One thing that we never get from Marvel films and television shows, is brutal action that makes the viewer gasp. Daredevil: Born Again has some great action, but the special presentation of The Punisher: One Last Kill makes that action look watered down. The Punisher: One Last Kill is only 44 minutes long excluding the credits with 30 minutes of the runtime dedicated to Frank taking on those after a bounty on his head. The Punisher: One Last Kill is basically the Marvel equivalate to the John Wick Franchise with a dash of The Raid.

Kicking off with “Mother” by Danzig, this special presentation sets the tone instantly as a drunk obsessive Frank Castle struggles. Followed up by the most messed up scene in the history of Marvel television. A senseless killing of a puppy. The Punisher: One Last Kill definitely takes the gloves off approach that Daredevil: Born Again season 2 established and pushes the boundaries. The surviving member of the Gnucci family, Ma has put a bounty on Frank’s head. Frank believes that he had killed all those responsible for his family’s death. Every bounty hunter and gang member now hunt Frank in the low income community he lives.

There is not much to this story, and that really benefits the character. Frank Castle is a character that needs to be a one man army and nothing more. However that being said, Jon Bernthal cannot help showing off his acting skills. In the midst of a distributing opening and a non stop action scene, Bernthal delivers a powerful monologue that only someone who loves the character can.

I can’t help but have a feeling of a missed opportunity with this special presentation. Although it does feel like a one shot that comic readers get often, this didn’t have the special appeal that other Marvel Special Presentations have. Werewolf by Night and The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special have for establishing annual viewing for Halloween and Christmas. So where does that leave Punisher: One Last Kill? I’m not really sure honestly. There is a minor connection to Daredevil and no connection to Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Despite Frank being involved in both properties, does this hinder the story? No it does not, as it’s certainly a stand alone story focused on Frank’s mental health.

The Punisher: One Last Kill draws inspiration from The Raid Franchise and it’s not hidden. The premise and action is taken straight from the no holds barred action franchise. We get some intense and brutal action mixed in themes of mental health. If this was a feature film and not a 44 minute special presentation, I think the story would have benefited from more time with Frank Castle mental state.

As the Marvel Cinematic Universe is now 18 years deep, I’m loving the mature take with some of the projects. The shows and movies should be like the comics, there is something for everyone. I do feel like this acts as the last hooray for a dark and brutal Punisher with his involvement in the MCU extending to Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

Punisher fans rejoice because this is exactly what a Punisher project should be. But you’ll definitely want more when the credits roll.