The title The Punisher: One Last Kill is ironic, as Frank Castle (Jon Bernthal) embarks on a relentless killing spree, though he believes his targets deserve it. This 44-minute Special Presentation attempts to pack too much into an episode-length format.
Bernthal co-wrote One Last Kill with director Reinaldo Marcus Green, with whom he previously collaborated on We Own This City.
In this Marvel Television Special Presentation, Frank Castle is portrayed as a more ruthless, psychotic vigilante consumed by rage.
One Last Kill continues after the season 2 finale of Daredevil: Born Again. With Fisk’s task force off the streets, criminals have seized control of the neighborhoods, harassing its residents.
Castle is experiencing a psychotic breakdown, hallucinating about his deceased Marine comrades and his daughter.
Additionally, Castle has a bounty on his head, placed by Ma Gnucci, after he killed her sons. He must overcome his psychosis to protect himself and the innocent people around him.
The Punisher handles his business with brutal efficiency. The episode features 25 minutes of adrenaline-pumping action, using guns, knives, and everyday objects like a pen, reminiscent of John Wick. For hardcore fans seeking a more comic book-appropriate Punisher, Berthal and Green deliver the gore, albeit briefly.
A PG-friendly Frank Castle will return in the upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day, but “One Last Kill” does not set up his next appearance, nor does it mention the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.
The Punisher: One Last Kill is currently streaming on Disney+.
