Daredevil (TV Series) Penny and Dime (2016) User Reviews

Absolutely Stunning

[luismatheus-v · 10/10 · 19 March 2016]

This episode nails every single aspect of both the Punisher's and Daredevil's characters and takes the best from their relationship that has been going for 40 years in the comics to make something that is incredible to witness.

The episode keeps the pacing of the season moving as smoothly as ever, it feels like the second act of a really good movie. It holds no punches to the viewer, with its brutal moments that are presented both visually and audibly.

The moral dilemma you're facing on this season, and this episode in particular is the age-old matter of "to kill or not to kill". The show does a great job of not to shoving any point of view down your throat, and also of making a trope that's been done to death feel quite fresh. Who you sympathize with, who you root for? That's up to you. The Punisher is ruthless in his pursuit for justice, he's a character that is very easy to relate to due to the tragedies he's been through, and though his actions undoubtedly brings results, they're pretty tough to watch. He isn't a caricature here. And incredibly, neither is Daredevil. Though his way of working isn't as harsh as Punisher's, it's just as flawed.

One particular thing about this episode is the path that it takes the Punisher. There is one scene, in a graveyard, that truly showcases his acting abilities. The man is able to take a comic book anti-hero that already had 3 different movie adaptations and hundreds of different takes on his on the comics and turn it into something of his own. The character of Frank Castle has never been explored like this. The sheer emotion that flows throughout the scene just couldn't be done by anyone else.

All in all, this is the best work of superhero TV that I have witnessed yet. It makes me excited for the future.

Jon Bernthal deserves an Emmy for this episode alone

[Underwood2016 · 10/10 · 4 May 2016]

Daredevil Season Two is considerably better than Season One for many reasons. The one that stands out to me, especially in this episode, is Jon Bernthal's rendition of The Punisher. Move over Thomas Jane, because this is our generation's definitive Punisher. I can't say enough good things about Jon Bernthal's explosive and heart- wrenching performance. In the last episode we learned how similar Daredevil is to him in who they choose as their targets. However, this time around we learn Frank Castle's reason for doing what he does in a riveting scene that takes place in a graveyard. The best villains in TV or film are the ones you can relate to, and this is one of the best examples of that.

The graveyard scene is easily the best aspect of this episode, but as much as I could ramble on about Jon Bernthal's performance, there are other parts of this episode worth taking note of. One of which is the Karen and Matt romance ignited at the end of the episode. I am very mixed about this plot development. First of all, wasn't that kind of Foggy's thing? Second of all, I feel like this will come back and bite Matt in the rear end. Basically I'm just worried that they will go the cliché route with it and make Karen play the damsel in distress. However, for the moment there is no big problems I have other than that.

One plot element that I loved was Frank hiding a bomb in the van. He gets captured by the Irish and tells them that the money he supposedly possesses is in a van under a bridge. However, it turns out there is a bomb in the van, and he uses that distraction to get free of his shackles while Daredevil invades the building. All of this had me on the edge of my seat and this plot twist had me cheering.

Last but not least, there was the Elektra reveal. I have no qualms with this Force Awakens-like cliffhanger, except with how they followed it up in the next episode. However, that is another review for another time.

Overall, this episode stood out to me mainly thanks to Jon Bernthal and the plot shifts. There are some minor flaws in this episode, but the good FAR outweighed the bad, so I am still rating this episode ten out of ten. I recommend Daredevil 100% and this episode just proves my theory that Season Two has improved from Season One.

One Fully Absorbing Hour

[tlfirth · 10/10 · 9 April 2016]

So far, this is the best Daredevil I've watched, simply because it explores the deeper emotions of its characters. I don't often enjoy exploring romantic relationships with characters, but in this case, there's a bond between Matt and Karen that has been building for a while now, and at the end of this one dark day, it's fitting that they take strength from each other.

And what a dark day it was. The Irish gang decided to up the ante by taking on the Punisher personally, with Tony Curran stepping into the scene with a wondrous performance. Seeing him in Doctor Who before has shown me that he is a talented actor, and in Daredevil there's no exception with his menacing portrayal of Irish boss. Most of these scenes are incredibly violent, gory and relentless, but it goes a long way to showing the brutality of the characters' personae, not to mention demonstrating the sheer power of the Punisher.

