Spin-off TV series featuring superhero films are raising eyebrows these days, as a decline in quality compared to the big screen is often a given. Fortunately, there’s no reason for skepticism when it comes to The Penguin, which takes the dark darkness of Matt Reeves’ The Batman and turns it up to eleven.
Oswald Cobb (not Cobblepot, according to the source material) served mainly as comic relief in the original film and was one of the participants in the iconic Batmobile chase scene. His show retains those hilarious moments, but also delves into his hunger for power in Gotham, and the shocking lengths he will go to to achieve his desires.
The series is set in the aftermath of The Riddler’s actions, which are felt throughout the city. Predictably, the poorest neighborhoods will suffer the worst consequences. Crime is catapulted to record highs, with many blaming those at the top for their suffering. It is this grudge that the Penguin clings to and uses to leverage his rise to the top.
Macall Polyy/HBO
Macall Polay/HBO
Macall Polyy/HBO
Colin Farrell’s performance as Oswald is a masterclass, combining delightful moments with the most despicable. Throughout the show, he commits acts that are truly heinous… but you’ll be laughing seconds later thanks to his quick wit.
This strange charm and his enthusiasm for the working class allow him to get away with both figurative and literal murder. He’s a complete loose cannon, and you never know how he’ll respond to insults or bad news – sometimes by laughing, sometimes by pulling his gun.
The public will certainly be divided on when (or maybe even.) as) they stop supporting Oz, in a similar way to fans’ reaction to Walter White during Breaking Bad.
Colin Farrell’s performance as Oswald is a masterclass
There are cracks in his mob boss persona, especially in the form of his mother, Francis Cobb, played by Deirdre O’Connell. Like Farrell, the actress portrays extremely erratic behavior, but also delivers a heartbreakingly realistic portrayal of age-related diseases – a factor that makes her son fiercely protective and desperate to do right by her.
Oz’s humanity is also tested by Victor Aguilar, played by Rhenzy Feliz. His backstory is a twisted echo of the origins of Batman’s sidekick, Jason Todd’s Robin, when he is caught by the gangster trying to steal hubcaps, sending him into the underbelly of crime.
He leans on the Penguin as a mentor and slowly becomes poisoned by his corruption over the eight-episode arc. This role will almost certainly open doors for the 26-year-old actor from the Bronx.
Macall Polyy/HBO
Macall Polyy/HBO
Macall Polyy/HBO
But the performer who really agrees with Farrell is Cristin Milioti, the actress who plays Sofia Falcone. She is the daughter of Carmine, the former head of a powerful crime family who met his end at the barrel of a gun in The Batman.
Sofia’s chilling presence is felt every time she enters the room, commanding attention without a booming voice announcing her presence. Her large, creepy eyes can convey an incredible amount of emotion, while her attention to detail and the things left unsaid make her a formidable opponent in The Penguin.
As in the comics, she is also known as the Hangman, although this series puts a complex and nuanced spin on that title’s origins, leaning heavily on the horror genre to delve into her backstory. Milioti plays with accents in her role, showing how Sofia’s New York-Italian touch is downplayed when she’s networking with the audience.
They, and the many other rivals against Oz, are constantly causing trouble. Like Netflix’s Ozark, once one problem is solved, four new ones are created. Not a single episode feels like a drag, with eight being the perfect number to tell the story.
Macall Polyy/HBO
Macall Polyy/HBO
Macall Polyy/HBO
At no point were the special effects a downgrade from the blockbuster. HBO pulled out all the stops, with a series of explosions, gunfights and more. Not to mention Colin Farrell’s incredible prosthetics, which look so realistic that I often forgot about the Irish actor underneath.
Props must be given to Mike Marino, Mike Fontaine and the rest of the makeup team for their groundbreaking work – and applause to Farrell for seemingly not letting the costume hinder his movements or actions.
Like Netflix’s Ozark, once one problem is solved, four new ones are created
Much of the criticism of The Batman came from the film sticking to a PG-13/15 rating, maximizing its audience potential. If you were one of those fans hoping for more swearing and violence, rest assured that the itch will be scratched with this new series – at times I found myself watching from behind a pillow.
The Penguin also doesn’t rely on huge cameos to cause a stir online. But narratively, I was left wondering why Bruce Wayne didn’t poke his nose into the many bloody, highly publicized events happening in Gotham – but perhaps that’s a question that will be answered in the Batman sequel.
The Penguin rivals Netflix’s Daredevil when it comes to quality, and the compelling story guarantees I’ll be sitting down for Battinson’s return.
The Penguin will be released on HBO and Max in the United States on Thursday, September 19, 2024, and on Sky and Now in the United Kingdom on Friday, September 20, 2024. New episodes will be released weekly.
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