Up: The action

We expected that The Punisher might drag at times, as the other series from the same shared universe have. However, when the series kicks it into high gear, The Punisher stands out from the rest. As it should, given its contemporaneous themes.

The Punisher has much more to say than a show like The Defenders. The show’s creators use violence not just for the shock value, but to underline statements made throughout the series. It doesn't feel at all cheap, and every blow and bullet is right on target.

Castle is a violent character, and this first season explores what this means. Thanks to Kandahar and others, we know what drives this violent anti-hero and what we should expect from him. He won't stop now, even if those who killed his family have paid.

The first season’s violence makes it clear that even if Frank Castle wants to get out, he feels at home with violence. Hurting and killing bad guys is what he was always meant to do.