Speaking of the Punisher, Jon Bernthal's performance in this episode is exceptional, displaying a full range of emotions that help to elaborate his character's background. The story of his reunion with is daughter is heartfelt, and wonderfully played. I admire the fact that the writers remained true to his emotions and ended it there. He ultimately decides that he's finished his job, but did it Daredevil's way. Which, in all fairness, he confesses is the best way.

Taking a look at the episode in its entirety, it stands out from other episodes due to its mature conception, and how a simple storybook integrates within. It's great to see how Karen interprets this as she searches through Frank's house. And in a surreal way, the ending ends up being extremely positive, with Matt Murdock, after heeding the priest's words about guilt, feeling satisfied.

To top it all off, there's a nice teaser at the end for what is to come, when a new and exciting character comes into play.

Jon Bernthal shines in the show's best episode to date.

[keegan-liam · 29 March 2016]

Having finished the season, Penny and Dime serves as a quasi-finale for the self-contained Punisher arc that kicked this season off. And in this sense, the episode wraps up this arc perfectly, both from a character and thematic standpoint. Because ultimately, I feel, this show is at its very best, and that is a very high standard, when examining what makes these characters tick, particularly the vigilantes at its center in this season.

As others have noted, this episode plays on the ideological conflict at the center of this season: the question of lethal justice. And more so than previous installments in this season, which provided hints at Frank's past, this episode lays bare the reasons behind Frank's unyielding and deadly pursuit of justice. In fact, Frank's scene at the carousel where his family was murdered conveyed more than any of Karen's fact-finding could. As an aside, it's nice to see Karen take on an active role this season, assuming the mantle of dogged truth- seeker from Ben.

Start to finish, Jon Bernthal's performance was the highlight of this excellent season and this episode shines among them all. Bernthal portrays a character completely broken in spirit and, in this episode, in body as well. That torture scene was brutal, yet another example of this show being not afraid to push the boundaries regarding violence. As I said earlier, his silent scene at the carousel was immensely powerful. Bernthal portrays so much anguish and trauma just by the blank stare in his eyes. And that graveyard monologue? At this point, I think it kind of speaks for itself. Listening to him talk about his relationship with his family was truly heartbreaking and Bernthal sold every bit of that heartbreak with his performance.

This episode also marked the welcome return of Peter McRobbie's Father Lantom, whose conversations with Matt in Season 1 did so much to articulate the morality behind vigilantism.Ultimately, his advice to Matt rings true for Frank as well. So long as there is injustice in Hell's Kitchen and so long as Frank's family's killers run loose, both are doomed to guilt.

We also got to see Matt and Karen's relationship progress in this episode. Even though these two actually shared very few scenes together in Season 1, I feel this season has really sold me on the relationship. And I think Charlie Cox and Deborah Ann Woll's on- screen chemistry has a huge part to play in that department. By the time this episode ended, I was officially sold on their relationship. Of course, Elektra's reappearance at the end of the episode will have unforeseen consequences, something we'll see throughout the season. And Elektra's reappearance provoked plenty of curiosity given the ere of mystery she carries herself with.

From a purely technical standpoint, this episode shines as well. I've already mentioned Bernthal's performance, but I'll mention it again. In a show with an excellent cast, Bernthal's unforgettable performance in this episode stands out. He dominates every scene he is in, including opposite other great actors. Charlie Cox continues to do consistently great work, both as Daredevil and Matt Murdock. Peter McRobbie is always excellent as well. Tony Curran's Finn Cooley, the Irish mobster after Frank, also shines in his one- episode arc. His menacing and largely terrifying presence, i.e. the torture scene, is framed in the context of a very believable and compelling motive. That is, a desire to avenge his son's death at Frank's hand. Although, by the end of his arc, his brutal death, via shotgun blast to the face, at Frank's hand felt completely earned, a testament to Curran's performance.

Fight scenes are also a consistent high point of this show. Daredevil's breakout of Frank was so well-choreographed. And Daredevil preventing Frank from killing during the fight was another great way to highlight the dichotomy between the two.

Overall, Penny and Dime succeeds with flying colors by articulating the motivations behind Frank, adding much-needed and heart-wrenching context to his crusade for justice. That it features an absolutely unforgettable performance by Jon Bernthal only enhances its success.

