The Punisher Season 2: 15 Easter Eggs & References Explained

9. Needful Things

During the sheriff’s office assault, one of the policemen quips, "You ever see that western where the guy comes to town, turns out he's like the Devil or Death or something?"

This is almost certainly a reference to the 1993 adaptation of Stephen King's novel Needful Things, which while not a western, is certainly the most famous movie to feature a mysterious outsider (Max von Sydow) arriving in a small town who ultimately turns out to be the Devil incarnate.

Plus, given the season's theme of religious antagonism, it's basically a perfect reference.