Grading Fall Television’s Hits And Misses

Photo Credit: Netflix

Marvel’s The Punisher — A+

Netflix strikes again with another successful Marvel adaptation. Taking Jon Bernthal’s widely popular take on The Punisher from Daredevil and giving him his own show was one of the best decisions they could make. He’s  such an interesting character study as someone who teeters along the edge of hero and villain. After becoming a murderous anti-hero during the second season of Daredevil, Frank Castle is back with a thirst for justice.

He begins to uncover a conspiracy involving the murder of his family, and he understandably wants more answers. The former soldier isn’t donning a cape or mask to fight crime, instead, he uses his military expertise to get the vengeance he believes he is owed.

None of the Netflix Marvel team-ups have hit the highs that Jessica Jones has but they all suffer from a similar formula: the story is drawn out too long. Nevertheless, The Punisher is a stronger outing than Iron Fist which all but guarantees it a renewal. Very different from the other superhero shows on the streaming network, The Punisher offers a fresh perspective on the fight against evil and how far someone will go.

Even though it still has some character missteps, like Karen Page, it is still a big hit for Netflix’s fall roster. The streaming giant definitely needed it since the next Marvel series doesn’t drop until March which marks almost three years since the first season of Jessica Jones.