+ Jon Bernthal's performance

+Deeper exploration of themes and characters

+ Emotional depth

+Elektra's first appearance and Father Lantom's return

10/10 masterpiece

Guilt

[ThomasDrufke · 9/10 · 22 March 2016]

This season has gotten better and better. Just when I think it will take a step back, it takes a leap forward. This episode once again had its focus on Punisher and the crimes he has committed. This time, the Irish gang he took out came back for revenge, in a similar way in which he came for them, and tortured Frank until he broke. It didn't have the insane action sequence or mind blowing camera work like the previous episodes, but it had perhaps the best monologue of the shows entire run, and maybe even of any Marvel property.

Matt was forced to come to Punisher's aid this time as he was captured by the Irish mob and beaten to near death. It was nice seeing our first unofficial team up between Daredevil and Punisher, even if the latter had little left in the tank. It's understandable if some people weren't totally on board with Daredevil siding to help Punisher. But after Frank's monologue at the cemetery, I would find it hard to believe if anyone didn't feel sympathy towards him and what he's went through. Many props should go to Jon Bernthal in yet another incredible performance.

Matt, Foggy, and Karen attended Grotto's funeral after they all felt some guilt towards what happened to him. It was great seeing Father Lantom return and give Matt the advice he needed. "Your job isn't done yet". Melvin also appeared to give Matt the new suit, although it doesn't look all that different from the last one.

It was a brutal episode, but incredible nonetheless. Once again the quieter scene between Punisher and Daredevil proved to be my favorite. Pair that with a gruesome interrogation scene and important final few scenes between Matt and his love interests make this quite the memorable episode.

+Punisher monologue

+Team up sort of?

+Karen and Matt take a step forward

+Father Lantom with some needed advice

9.4/10

Heartbreaking

[matiasbockerman · 10/10 · 14 January 2019]

I watch second time this season to remind my self were punisher 's story begin. Afterall therses couple day when punisher season 2 begins. This is one of the greatest episodes entire Daredevil show and Oh my gosh the graveyard scene. The story behind penny and dime. And the Jons voice - broken whisper - go's right to my soul. Every word and the way he acts...it's amazes me. And how bad I cried....

Best episode yet!

[mnbickel · 10/10 · 19 March 2016]

Having only seen the first six episodes of the second season, this one is hands down the best Daredevil episode so far. This would be an 11/10.

The episode starts off with a strong introduction to the tertiary characters of Finn and the remaining Irish mob members that Frank hasn't blown away. Yet.

Finn's motivations are clear, Frank killed his family and friends and took his money. So he and his henchman corner Frank at the carousel and following a mini shootout they eventually capture him with the help of about 4 taser guns and some type of anesthetic.

Matt discovers the location of Frank from a wounded Irish gangster left bleeding out at the carousel. This is where things get amped up a level.

Following some gruesome torture with a power drill, Finn threatens Frank's dog in order to get Frank to give up the location of Finn's money, which is in a briefcase inside the back of a van somewhere in the city. Frank is cleverly biding his time so that he can cut himself out of his constraints. This all happens simultaneously with the recovery of the briefcase of money, which of course, Frank had rigged to blow. Once he gets free, he pulls a gun away from his head as a mobster pulls the trigger. Slices the guys throat with the same razor he used to free himself. Then shoots Finn with a pistol followed by a close-up shotgun blast to the face.

Matt fights his way to Frank and once they're together, the team up is amazing to watch. Even severely injured, Frank is a force to be reckoned with. Matt has to fight both the mobsters and Frank, to keep him from killing them.

Matt carries Frank to safety, until Frank can't go on. They stop at the cemetery, and Matt learns more about why Frank became the Punisher. He talks about how he lost his family and the way war changed him and his relationship with his daughter specifically. Jon Bernthal's performance in this episode was incredible, I can see his tear filled speech in the Emmy reel already.

Frank eventually submits to arrest, as Matt lets Sgt. Mahoney take the credit realizing that the police need this in order to maintain an image of strength and authority.

This leads to Matt, Foggy, and Karen celebrating with drinks; and with Foggy's early exit home, Matt and Karen share a passionate first kiss in the rain.

With everything being seemingly wrapped up in a nice bow. Matt goes home to wind down with a beer until he senses an intruder in his apartment, which is revealed to be Elektra.

