In the initial two episodes of “Daredevil: Born Again,” it’s made clear why Matt Murdock (played by Charlie Cox) has chosen to focus solely on his legal career instead of continuing as a vigilante. His ethical commitments are soon challenged when he agrees to defend Hector Ayala (Kamar de los Reyes), who is accused of murdering a police officer. However, the situation isn’t as simple as it seems: Hector intervened to stop a man from being attacked, not realizing that the attackers were actually undercover cops. In the scuffle, one officer sadly fell onto the subway tracks and was killed. Although this was an accident, Hector is labeled a police killer.
Officer Powell bears a skull tattoo on his wrist, symbolizing his loyalty to the Punisher’s (Jon Bernthal) extreme form of justice.
WARNING: Spoilers below for Daredevil: Born Again Season 1, Episodes 3
In Episode 3 of “Daredevil: Born Again,” we delve deeper into how the Punisher’s troubling presence permeates the NYPD. As Hector’s trial progresses, several officers in attendance sport the same skull tattoo as Powell, suggesting a larger contingent within the force that has adopted the Punisher’s ideology. These officers act with complete immunity, disregarding legal procedures to pursue their warped sense of justice. Their influence and intimidation tactics are brutally clear when they try to silence Nicky before he can testify. Cherry (played by Clark Johnson), a former officer now working as Matt’s investigator, devises a plan to distract the corrupt officers by pretending to escort the actual witness, allowing Nicky to reach court safely. Unfortunately, this ruse only partially works.
In spite of taking care not to get hurt physically, Nicky found himself in a courtroom full of uniformed officers, several of whom bore the skull symbol associated with a Punisher-style vigilante group. Overwhelmed by fear, he lied on the stand, claiming he wasn’t present at the subway incident when it occurred. This lie severely damaged Matt’s defense strategy and underscored the frightening power these vigilante-inspired officers hold within the judicial system. Just their presence was enough to force a witness to commit perjury, revealing how far the Punisher’s ideology has infiltrated and corrupted those who are supposed to uphold the law.
To secure Hector’s acquittal and guarantee victory in the case, Matt decides to take an extreme step: He discloses to the jury that Hector is actually the White Tiger. By highlighting White Tiger’s impressive track record as a vigilante, Matt successfully portrays Hector’s character, leading the jury to declare him not guilty. However, their joy is short-lived. On the very same night, while Hector dons the White Tiger costume and patrols the streets of New York to safeguard its citizens, he’s fatally shot in the head by a shadowy figure clad in a bulletproof vest adorned with the Punisher’s emblem.
The Punisher Is Not a Role Model for Police Officers
The irony lies in the fact that Frank Castle, who abhors corrupt police officers, would undoubtedly be appalled by those who misuse his emblem while distorting justice. From a narrative standpoint, The Punisher’s methods may seem captivating, but they symbolize a severe disintegration of societal norms that should never be idolized or imitated. Frank Castle is not a hero but a profoundly damaged multiple murderer who operates beyond the limits of both legal and ethical boundaries. Throughout his comic journey, Castle has consistently admitted to this truth about himself and his mission.
In issue #13 of “Punisher,” writers Matthew Rosenberg and artists Szymon Kudranski tackle the contemporary issue of police officers appropriating the Punisher’s skull emblem. A poignant moment occurs when Frank comes across policemen who praise his tactics, with one even displaying a Punisher skull decal on his cruiser. However, Frank swiftly and decisively rejects their admiration:
Let me make myself clear. Our paths have diverged significantly. As you’ve chosen to serve and protect the law, helping those in need, I made a different choice long ago. We operate in very different spheres, for no one else shares my actions.
After that, he forcefully removes the helmet symbol from the vehicle, addressing the officers, “Perhaps you could use a role model. May I suggest Captain America? He’d be proud to have you.
At this point, Frank seems to grasp that his life is a testament to the flawed nature of the justice system, rather than an ideal to aspire to. Across various narratives – like Garth Ennis’ groundbreaking “Punisher MAX” series or more contemporary adaptations – it’s clear that Castle has consistently turned away from heroism. In “Punisher: War Zone”, he declares, “I’m not a good man.” In the 21st issue of “PunisherMAX”, he confesses, “There’s no end to the killing. There’s just the mission. The war.” These aren’t phrases that should serve as motivation for those who are meant to safeguard and support communities.
Gerry Conway, who created the character, has often spoken out about the incorrect use of the Punisher symbol (as reported by Uproxx). To him, it’s concerning when those in power adopt the Punisher symbol because the Punisher signifies a breakdown in the justice system. He was designed to critique the collapse of moral authority and highlight situations where individuals don’t trust institutions like the police or military to behave justly and competently.
Conway underscores the inconsistency in law enforcement using the symbol: “The vigilante anti-hero, such as The Punisher, is essentially a critique of the justice system and a demonstration of social breakdown. Therefore, when police display The Punisher’s skull on their vehicles or military personnel wear The Punisher’s patches, they are essentially aligning with an adversary of the system. They are adopting a lawless mindset. Regardless of whether one finds The Punisher’s actions justified or not, or if one respects his moral code, he is an outlaw. He is a criminal. Law enforcement should not be endorsing a criminal as their emblem.
As a die-hard cinephile, I must say that the exploration of the theme in “Daredevil: Born Again” hits home hard due to its chilling depiction of the perils associated with this phenomenon. The series’ portrayal of officers reminiscent of the Punisher have forsaken due process entirely, resorting instead to intimidation, evidence manipulation, coercion of witnesses, and ultimately, cold-blooded murder. This gripping representation starkly demonstrates what can occur when law enforcement officials lose sight of their role as public servants and start viewing themselves as judges, jury, and executioners: they transform into the very criminals they were designed to capture.
In a troubling twist, Frank Castle’s brutal actions are underpinned by a warped sense of right and wrong. Unfortunately, these law enforcement officials have emulated his tactics without upholding their ethical standards, transforming into the very corrupted figures that the genuine Punisher might aim to take down. As Daredevil: Born Again unfolds this narrative, it underscores a potent message – the Punisher’s skull symbol was never intended as a badge of pride, particularly for those who already carry an official one.
New episodes of Daredevil: Born Again premiere on Disney+ every Tuesday.
What are your thoughts on “Daredevil: Born Again” delving into some police officers’ appreciation for The Punisher? And how might Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Frank Castle respond when he learns he has a group of admirers? Share your opinions below and let’s talk!
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2025-03-12 05:10