As a fan of gritty, character-driven narratives and a connoisseur of the Batman universe, I can confidently say that “The Penguin” is a breath of fresh air in the DC television landscape. The series masterfully takes a familiar gangster trope and injects it with a unique blend of intrigue, suspense, and emotional depth that sets it apart from its predecessors.
In Matt Reeves’ 2022 film “The Batman,” Colin Farrell’s portrayal of Oswald “Oz” Cobblepot (also known as the Penguin) was particularly compelling, and it would have been fascinating to delve deeper into his character. Fortunately, Hollywood seems to have recognized this potential, as evidenced by HBO’s upcoming DC spin-off series “The Penguin,” created by Lauren LeFranc. This show promises a complex and engaging examination of the Penguin within the Batman universe that can be enjoyed even without prior knowledge of the characters or storyline.
In the aftermath of “The Batman,” a new story unfolds to establish the present state: Gotham’s ruthless crime lord, Carmine Falcone (Mark Strong), has met his end, leaving a power vacuum in the criminal underworld. Typically, power would pass to Falcone’s son, Alberto (Michael Zegen), despite his struggles with alcohol and drugs, making him less than an optimal choice for ruling the city streets. However, Oz, a loyal enforcer within the Falcone family, sees this as a chance to seize control and ascend as the new crime boss of Gotham. With a deep understanding of the criminal game and cunning intellect, Oz is poised to outmaneuver and deceive his way to power. Despite initial setbacks, he remains adaptable, swiftly adjusting in every perilous circumstance, starting with an unplanned encounter that culminates in him shooting Alberto dead and attempting to erase any evidence of his actions.
While trying to secretly dispose of a body, Victor Aguilar (Rhenzy Feliz), a streetwise orphan who has bonded with Oz due to promises of a better life, encounters a group of kids attempting to steal his car. To help him eliminate a troublemaker named Alberto, Victor is held at gunpoint by Oz. Fearful yet captivated by Oz’s power and charisma, Victor follows his instructions, hoping to become his trusted ally. As they act, the duo becomes entangled in a conflict between the Falcone and Maroni crime families, instigated by Oz as part of his plan to watch them fight while he emerges victorious.
Despite his cunning scheme, it proves challenging when Falcone’s other child, Sofia (played by Cristin Milioti), reappears following a ten-year stint in Arkham, accused of killing seven women and deemed mentally unstable. She has long suspected Oz’s wrongdoing, having previously worked as his driver, and believes he is responsible for her brother’s death. All she needs now is evidence to confirm her suspicions. Their enmity ignites during an unsettling dinner, leading to a ruthless drug war in the underworld marked by corpses, personal deceit, and brutal psychological combat.
The makings of a conventional gangster epic in the DC universe
If “The Penguin” storyline seems reminiscent of classic gangster films such as “Scarface” and “The Long Good Friday,” it’s intentional. Essentially, Lauren LeFranc’s series follows the conventional pattern of a mobster saga but sets it in Gotham City. The protagonist, Oz, is an aspiring criminal figure who has risen through the ranks unexpectedly. Born into a struggling and dysfunctional Italian-American household, he was marked by physical disability and a fascination with dangerous criminals in organized crime. Throughout his life, Oz faced being overlooked, underestimated, and dismissed as an insignificant underling, but his determination and cunning have led him to greatness.
In “The Penguin” series, the foundation is laid using Oz’s past traumas, imperfections, and his skewed self-image, which fuels an unyielding determination within him. An emotional depth is added through his relationship with his mother, portrayed brilliantly by Deirdre O’Connell, that offers a deep insight into Oz’s fierce nature and yearning for love and validation. This bond serves as a crucial and potent element to help us comprehend why Oz is so relentless in his pursuit of greatness, even if it means sacrificing lives or deceiving himself. Despite the questionable motives behind his actions and greed, this delusional need propels him to the pinnacle of Gotham City.
In no small part, Cristin Milioti’s portrayal of Sofia Carmine adds a captivating dimension to the world of Oz, as her character grapples with hardships distinct from those faced by others. For Sofia, it’s a lifetime marked by humiliation, manipulation, and a desire for vengeance – a quest driven by the need to avenge her mother and demonstrate to a dynasty dominated by arrogant and corrupt men that she is not someone to be disregarded or dismissed. In essence, her character and that of Oz’s are two broken souls, each seeking power in their own way.
Colin Farrell and Cristin Milioti feed off of each other
When Colin Farrell and Cristin Milioti appear together, they command every scene and boost each other’s impact. Farrell, committed and meticulous in portraying the title character, pays careful attention to even the smallest details. He masterfully captures Oz’s accent, physicality, and volatile temperament, leaving you questioning if he might be too perfect for this role. In contrast, Milioti delves into Sofia from a unique perspective, conveying a deeply emotional vulnerability that evolves into icy and relentless cruelty. She’s an unstoppable force, matching her co-star’s intensity, and it’s all evident in this performance.
In summary, “The Penguin” may not revolutionize the genre, but it surpasses many comic book TV adaptations by offering a gritty, violent, and somber depiction, appealing only to those who appreciate its depth. Rather than catering to everyone, it provides a nuanced character analysis without resorting to gratuitous fan service. It remains true to its well-crafted source material, allowing its compelling characters to take center stage at every turn. In today’s sea of anti-heroes and villains, this show is a precious gem that merits recognition.
“The Penguin” premieres on Max on September 19.
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2024-09-17 02:00