A Stunning Hour of Entertainment

[dmcreif · 10/10 · 14 June 2017]

This episode is brilliant in the way it acts as a finale for the first act of season 2. After lots of teasing, we finally get to learn the reasons behind Frank Castle's spree of violence. That scene of Frank doing a Thousand Yard Stare at the carousel where his family died is so haunting, because it conveys the trauma of his family's death more than the scenes of Karen searching Frank's house could possibly do.

This episode also proves Jon Bernthal was the perfect casting choice for Frank, a man who is broken in spirit and, in this episode, in body. That torture scene was nightmare-inducing, and like Wilson Fisk decapitating Anatoly with that car door last season, brilliantly demonstrates how this show is not afraid to subject characters to more gruesome violence than most shows would dare go for. And that graveyard monologue and talking about what his family meant to him broke my heart. I'd be as attentive as Matt was if I were there.

When the episode is not focusing on Frank Castle or the search for him, it's focusing on Matt and Karen's relationship. Karen helping Matt with his tie as he gets dressed for Grotto's funeral. Matt providing Karen support when Foggy has little interest in entertaining her insistence on getting to Frank before Reyes can. And finally, capping off the stressful day by sharing a very passionate kiss in the rain that, although clichéd, feels right out of a fairy tale. It's great to see how Matt and Karen have come a long ways since that night she spent in his apartment after she got framed up for murder, and that Matt is eager to explore his feelings for Karen now that Fisk is off the streets. And it helps that Charlie Cox and Deborah Ann Woll have believable on-screen chemistry (and in interviews, the two actors can't help but ship their characters as well). I was officially sold on them being a thing with their kiss. Which of course also gives me anxiety given that we are introduced to Elektra in the last shot of this episode, and her return will have unforeseen consequences for the characters.

In all, this episode probably is one of the best episodes of television to ever be produced, up there in the vein of "Ozymandias" from Breaking Bad. The Punisher's monologue? Check. Matt and Frank sorta partnering up? Check. Matt and Karen's relationship taking a step forward? Check.

Wow

[jonah-jf · 10/10 · 25 November 2021]

The "The Punisher"-monologue is not of this world. So unbelievable great. One of the best I have ever seen. And I watched a lot of films and TV-Shows.

The confession amongst the dead

[quincytheodore · 9/10 · 23 March 2016]

Either it's because luck or skill, Punisher has escaped the dreaded night. However, his tendency for violence attract even more violence in the most brutal episode to date, especially in term of mentality. This is probably the best performance of Jon Bernthal, the series has given him the opportunity and he takes it wholeheartedly, making the anti-hero role into a legitimate humble character.

It starts with a funeral of the Irish, a more gathering of force to be exact. The full force manhunt has started and the line between hunter and hunted has been blurred. The scenes get pretty unsettling as murder and torture is displayed blatantly. Daredevil is mostly one step behind, he's chasing Punisher's footstep or bullet trail.

This shows how much Punisher, or Frank, is willing to go for his cause, but he also has restrains. He still has that shred of humanity from the affection towards the dog and memory of his family. It eventually goes hand-in-hand with Karen's investigation, revealing what's left of Frank's home. It has built this up, and it culminates into a heartbreaking testimony from Frank himself.

I've seen Jon Bernthal's other roles, from TV series and movies, but this is really where he shines. Instead of flashback, he accounts the last day he was still Frank Castle. Everything stops while Daredevil, as well as audience, sit there and listen to how Punisher came to be. A truly sad tale, a far better origin story told better than any others.

Jon Bernthal has claimed a spot on superheroes pantheon. He is the Punisher.

Best episode in the series

[pellegrinidude · 10/10 · 9 October 2020]

Seriously how did Jon Bernthal not get an Emmy nomination for this episode? The scene with him and Charlie cox in the graveyard is absolutely riveting, soul stealing, and stunningly powerful. Of course the action in this episode is up to par as usual for Daredevil, but this episodes strongest point is the now iconic scene in the graveyard. The rest of the cast is, of course, on point throughout. The writing is, of course, amazing as usual. But the graveyard scene... just wow. One of the best scenes in all of the MCU, yes including the movies. If you're reading this, you owe it to yourself to watch this episode and this series.

OMG this chapter is not a 10, it's an 11

[martinleonel-55554 · 10/10 · 7 June 2021]

The best chapter in the series so far. The scene from "the punisher" is PERFECT! Great job from the actor.

It is the perfect chapter. Nothing more to say. Thanks for existing daredevil!

Action or talks a lot ?

