True, we didn't talk about the first season here, but it was awesome and the second season just hit the internet, so why not write about it, right?
As you can probably tell by the title, this episode is largely centered on setting up the Punisher as a major antagonist. Interestingly enough, he doesn't appear until the final act. Instead, the episode establishes his presence through other means while keeping him off screen. We see a group of Irish mobsters get gunned down and it is revealed that they weren't the first group taken out.
While you know where it's headed, the episode builds it up well enough that the moment that you hear that it was one man (and not an army as every character had assumed up to this point) the reveal still works. It was a clever way to show just how formidable Frank really is.
As was the case with the first season, one of the real strengths of this episode lies in the three leads. The dynamic between Matt, Foggy, and Karen continues to be utterly charming. The banter adds some levity that acts as a nice counter-balance to the violence and dark atmosphere. Really, until the final sequence, just seeing the three banter and bounce jokes off one another was the highlight of the episode.
It was a little weird to see Karen and Matt start to provide some shipping fuel. It's true, she is a love interest of Matt's in the comic, but considering that the first season spent a lot of time fostering a bond between her and Foggy, it is a bit of a left turn. Hopefully, it doesn't go into love triangle route as that is a bit played out.
When Punisher does make his presence known, he comes out guns a blazin. Yes, I meant that both literally and figuratively. While it would have been impressive to see him sniper a mob member while said member was driving away in a car (also, man, did Frank get to that rooftop quick) it is averted by Daredevil, resulting in the first confrontation between the two vigilantes.
This was a solid fight. While the trailers make it seem like Matt gets his arse handed to him, he holds his own against the Punisher fairly well. As was the case with the final fight with Fisk, the advantage shifted back and forth between the two. Not only does it make for an impressive sequence, but it shows just how good both are at what they do.
Overall, it was a strong opening. It did a good job of picking up where the last season left off, while also seguing into its own arc. Fisk is brought up repeatedly to help show that the events of last season haven't been completely forgotten. In fact, the mobs wrestling for control in his absence is a prominent plot point. Oddly, there's no mention of the Kilgrave ordeal. Even just an offhand mention would have been a nice nod, seeing as they are in the same city and this is a shared universe and all.
Still, looking forward to seeing how the season plays out. No Elektra yet, but it's something to look forward to. The allusion to the brewing war involving the Hand was one of the cooler bits of foreshadowing, so I'm excited to see what comes of that.
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