The Punisher Season 1, Episode 9 "Front Toward Enemy" (USE SPOILER TAGS!)

[flickchick85]

EPISODE 9: "Front Toward Enemy"


Use spoiler tags when discussing the events of any future episodes.
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[Mike Murdock]

These Marvel Netflix shows always seem to run into an episode nine filler issue about something other than the main plot. Of all of them, this one seems the most intigrated. For starters, the sideplot has been developing for awhile. Second, it feels thematically fitting. The idea of people inspired by The Punisher has been with the character since the beginning. Frank has always said other vigilantes are different without always being clear why (Garth Ennis's original Punisher run being a prime example). This one clearly stands out. He's killing innocents with bombs, which is entirely different. Because of that, this feels a stronger target against military, police, and gun nuts who look at Punisher as a symbol of inspiration. This is saying that, just because you admire the guy, doesn't mean you're doing him justice.

On top of that, it's good to see Karen have a meaningful role. I like what she was doing and how what she was doing inspired Frank to act (although there's a bit of me wondering what Not.Dead Matt is doing). I also like how Karen can speak to Frank and explain how unnecessary what he does is. Why not just talk to the FBI. It wasn't faster, to kill the guy, they were literally in the same room. But his lack of faith in the system fuels what he does just like it fueled the kid's terrorism. The ambiguity is palpable. I also like the anti-gun Senator hiring Russo. Russo's speech is very much a Few Good Men on the wall with guns speech. It's all about the greater good over principles while most other people are about their principles. Interestingly enough, the character who doesn't feel that way is Frank. I feel like he and Russo, while on the opposite side, are closer than almost everyone else. The big change at the end sets up some interesting things.

Five Stars, although I wonder if I would have given this five stars in Daredevil.

I'm taking a break until tomorrow. Hopefully the enthusiasm won't die off. On the other hand, I'm out of coffee ice cubes for the drinks I'm drinking.

 

[dmcreif]

On top of that, it's good to see Karen have a meaningful role. I like what she was doing and how what she was doing inspired Frank to act (although there's a bit of me wondering what Not.Dead Matt is doing).

You almost wonder, wouldn't an incident like this be enough to get Matt to come out of the convent? (That's mostly dependent on how soon after The Defenders do the events of The Punisher take place.)

 

[MurkeNyou]

I like how the first story we hear is the Senators, and it's mostly bs.

 

[righthooksrus86]

To me this is the episode where it started to really get good...

Spoiler

Lewis' story arc was so poignant and beautifully done

The scene where Frank is telling Lewis how Hoyle lost his leg was another bit of amazing acting from Mr. Bernthal.

 

[Lencho01]

The Lewis and Curtis fight is probably the first time I was scared of a character being in danger.

A politician being shown as fully anti-gun seems odd to me.

 

[dmcreif]

The Lewis and Curtis fight is probably the first time I was scared of a character being in danger.

A politician being shown as fully anti-gun seems odd to me.

He's being highlighted as a hypocrite given how he hires Anvil to provide him armed protection.

 

[Lencho01]

He's being highlighted as a hypocrite given how he hires Anvil to provide him armed protection.

I know. It’s obvious.

My issue is that people who are anti-gun usually are talking about it in terms of the general public. Not people like cops or security teams.

So, it just feels off when they’re making him act like full-on no guns whatsoever. That conversation with Billy just didn’t work for me.

 

[Web-Head]

What an episode. Was worried about Curtis and now I'm curious what comes next. I feel like episodes 5-9 so far is where this show is hitting its mark.

 

[Iceman]

He's being highlighted as a hypocrite given how he hires Anvil to provide him armed protection.

Yeah, was an interesting conversation between him and Russo.

 

[paul81]

wow great episode, i like the Curtis character... and the Lewis plotline, which before this episode i would have cancelled throughout, really paid of now

 

[Docker2.0]

Is this suppose to be Nuke?

 

[dmcreif]

Is this suppose to be Nuke?

"Nuke" is Will Simpson over in Jessica Jones.

 

[Spider-Aziz]

This plot feels like the show's equivalent to an Arkham game side mission.