[owenscott2001 · 3/10 · 16 March 2017]

Seems like this entire season is nothing but 10 seconds of action 10 minutes of dialog. I ranked the first season as perhaps tied with the best TV show ever (sherlock).

But the second season just seems off. Way off. I've decided its way to much to long dialog.

My guess is somebody *new* was hired to write for the show. That person is trying to show off when really ... it just distracts.

How other ppl actually like this show with such high marks ... i don't know. Maybe im crazy ... but this isn't anywhere near as good as the first season.

Jon, you nailed it

[RexAtTheMovies · 10/10 · 7 June 2019]

Season 2 > season 1. Wow those last minutes of this episode were heartbreaking and beautiful. The action scenes prior to it were visceral and courageous. You go from watching a borderline sociopath turn into a broken and honest man. You see a tortured mind become vulnerable. One of the best performances I've seen in a long time from anyone. Way to go Mr Bernthal.

Another amazing episode

[amindostiari · 10/10 · 31 March 2021]

Another wonderful episode. I can only say that this series is wonderful. The actors are also incredibly good. The whole question has been asked and I will wait for the answer in the future.

I cried in a public place

[airel-45017 · 10/10 · 17 May 2021]

This episode is just freaking awesome, the script, the acting, everything is just *chef's kiss*

Fckn brilliant

[vivekgkp · 10/10 · 18 January 2020]

John really nailed it.. amazing script..best ep till now

Fantastic!

[Leofwine_draca · 9/10 · 19 October 2021]

A fantastic episode, this one, a mini climax of sorts and one which takes the action, the violence and the emotion to the next level. It's the Jon Bernthal show at this point and he excels; I hope they can keep this same kind of quality going for what's to come.

Just repeating everyone else...

[improvizatori · 9/10 · 3 October 2021]

It has been said many times, but I'm going to say it again. Jon Bernthal's monologue in the cemetery is spectacular. Absolutely spectacular.

Best episode

[vdimoudis · 10/10 · 4 July 2023]

Daredevil Season Two is considerably better than Season One for many reasons. The one that stands out to me, especially in this episode, is Jon Bernthal's rendition of The Punisher. Move over Thomas Jane, because this is our generation's definitive Punisher. I can't say enough good things about Jon Bernthal's explosive and heart- wrenching performance. In the last episode we learned how similar Daredevil is to him in who they choose as their targets. However, this time around we learn Frank Castle's reason for doing what he does in a riveting scene that takes place in a graveyard. The best villains in TV or film are the ones you can relate to, and this is one of the best examples of that.

The graveyard scene is easily the best aspect of this episode, but as much as I could ramble on about Jon Bernthal's performance, there are other parts of this episode worth taking note of. One of which is the Karen and Matt romance ignited at the end of the episode. I am very mixed about this plot development. First of all, wasn't that kind of Foggy's thing? Second of all, I feel like this will come back and bite Matt in the rear end. Basically I'm just worried that they will go the cliché route with it and make Karen.

Superbly written episode

[shweta-51657 · 8/10 · 6 May 2022]

This is the first absolutely smashing episode of Daredevil. Dont get me wrong, while its been great so far, this episode from start to finish has been just shy of flawless.

There is no scene in this episode that isnt well executed. From the introduction of Finn, the Irish mob boss's entry in the cold open, to the near 10 minute monologue of the Punisher towards the end, which is soo superbly acted by Bernthal, the director must have cried, to the closing startling scene which screams to the audience that something is badly wrong through the use of silence, the music, action, dialogue and sound in this episode is impressive and standout even to a novice.

We are only 4 episodes in and this is going to be a great season!

Peak Television [9/10]

[panagiotis1993 · 9/10 · 18 May 2023]

Live Reaction / Review for Daredevil Season 2 Episode 4: Episode 3 was really good, I hope this one is good too. Oh nice, it seems like the Irish criminals are not giving up that easy. There is so much sexual tension between Karen and Matt. Frank seems to be so lonely. The Irish are torturing Frank, its brutal. Frank had a bomb inside the van with the money? I expected it haha. Damn that one headshot was insane. Frank has a really sad story to tell and I love how Matt is just listening and not interrupting. But who hurt Frank's family? Matt and Karen holding hands and then kissing, so cute. I thought we would have a happy ending but then we get introduced to Elektra. Great episode overall, my rating is 9/10.