Ep 1. 3AM
- November 17, 2017
Former Marine and now vigilante Frank Castle, known as "The Punisher," has been presumed dead for months after his last mission. But as the first episode, "3AM," begins, we see that Frank is still alive and taking out his remaining targets. The episode starts with a flashback to Frank's time in the military, where he's training new recruits. We learn that he's been through multiple tours and has seen some terrible things.
Back in the present day, Frank is living in New York City, where he's working as a construction worker under the alias "Pete Castiglione." Despite his attempts to keep a low profile, Frank is haunted by the trauma of his past and is unable to move on. He spends his nights wandering the city, brooding and fighting off attackers.
One night, Frank visits a diner to order coffee and gets into a quick altercation with some bikers. He's interrupted by a young man named Micro, who seems to know who Frank really is and is trying to get his attention. Micro leaves a USB drive for Frank before disappearing into the night.
Frank takes the USB drive and starts to investigate Micro's claims that there's a larger conspiracy at play. He discovers a disturbing video on the drive that confirms his suspicions and begins to track down those responsible. Along the way, he reconnects with former NSA analyst David Lieberman, aka Micro.
As the episode progresses, we see glimpses of Frank's past and how he handles his current life. We learn about his wife and children, who were murdered in a violent shootout, which fuels his rage and his quest for revenge. Frank also has some run-ins with law enforcement, including NYPD Detective Dinah Madani, who is investigating a case that Frank is indirectly tied to.
Throughout "3AM," we see Frank brutally taking out his targets as he hunts down those responsible for his family's death. He's willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done, even if it means engaging in a firefight in the middle of a park or torturing someone for information.
Overall, the first episode of The Punisher sets the tone for the series as a dark and violent tale of revenge. Frank Castle is a broken man who's been pushed to the edge, and he's ready to take on anyone who crosses his path. The episode ends with a hint of what's to come, and it's clear that Frank's journey is only just beginning.