A Geeky Guy's Guide to Punisher: One Last Kill
When The Punisher debuted on Netflix almost 10 years ago, I found myself thinking "Finally! They are going to do right by The Punisher." This was shortly after Daredevil debuted on Netflix and completely knocked my socks off. I figured if Netflix could pull of an R-Rated show about The Man Without Fear, they would surely be able to create an action packed version of the Punisher.
On top of Netflix setting the bar high by creating one of the best action shows of all time in Daredevil, The Punisher was set to star a really good actor in Jon Bernthal. With that combination, what could go wrong? Everything.
I still cannot believe how disappointed I was with The Punsiher TV show. I only watched it once and did not even bother with the second season. Honestly, the only thing I really remember was being insanely bored. I distinctly telling my wife "This is the freaking Punisher and all he does is talk". I recall there being almost no action at all. It was more of a deep dive into PTSD and the mental and emotional toll that being a vigilante took on Frank Castle. I am a huge advocate for mental health, but if I wanted to watch a show about mental health, I'd watch BoJack Horseman (Not kidding. BoJack may be the finest show about mental health ever.) This is the Punisher! Kick the shit out of bad guys! Blow stuff up real good!
Well it seems the producers of the standalone 50 minute episode of Punisher: One Last Kill got the memo. After the first twenty minutes, I found myself mindlessly looking at my phone and waiting for the show to be over. It was more Frank Castle brooding. The only battle Frank Castle was fighting was the inner one inside himself. And then someone flipped the switch that said, "ACTION!"
Holy Shit! The last 30 minutes of the show was basically an incredibly long, John Wick, style action and blood fest. While the original TV show and the first 2 thirds of this show involved all talking and no action, the final thirty minutes was the complete opposite: no talking and all action! Yessssssss!!!!!!
It seems that the took all the pent up action that should have been sprinkled throughout the first 26 episodes and let it explode all over this final thirty minutes. It was insane! Although not as good as the hand to hand combat scenes of the first season of Daredevil or the incredible gun play of John Wick, it was close. It was mindless, but it was close. The only thing you need to know is that for some reason, every thug in New York, tries to kill The Punisher in the housing project in which he lives. And then he goes off!
Did this make up for the complete mess of the first season? No. Is it the best Punisher content ever? No. But at least they turned him loose for once!
The punisher should be action from begin to end, not just the end lol
I watched that series too. The Punisher always presents an image of a character known for relentless action, brutal justice, and an uncompromising fight against crime. While exploring Frank Castle's trauma and inner struggles adds depth to the character, focusing too much on this aspect can sometimes overshadow what made The Punisher so compelling in the first place. Your comparison between the series and the action-packed final moments of One Last Kill perfectly highlights this balance. Character development is important, but fans also wanted to see Frank Castle unleashed. It seems the finale finally delivered the intensity and chaos many viewers had long awaited.
One of the benefits of your review is that it saves our time and we know from your post that the season is not good, so now we will not watch it either. But those who make the season should at least make it in such a way that unless people are interested in it, it will not be successful. A drama or season should have such suspense and fighting that it doesn't bore the viewer
Man that Netflix debut was legendary Jon Bernthal absolutely nailed the gritty raw tone Frank Castle deserves It’s hard to believe it’s been almost 10 years already Really hyped to read your guide on 'One Last Kill and see your take on this Keep them coming 💀🔥
I really liked the Punisher, but I have no real history with it. The only reference I had was that old movie with John Travolta in it. I didn't even watch all of that. I really like Bernethal, so I thought it was great. I'm guessing if I had read the comics I probably would have been disappointed.
Yeah my disappointment was 100% based on my expectations. After seeing daredevil and ready a lot of punisher comics, I thought the show would be action packed. Maybe if I didn’t have that expectation I would have liked it more. I have loved his cameos in other projects though. And he’s going to be in the new Spider Man movie.
It's interesting the direction they decide to take things a lot of times. I'm actually going through that right now with a book series I am reading that was made into a TV show a while ago.
I agree and much preferred daredevil some great fight scenes with the likes of Wilson Fisk. I haven’t seen the new punisher I think I will give it a try thanks for the insight.
The Punisher: One Last Kill, with all its action references, is definitely worth watching. It's great because how else do we imagine an avenger? Not like that. So, I'll try to find out where I can get the series because I like what it tells us.
That's the main idea behind the Punisher character: someone who fights and seeks revenge all the time. So talking isn't the best option for someone who's constantly pursued by action. Well, I'll add it to the list of series I'll watch when I have the necessary time and, well, the opportunity for a bit more peace and quiet in my daily life.
I watch this movie 🎥 which is very interesting but very short story.
But is this Punisher a continuation of the previous one, or was it created by other writers? Because they practically made two characters with different stories, especially in the action ones.