The story of Billy the Kid.
Full Spoilers Following for Marvel’s The Punisher: “Memento Mori.” Make sure to keep up with all of our Marvel's The Punisher binge here.
Marvel’s The Punisher ends on a quiet note for Frank Castle. Without a war to fight, the troubled soldier must find a new way to exist in a society that still fears him. “Memento Mori” does everything a good finale should do, but not in the moments of over-the-top action and violence. Instead, the episode is at its best when dealing with the aftermath of this bloody season.
There’s a price to pay for Frank’s vengeful rampage across New York City. Having consequences is a necessity in order to tell an effective story centered around Frank Castle. If he just killed hundreds of people and felt no remorse or sorrow, then this would be a less effective series.
Frank’s decision to join Curtis’ group was an unexpected move. In order to get better, Frank is going to try to help others by talking about his own struggles. Castle’s admission that he’s afraid was a powerful moment - one that Bernthal acted out perfectly. The skull spray-painted on his chest was a vivid reminder that death is always around the corner. It’s the way he’s been living since the death of his family. It’s the only way he knows how to live. Now that Frank is dealing with the fear of the unknown, how will he cope? Hopefully, Curtis’ group will be enough for him.
A guy who could have used a nice group talk is Billy Russo. His story was fleshed out further with a lovely flashback. This was the perfect scene to show before Frank and Billy’s showdown. It beautifully sets up the tragic nature of their animosity towards each other. The series continues to prove that its characters didn’t become who they are overnight. Billy’s transformation from the charming good-looking friend playing with Frank’s kids, to the emotionally troubled individual laying in the hospital bed is the result of years of self-deprecation.
The story of Billy the Kid is a tragedy and that’s who Billy chooses to model himself after. Even when he’s talking to Curtis during the standoff with Frank, he still sees himself as the victim. Curtis and Frank both tell Billy that he always had friends, but Billy can’t see past his own pain. Like the man he claims to admire, Billy’s tale is a tragedy too, but if The Punisher is going to have a second season, then it’s a necessary one.
It’s great to see Frank Castle trying to rebuild his life, but this is a Marvel Netflix superhero show after all, so the fight must go on. Billy Russo’s comeback will likely be the reason Frank Castle comes out of hibernation in Season 2. Barnes and Bernthal are always fun to watch, so it will be enjoyable to see them together again.
Speaking of the second season, what does the ending mean for the rest of the ensemble? While David wasn’t the primary focus in the finale, there is plenty of work ahead for the boys, since Russo is still alive. Bernthal was excellent this season, but Moss-Bachrach was the beating heart that made it all work. If it wasn’t for David, and Frank’s interaction with his family, events would have turned out different for The Punisher. With friends like David, Frank has a reason to live.
Madani helped Frank out in the end, but her future remains uncertain. The Homeland Security and CIA components never solidified into an interesting story. They felt like outsiders looking in on a better show. Overall, Marvel’s The Punisher was an enjoyable entry into the Marvel Netflix lineup, but the writers need to work on Madani and the other government officials to make them feel significant.
The Verdict
“Memento Mori” is a satisfying conclusion to the first season of Marvel’s The Punisher. Frank and Billy’s fight in the park was a great climactic moment, but the episode was at its best when it centered around character development and Frank’s decision to try to be a better person.
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