The Penguin
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 The city will be his.
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The Penguin is an American crime drama television miniseries developed by Lauren LeFranc for HBO. Based on the DC Comics character of the same name, it is a spin-off from the film The Batman (2022) that explores the Penguin's rise to power in Gotham City's criminal underworld. LeFranc serves as the showrunner of the series, which DC Studios produced in association with Warner Bros. Television.
Summary
This thrilling crime drama examines Oz Cobb's quest for control in Gotham City. With the city in peril following the seawall's collapse, Oz seeks to fill the power vacuum left by the death of Carmine Falcone and finally give his mother, Francis (portrayed by Deirdre O'Connell), the life he's always promised. But first, Oz must confront his enemies, including Carmine's children, Sofia Falcone (portrayed by Cristin Milioti) and Alberto Falcone (portrayed by Michael Zegen); the Maroni family, led by their imprisoned patriarch, Salvatore Maroni (portrayed by Clancy Brown); and Oz's demoralizing reputation as "The Penguin".
Why It's The Penguin's City Now
- Like Peacemaker, a spin-off to The Suicide Squad, this serves as an excellent spin-off to an already well-received film by making it where it is a spin-off show that focuses on a particular villain instead of a hero; it makes the former become the main character/protagonist of the show; hence, the show is called The Penguin.
- It also serves as a direct sequel to The Batman set a week after Riddler's arrest.
- Also, instead of the show being TV-14 since The Batman is PG-13, it is TV-MA, which works well thanks to the inclusion of sex, murder, and swearing.
- The concept of a Penguin TV show is an excellent idea since it focuses on the villain of the same name and explains the Penguin's origin story about his rise in Gotham City's world after The Batman. This paid off in the end since the results worked.
- Colin Farrell does an excellent job portraying the Penguin, helped by his quick thinking and ability to escape danger quickly.
- Likewise, the performances from Rhenzy Feliz and Cristin Milioti as Victor and Sofia are amazing as well.
- Great cinematography with colors that darken up its scenes to add to the show's tone, and camera angles make it look like one is watching a movie.
- Excellent dark tone that darkens the film's tone and helps its darkness, villain point.
- The show doesn't shy away from its tone either, with corruption, murder as mentioned, and the aftermath of the Riddler's flooding of Gotham City to detail here.
- Excellent action scenes like the hijacking scene in Episode 2, the drug deal in Episode 5, and the fight between Sal and Oz in Episode 7.
- There's also a horrifying scene in Episode 4 where Sofia discovers her entire family (minus Alberto and Gia) frame her as the Hangman.
- The ending. Although Sofia Falcone is sent back to Arkham, Oz deems Victor to have outlived his usefulness and strangles him to death.
- What's even more shocking and also depressing is that Victor could've had the chance to leave Oz if he wanted; instead, he chose to stay around and ultimately paid the price.
- Overall, this show is a major improvement over the CW Batman shows without the titular character like Batwoman and Gotham Knights.
- "Fuck your mother, you dirty rat! Fuck your mother!"
Bad Qualities
- Oswald Cobblepot here is renamed to Oswald Cobb, likely in an attempt to be "realistic", but remember, this is set in a universe with a bat-themed vigilante.
- The pacing can make the show a bit boring at times.
Reception
The Penguin received acclaim for its writing, acting, and direction. It has a 94% on Rotten Tomatoes.