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The Penguin: A Gotham-Centric Masterpiece or a Slow-Burn Crime Drama?
Meta Title: The Penguin TV Show Review – A Gotham-Centric Crime Drama with Colin Farrell
Meta Description: Discover our review of The Penguin, the gritty HBO spin-off from The Batman. Colin Farrell’s stunning performance as Oswald ‘Oz’ Cobb dominates this slow-burn crime drama.
In a television landscape saturated with anti-heroes, crime dramas, and comic book adaptations, The Penguin, HBO’s ambitious spin-off from The Batman, emerges as a fascinating blend of all three. While it borrows heavily from classic mob tales like The Sopranos and Scarface, this limited series delves deep into Gotham’s underworld, where Colin Farrell’s captivating portrayal of Oswald ‘Oz’ Cobb—the Penguin—takes center stage. But the question remains: does this eight-episode saga soar to the heights of Gotham’s tallest buildings, or does it waddle along in slow-paced territory?
A Penguin Unlike Any Other
When Colin Farrell was first cast as the Penguin in The Batman (2022), eyebrows were raised, and for good reason. Transforming a rugged, leading man into the grotesque Oswald Cobb seemed like a stretch. But Farrell, nearly unrecognizable beneath layers of prosthetics and grunge makeup, not only pulled it off in the film but also stole every scene he appeared in. This naturally led to excitement when HBO announced The Penguin, a full-blown exploration of this crime lord’s rise to power following the events of The Batman.
Much like its cinematic predecessor, The Penguin is steeped in Gotham’s grimy, rain-soaked atmosphere, continuing Matt Reeves’ vision of a city on the edge. But this isn’t just a rehash of the noir-heavy detective work seen in The Batman. Instead, it’s a character-driven crime drama that focuses on Oz’s ascent through the ranks of Gotham’s criminal underworld. Think The Sopranos—if Tony Soprano was a bird-obsessed psychopath.
The Plot: A Climb to Power in a Flooded Gotham
The series opens in the wake of Carmine Falcone’s death, with Gotham still recovering from the chaos unleashed by Paul Dano’s Riddler. The city’s elite are in disarray, and the criminal world is in a power vacuum—just the opportunity Oswald Cobb has been waiting for. He’s been an underdog for years, working as Falcone’s lieutenant, but now he sees his chance to finally rise to the top.
Much of The Penguin follows Oz’s ruthless pursuit of power. This isn’t a grand, superhero-style battle for control; rather, it’s a grim, methodical story of backstabbing, manipulation, and cold-blooded ambition. Oz doesn’t have the physical prowess of Batman or the cerebral skills of his fellow villains, but what he lacks in brawn and brains, he makes up for with sheer cunning and survival instinct.
From the outset, viewers are treated to an Oswald who is both horrifyingly brutal and oddly sympathetic. He’s a gangster, yes, but there’s a part of him that just wants respect—to be seen and feared in equal measure. This is where The Penguin excels. It’s not just a gritty crime story; it’s an intimate look at the insecurities and motivations that drive a man like Oz to do unspeakable things.
Farrell’s Performance: A Masterclass in Character Acting
If there’s one reason to tune into The Penguin, it’s Colin Farrell. His transformation into Oswald is more than skin-deep; it’s a full-bodied commitment to portraying a man who is both grotesque and captivating. Farrell’s performance brings layers of depth to a character that could have easily slipped into caricature. He plays Oz as a man who knows he’ll never be taken seriously unless he forces people to take him seriously—often through violence or manipulation.
Yet, for all his ruthlessness, there’s a vulnerability to Oz. He’s a man deeply scarred, both emotionally and physically, by his past. Scenes with his troubled mother, Francis, reveal a softer side to the Penguin—a man seeking approval and love from the only person who truly matters to him. It’s in these moments that Farrell shines brightest, balancing Oz’s vicious exterior with flashes of tenderness and regret.
Farrell’s Penguin is a far cry from the comical villain of earlier Batman adaptations. This version of Oswald is raw, dangerous, and deeply complex. The showrunner, Lauren LeFranc, deserves credit for crafting a script that allows Farrell to explore these intricacies, turning what could have been a one-note character into a multi-dimensional anti-hero.
