WARNING: this post contains spoilers from The Punisher season 1

The Punisher season 1 may have earned mixed reviews from critics, but it seems rather likely that that a second season will be ordered. Jon Bernthal's solo show saw Frank Castle back in vengeful action as he pursued those responsible for the murder of his wife and two children. However, their deaths are wrapped up in a military conspiracy that forces Castle to address his own past actions and seek help from others to complete his final mission.

By the season's end, Frank has taken out the main man responsible but he's left alive his treacherous pal Billy Russo, the Marvel villain who was originally an assassin for hire but in the TV series has been revamped to be a marine-turned-private military contractor. Billy is no longer beaut, as Castle plays havoc with his face in their final fight, which obviously sets up the villain to return as his deformed alter-ego Jigsaw.

Homeland Security agent Dinah Medani has also arranged for Frank to be let go by the CIA and his fingerprints wiped from their system so he can make a clean start, and he kicks that off by joining his mate's veteran's support group. But obviously, the peace and quiet can only last so long for the likes of The Punisher.

Netflix would be foolish not to commission a second season of the show as they may not be able to create any new ones. Disney are launching their own streaming service in 2019, which means that they might not allow for anymore of their Marvel characters to be used by the streaming service. The deal Netflix has with Disney doesn't affect their current Marvel series involving Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Iron Fist, Luke Cage or The Punisher and they will be able continue to make new ones for these heroes, and, given their popularity they certainly will.

Daredevil season 3 is in the making and we have season 2 for Jessica Jones, Iron Fist and Luke Cage scheduled for next year. These shows have proved to be some of the most streamed on Netflix and in some cases have beaten viewership for network series, and, the showrunner is keen to return.

Steve Lightfoot told EW that while he hasn't had a confirmation from the powers that be that a second season is wanted he's hopeful that he can continue Frank's journey:

I’m very excited to do so. I think we left both Frank and Billy in places where there are so many ways to jump off from if that second season comes. We can do anything with them, in truth.

Even if Netflix doesn't commit to a second season it's likely that we'll see The Punisher and his pals pop up at some point in the various other Marvel series. New York is rather a small place for all these heroes to be working in.