You ever look for something new to watch and get surprised at what is available? That is what happened when I saw that The Punisher, the latest Marvel/Netflix joint, is out. I made a little time and put the show on. With a bit of trepidation, I should add. Let’s go.
The Punisher s01e01 3 AM
writer: Steve Lightfoot
director: Tom Shankland
Marvel/Netflix
Quick Review:
Sure, why not. I enjoyed the episode. We are dealing with a bit of the fallout from the end of the Daredevil series. Frank is in a transitional phase. We don’t really know what this story is going to be. I’ll be honest, I enjoyed this, but I think most of that comes from the strength of Jon Bernthal. He fills the screen and is incredibly compelling to watch. The rest is pretty good, but Bernthal is why I’ll come back.
Spoilers Lurk Below
Analysis:
I’m really hedging my bets here and it probably shows in the quick review above. I haven’t been that kind to the other Marvel Netflix shows. In fact, by the end most of them feel more like a chore to finish, even when they have electric beginnings. Daredevil’s second season was no exception. I loved those first four episodes introducing Frank. And where they took his story was a mess of trite and cliche choices. So, while I did enjoy this episode, that it is lining up to pull more at those past threads doesn’t fill me with excitement.
It is really hard to separate this from what came before it and judge this show on its own merits. Part of me wants to look at this first episode and say that it is nice and mysterious because we really don’t know where it is heading. That it is full of good atmosphere and full of potential. But, there is another half to me that is worried that yet again we have another Marvel series that is basically aimless and comes to a 13 episode run with barely enough plot for 6 of those episodes, leaving us walking in circles and repeating steps for more than half the series.
Still, a nice beginning.
Wrap Up:
So, I’m going to try and get reviews for all 13 episodes, like I have tried for the other series. It doesn’t always work. Here is hoping this show is worth it.
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Deadly Troubadour 