Supporting Cast: Milioti’s Sofia Steals the Show
While Farrell is undoubtedly the star, The Penguin features a strong supporting cast that adds richness to the story. Cristin Milioti, in particular, stands out as Sofia Falcone, the daughter of the deceased mob boss, Carmine Falcone. Fresh out of Arkham Asylum, Sofia is as hungry for power as Oz, and the two engage in a deadly game of chess throughout the series. Milioti’s performance is electric—her Sofia is cunning, calculating, and at times, terrifying.
In many ways, Sofia is the perfect foil to Oz. While he grew up clawing his way up from the gutter, Sofia was born into wealth and power. Yet, despite their differences, they share the same driving ambition—to take control of Gotham’s underworld. Their interactions crackle with tension, and it’s fascinating to watch these two characters, both desperate for respect, navigate their rocky relationship.
Other notable performances include Clancy Brown as the imposing Sal Maroni and Rhenzy Feliz as Victor, a young gangster who becomes Oz’s protégé. These characters add depth to the world of The Penguin, providing further insight into the moral grayness of Gotham’s criminal hierarchy.
Pacing: A Slow Burn That Demands Patience
Here’s where The Penguin might divide viewers. Unlike the fast-paced, action-heavy spectacles of other comic book shows, The Penguin takes its time. The series unfolds slowly, allowing characters and conflicts to simmer before they inevitably boil over. Some may find this pacing tedious, particularly in the early episodes, where the groundwork for the larger story is being laid.
But for those willing to invest the time, the payoff is worth it. The slow-burn nature of the show allows for a more in-depth exploration of character motivations and relationships, making the eventual moments of violence and betrayal all the more impactful.
Visuals: Gotham’s Gritty Glory
Visually, The Penguin is a continuation of The Batman’s murky, rain-soaked aesthetic. Gotham City is as much a character in this show as Oz or Sofia. The cinematography is dark and moody, with shadows and silhouettes dominating the frame. This isn’t the bright, neon Gotham of Joel Schumacher’s Batman films; it’s a city in perpetual decay, where danger lurks around every corner.
The production design is top-notch, with every set and costume feeling perfectly in line with the grimy world of Gotham. From the dilapidated criminal hideouts to the lavish but decaying mansions of the Falcone family, The Penguin immerses viewers in its dark, gritty atmosphere.
Conclusion: A Gritty Gem in Gotham’s Crown
The Penguin is not for everyone. Its deliberate pacing and character-driven storytelling may turn off viewers expecting a more traditional superhero show. But for those who appreciate a well-crafted crime drama, this series is a must-watch. Colin Farrell delivers a tour de force performance, elevating Oswald Cobb from a comic book villain to one of the most compelling anti-heroes on television.
With excellent performances from its supporting cast, a richly atmospheric setting, and a plot that balances brutality with emotional depth, The Penguin cements its place as a worthy successor to The Batman. It may not have capes or cowl-wearing vigilantes, but this slow-burn drama is Gotham at its most enthralling—and Oswald Cobb at his most ruthless.
FAQs
- What is The Penguin about?
The Penguin follows Oswald Cobb’s rise to power in Gotham’s criminal underworld after the events of The Batman. It’s a gritty, character-driven crime drama that focuses on his ambition and ruthlessness. - Who stars in The Penguin?
Colin Farrell reprises his role as Oswald Cobb, with notable performances from Cristin Milioti as Sofia Falcone and Clancy Brown as Sal Maroni. - Is The Penguin a fast-paced show?
No, The Penguin is a slow-burn drama that focuses on character development and relationships rather than action-packed sequences. - How does The Penguin compare to The Batman?
While The Batman was a detective noir film, The Penguin is more of a mob drama, focusing on the criminal underworld of Gotham rather than its vigilante hero. - Does The Penguin have any connection to other DC shows?
While it shares the same universe as The Batman, The Penguin is a standalone series that focuses on Oswald Cobb’s story. - Is The Penguin worth watching?
If you enjoy slow-burn crime dramas with complex characters and morally ambiguous storytelling, The Penguin is definitely worth watching.
