The Bingeworthy Breakdown™ is back and this time we’re looking at Netflix’s Marvel’s “The Punisher,” the fourth iteration of the character following three rather unremarkable, unsuccessful films occurring before the days of Marvel Studios. Showrun by Steven Lightfoot, a writer and producer on “Hannibal,” “The Punisher” stars Jon Bernthal as Frank Castle, an ex-special forces soldier who becomes a vigilante fighting crime after his family is brutally murdered. And the series picks up after the introduction of the character is season two of “Daredevil,” arguably Marvel’s best up to that point thanks to the inclusion of the Castle character. “The Punisher” was actually supposed to come out last month, closer to Halloween, but the rather violent show was delayed because of the tragic shooting massacre in Las Vegas. What did we think?
So, I’ve been following your work?
Oh, yeah? Wow, thanks.
No, I mean, I see you’re not a huge fan of the Marvel shows on Netflix.
Oh.
BIASED MEDIA!
Well, no, it’s just my opinion that they’re generally not very good. But I’m happy to report I’m singing a different tune this time.
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Go on…
Casting is everything. Every filmmaker in the world has basically said that at one point in their lives and let’s put it this way: you have Jon Bernthal on one side of the room and then, sorry, Charlie Cox, Finn Jones, Mike Colter and to a much lesser extent Krysten Ritter, who’s pretty good, on the other side. But honestly? There’s no contest. Marvel shows suffer from their mediocre casting (especially Jones and Colter, both of whom are awful). Bernthal is in another class. It’s like Marvel movie casting vs. Marvel TV casting which across the board, ABC shows included, are pretty bad. I don’t know what it is. With the rise of PeakTV and streaming shows, the quality of TV has obviously skyrocketed to the point that it’s very easy to attract A-list talent to excellent long form series. Matthew McConaughey in “True Detective,” the cast of “Westworld,” “Big Little Lies,” “The Handmaid’s Tale,” etc. etc. I’m not telling you anything new, but man, Marvel has a serious casting problem on their hand, which is why you’re never going to see Marvel TV and Marvel films crossover. In short, Bernthal is next level.
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So, you’re saying, he’s good and therefore the show is good.
Pretty much. Even when the writing is iffy, he sells it. That’s good casting; an actor that is utterly convincing as the character. The rest follows suit.
Let’s talk the super hero-yness of the show. I’m curious.
Well, you nail it right there. That’s what so great, or at least what makes it stand head and shoulders above all Netflix Marvel shows. This isn’t a hero or a reluctant hero trying to save New York. “The Punisher” is an anti-hero show and I mean, anti. He has no qualms about killing people and doing so in brutal, bloody fashion; the show doesn’t pull its punches and certainly fans who want to see violence, fighting and blood splatter will be happy. He’s a vigilante straight up, but the character still traffics in shades of moral grey.
What do you mean?
Well, the Punisher’s got a code even if it’s a warped one no other person could understand unless they’re a sociopath. He’s doing awful things, but he’s doing them for what he believes are the right reasons. He’s constructed his own moral compass and believes some people need to pay for their sins and wrongdoing and bad people often have to die if they’re going to hurt those he deems are worthy, good people.
Subjective, judge, jury and executioner.
Exactly, but that’s what makes him interesting. He’s, dare I say, a complicated character. He’s also a character motivated by revenge, loss, grief and trauma. Not the lame PTSD most super hero characters deal with. Castle had his family slaughtered in front of his own eyes. It’s beyond traumatizing. And while I’m not a huge fan of the trauma flashbacks because I’m just not really a fan of triggering flashbacks, period, they’re rooted in an emotional tragedy anyone can relate to. And again, Bernthal convinces. Back to the super hero thing? Castle isn’t trying to save anyone, he doesn’t know how to save himself. He’s living day by day and when people cross his path watch out.