvel Season Worst To Best

7. The Punisher Season 2

Punisher Season 2 Close up
Netflix

The general trend, Iron Fist excluded, is for the Netflix Marvel shows to suffer a sophomore slump, and The Punisher is no exception. Thankfully it doesn't suffer quite as great a drop-off as, say, Jessica Jones, but its second season didn't quite come together as well as the first.

The biggest problem is its attempt at telling two distinct storylines - one involving Billy Russo who, after the events of Season 1, is out to regain his memories and gain revenge, and another involving the mysterious Amy and the even more mysterious John Pilgrim. Both have their moments, but the structure means deviating away from them in turn for long spells at a time, and they're never able to coalesce.

Holding it all together, though, is Jon Bernthal. He proved with Season 1 that he's the definitive Frank Castle. He proves in Season 2 that he's the definitive Punisher; a raging, animalistic killing machine who comes to embrace exactly what he is, without trading on attempts at being a good person, having a dark humour, and showing some vulnerability too. Add in some stunningly brutal action sequences, and Season 2 is still largely a success, just not quite as big a one as the first year.

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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.