The Punisher

Surprisingly, one of the most moving and powerful series lately. Bernthal’s performance as Castle is perfect, even if a little different than in the original. Elaborate psychology of all characters, a screenplay that delves into the contemporary problems of the “best country in the world" and bloody, uncompromising action easily overshadows any of Marvel’s series so far. (02.12.2017)

A weaker story, but much more action-packed. As if he wanted to save some ideas for later, Frank returns to season 1 and starts digging around in old motifs instead of developing new ones. That’s a tremendous shame. And it seemed as if Billy Russo shut down the fairly intriguingly developing storyline with religious fanatics. Once again, Bernthal carries the entire season on his shoulders and, without him, there would probably be no point in watching. His Punisher is the spitting image of the comic-book character. It’s true that his civilian identity is a little more human, almost at the level of Dad of the Year, but that is for the good. Some scenes and twists are like something out of NCIS, but that’s counterbalanced by the quality blood-spattered action with emphasis on destruction; see the fantastic episode 10. The ending disappointed me, mainly because of the last scene, but at least that means Frank is signing off with a bang. (01.03.2019)