As a seasoned gamer and binge-watcher with a knack for dark, gritty narratives, I must say that The Penguin has proven to be a riveting addition to my entertainment library. With its intricate plotlines, unpredictable character arcs, and an impressive cast led by Colin Farrell’s captivating portrayal of Oz Cobblepot, this spinoff from Matt Reeves’ The Batman has truly captured my attention.
One key takeaway from the HBO series “The Penguin,” a spinoff from Matt Reeves’ “The Batman,” seems to be that anyone can find themselves in danger. In an impressive Episode 4 titled “Cent’anni,” Sofia Falcone (played by Cristin Milioti) ended up gassing many of her own family members. The series started with a bang when Oz Cobb (portrayed by Colin Farrell) cold-bloodedly killed Alberto Falcone. By the end of Episode 5, Sofia’s remaining “partner,” Johnny Viti (played by the talented Michael Kelly), suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the back of his head.
As I said, no one truly is safe.
The intriguing aspect of Johnny Viti’s death is that it appeared as though he managed to survive the ordeal by persuading Sofia Falcone to spare him. He spoke, much like many characters do throughout this series, until she granted him the chance to continue living. However, his actions at the table, in front of her enforcer, ultimately led to his demise. After the broadcast of The Penguin Episode 5, I had a conversation with Michael Kelly, and when I directly asked him if it feels strange to watch himself meet such a violent end on screen, he frankly shared with TopMob that it was an honest response.
Following the second episode, my sister messaged me with a concern: “You’re going to perish! I just know it! I can’t stand watching you die!” However, that’s all part of the job. I didn’t reveal anything to her, instead saying, “I won’t ruin it for you, just keep watching.” But truthfully, it feels strange doing what I do. Lying there in a pool of my own blood, holding my breath as people gather around me to donate money… that was quite unsettling. Yet, considering the number of times I’ve died on screen, it seems normal now.
Michael Kelly acknowledged right from the start that Johnny Viti wouldn’t live long. This was made clear to him by showrunner Lauren LeFranc of “The Penguin” series, who informed him that his character would appear in only five episodes. Upon hearing this, Kelly thought, “I’m doomed. I understand,” and tragically, he met a violent end as a result.
One reason why the current “Penguin” series stands out among DC’s streaming offerings is that it delivers real dramatic tension. Rarely does an episode pass without Oz (Farrell) appearing to be cornered by a foe, only for him to devise a cunning escape plan. The show manages to keep Batman’s presence almost irrelevant, even though it takes place in Gotham City.
We’re running out of episodes for The Penguin, but there’s still much story to be shared. Then, the narrative torch will be handed over to Matt Reeves, who will continue the tale in The Batman: Part 2, due in cinemas in 2026.
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2024-10-25 15:07