Ep 1. 3 AM

Frank Castle, a former Marine and family man, is living a secluded life in New York City after the brutal murder of his wife and children. Haunted by his past, he spends his days working as a laborer and his nights battling PTSD-induced nightmares and alcoholism.

But when Frank gets caught up in a conspiracy involving his former military unit and the murder of a young woman, he is forced to confront his demons and become the vigilante known as The Punisher. In the first episode of season 1, titled "3 AM," we see Frank struggling with his traumatic memories as he goes about his daily routine.

The episode begins with Frank waking up in a dingy apartment and immediately reaching for a bottle of liquor. As he goes through his morning routine, we see flashbacks of his time as a Marine in Afghanistan, where he witnessed unspeakable brutality and lost many of his comrades in arms.

After finishing his shift at a construction site, Frank heads to a support group for veterans with PTSD. However, he is overcome by anger and leaves abruptly after another member suggests that they should try to move on from their pain.

It's then revealed that Frank has been keeping tabs on a local gang who has been selling drugs to his co-workers. He breaks into their hideout and methodically takes out each member, using his military training to deadly effect.

Meanwhile, Homeland Security agent Dinah Madani returns to New York from Afghanistan to investigate a case involving her former commanding officer and his ties to a wealthy businessman. As she begins to uncover evidence of corruption and murder, she is also targeted by an unknown assailant who almost runs her off the road.

Frank's and Dinah's paths eventually cross when she visits a bar he frequents and recognizes him as the man who saved her from the car crash. She also recognizes his tattoo as the one sported by the vigilante known as The Punisher.

The episode ends with Frank finding a hidden cache of weapons and armor, implying that he's gearing up for a full-scale war against his enemies. "3 AM" sets up the tension and conflict that will drive the rest of the season, as Frank navigates his dual identity as a broken man seeking revenge and a killer operating outside the law.