TV series based on superhero movies are increasingly raising eyebrows because they often aren’t as good as they are on the big screen. Fortunately, there’s no need to be skeptical when it comes to The Penguin, which takes the raw darkness of Matt Reeves’ Batman and pushes it to its limits.
Oswald Cobb (not Cobblepot, as the source material shows) served primarily as a comedic prop 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 lust for power in Gotham and the shocking lengths he’s willing to go to achieve his desires.
The series takes place in the aftermath of the Riddler’s actions, which are felt throughout the city. As expected, the poorest neighborhoods suffer the worst consequences. Crime is at an all-time high, and many blame those at the top for their suffering. It is this resentment that the Penguin exploits and uses to leverage his rise to the top.
Macall Polay/HBO
Macall Polay/HBO
Macall Polay/HBO
Colin Farrell’s performance as Oswald is a masterclass in both delicious and despicable moments. Throughout the show, he commits some truly horrific acts… but you’ll find yourself laughing seconds later thanks to his quick wit.
This strange charm and enthusiasm for the working class allow him to commit murders both literally and figuratively. He is a real cannonball, and you never know how he might react to insults or bad news: sometimes by laughing, other times by pulling out his gun.
The public will certainly be divided at the time (or perhaps even if) they stop supporting Oz, in a manner similar to the fans’ response to Walter White during Breaking Bad.
Colin Farrell’s performance as Oswald is a masterclass
His character as a mob boss is not without its flaws, particularly when it comes to his mother, Francis Cobb, played by Deirdre O’Connell. Like Farrell, the actress embodies wildly erratic behavior, but she also gives a heartbreaking and realistic take on the diseases of aging, 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 story is a twisted echo of the origins of Batman’s sidekick Robin, played by Jason Todd, when he is caught by the gangster trying to steal hubcaps, catapulting his life into the underworld of crime.
He relies on the Penguin as a mentor and is slowly poisoned by his corruption over the course of the series’ eight episodes. This role will certainly open doors for the 26-year-old actor from the Bronx.
Macall Polay/HBO
Macall Polay/HBO
Macall Polay/HBO
But the best performer to rival 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 was shot to death in The Batman.
Sofia’s fearsome presence is felt every time she enters the room, commanding attention without needing a booming voice to announce her presence – her large, frightening eyes can convey an incredible amount of emotion, while her attention to detail and unspoken things make her a formidable opponent in The Penguin.
Like in the comics, she’s also known as the Hangman, though this series takes a complex and nuanced spin on that title’s origins, drawing heavily on the horror genre to further her story. Milioti plays with accents in her role, showing how Sofia’s New York-Italian accent is downplayed when she’s in front of the audience.
She and Oz’s many other rivals are constantly causing problems. Like Netflix’s Ozark, once one problem is solved, four more are created in the process. No episode feels boring, with eight being the perfect number to tell the story.
Macall Polay/HBO
Macall Polay/HBO
Macall Polay/HBO
At no point were the special effects inferior to those of the blockbuster. HBO pulled out all the stops, with a slew of explosions, shootouts and more. And that’s not to mention Colin Farrell’s incredible prosthetics, which look so realistic that I often forgot about the Irish actor underneath.
Mike Marino, Mike Fontaine and the rest of the makeup team should be commended for their groundbreaking work – and Farrell should be applauded for seemingly not letting the costume hinder his movements or actions.
As in Netflix’s Ozark, once one problem is solved, four more are created in the process.
There was a lot of criticism of The Batman, which stuck to a PG-13/15 rating, maximizing its audience potential. If you’re one of those fans who was hoping for more swearing and violence, then rest assured that this new series will satisfy your cravings – I watched the movie behind a pillow at times.
The Penguin also doesn’t rely on big cameos to cause a stir online. However, on a narrative level, I did wonder why Bruce Wayne didn’t stick his nose in the many bloody events that have been widely publicized in Gotham – but that’s perhaps a question that will be answered in the Batman sequel.
The Penguin is every bit as good as Netflix’s Daredevil in terms of quality, and its gripping story has me sitting down for Battinson’s return.
The Penguin will be released on HBO and Max in the US on Thursday, September 19, 2024, and on Sky and Now in the UK on Friday, September 20, 2024. New episodes will be released weekly.
