In “One-Eyed Jacks,” the fifth episode of The Punisher’s second season, an old friend finally makes his appearance and wastes no time causing trouble. Madani finally faces her fears, and Billy makes a friend. As always, there are spoilers.
1. Turk!
Turk’s new career as a legitimate businessman is interrupted when Frank shows up outside his head shop and coerces him into arranging a meeting with a Russian mobster. Turk resists in his usual style. “Do I look like the United Nations to you?” But nevertheless, Castle persisted. The mission, quite naturally, blows up in Turk’s face. The only surprise is that he’s alive to tell Castle that he hopes he never sees him again.
I was worried that he when we did see him, the show would be closed. It’s a real credit to the writers, and especially Rob Morgan that I care about Turk. He’ll be missed when the last Netflix show is shut down.
2. The Creepy Schultzes
John Pilgrim heads to New York City in “One-Eyed Jacks,” but before he hits the road, we get another glimpse of his home life. He hides in the basement, takes off his shirt and beats himself with a leather whip. But, that’s not the creepiest thing we see at the Pilgrim home.
It’s Anderson and Eliza Schultz visit that sends Pilgrim to New York, the “unclean place.” The Schultzes are two of the most unsettling characters I’ve ever seen. Annette O’Toole and Corbin Bernsen portray them with a disturbing calm that makes me want to stand up and find an excuse to leave the room when they appear. They both deserve awards.
3. Three-Card Monte
Amy and Frank are bonded by tragedy, but that’s the only thing they have in common. We’ve already seen how Frank grew up in a stable home, thanks to his flashback with Billy. We know him as an outlaw that’s taken the law into his own hands. But he’s new to this life, and still sees himself as an honorable man. Amy, on the other hand, has been living on the streets for most of her life. We don’t know much about her yet, but even though she’s still a teenager, she’s already an experienced grifter with a cynical outlook.
So, the opening scene with Amy teaching Frank how three-card monte is played was a great way to remind us who these two people are and how they differ. Amy knows the game, and after a few rounds, explains that you can’t win. “Be smart, don’t play,” she tells him, talking about a lot more than just a card game.
Frank’s never seen the game before, (which is hard to believe if he grew up anywhere near the city, but fits with the character, so I’ll let it pass) and refuses to accept a no-win situation. (Don’t tell him about the Kobayashi Maru.) When he finally relents, he tells Amy “just make sure we’re the dealer.” It’s a great moment for both characters and sets the tone for an eventful episode.
4. Madani’s group session.
Madani heads to Curtis’ counseling session to talk to him about Billy and try to find out what Frank has been up to. They both lie to each other about seeing Frank. Then, when the veterans that attend Curtis’ group arrive, Madani decides to stay so she can continue her conversation with him after the session is over. Rather than just observe, she participates in the conversation and shares her feelings about her job and being shot. It’s a powerful scene, and Amber Rose Revah’s first opportunity to shine in the series.
After more than four hours of watching her grow increasing irrational, this was a welcome scene. I’ve been complaining about her behavior since the second episode, and it’s a relief to see the writers make her more than Billy and Frank’s enabler. I hope she finds some peace.
5. Meanwhile, Dr. Dumont.
Doctor Dumont is still aiding and abetting Billy. After coaching him when he wakes up on her couch, even he asks her why she hasn’t called the police yet. She doesn’t have a good answer. Later, when he’s disappeared from her apartment, maybe to kill someone else from his childhood, she still doesn’t call the cops.
But it’s not just her helping him hide out that’s an issue. Billy follows one of her patients and chats him up in a bar. They talk about serving in the military and how veterans are mistreated. Is Dumont providing Billy with recruits?
Early in the episode, we see scars on one of her forearms. Later, we get confirmation that Dr. Dumont has psychological problems of her own. So, even more like Harley than I thought.
