Featuring dense and uncomfortable topics such as mass shootings, the alt-right and hardcore revenge, "The Punisher" season 2 delivers rich material for fans of the source material and first season.
Following the revenge story of season 1, "The Punisher" season 2 features a stringless Frank Castle (Jon Bernthal) who finds himself on a war path between multiple parties. While on a road trip across the U.S, Castle encounters an innocent girl (Giorgia Whigham) being pursued by dangerous hitmen led by a religious zealot (Josh Stewart) who soon pursues them to no end. Amidst the new pursuit, Castle faces the return of former friend turned foe, Billy Russo / Jigsaw (Ben Barnes). Featuring familiar faces, from Agent Madani (Amber Revah) to Karen Page (Deborah Ann Woll), this season focuses on more complex themes of America and the human psyche.
As usual, "The Punisher" is not for everyone—in fact, not for a lot of people (53% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes at the time of writing). The unwavering look at violence through gore and intense fighting is sure to displease many, but what makes the show special is its devotion to character despite this. Frank Castle is a comic book character, but he is also a skilled soldier off-kilter due to natural events, which has occurred countless times in our modern world. Season 2 presents an even less flattering portrait of Frank, as his brutality lacks the revenge factor from the first season, as he embraces his violent impulses without question. This season strips the main characters of their lies—Frank admits his inner demons existed before his family's tragic murder, while Jigsaw bares his past to start anew.
The most painful part of watching season 2 was the reality that it stands little chance of revival. With Netflix's childish cancellation of favorite Marvel shows like "Daredevil" and "The Defenders," "The Punisher" has its fate seemingly determined, yet delivered a stunning portrait of brutality. The show is both barbaric in its vision, yet fanciful in its portrayal of the ills facing America. Jon Bernthal is expectedly great as Castle, giving an emotional bravado to his actions that leave the audience constantly justifying his questionable actions. While the 13 episode length slows the pace of a series to a certain degree, the payoff is worth it and earned by the end. This season tackles the ethics of revenge and unadulterated violence head-on, which will stun some viewers into dismay, but it is a critical theme for modern America, which is divided by seemingly any issue, from gun control to the role of justice in society. The unwavering commitment to the bad impulses of humanity is what makes "The Punisher" special, and season 2 serves as a honest, powerful introspection of this.
RATING: 9/10
Sean Kelso is the editor-in-chief of CUFPe and a junior in Columbia College.