As a long-time fan of the Batman universe, I can confidently say that HBO’s upcoming series, “The Penguin,” has truly outdone itself. Having grown up watching numerous adaptations, I must admit that this eight-episode limited series has managed to breathe fresh air into the titular villain, all while maintaining the intrigue and complexity that we’ve come to expect from Gotham’s criminal underworld.
Following an almost unidentifiable portrayal of Colin Farrell as Oswald Cobblepot (aka The Penguin) in Matt Reeves’ film “The Batman,” this notorious antagonist will take center stage in a solo TV series slated for 2024, airing on HBO starting September 19. Unlike the Dark Knight, this spinoff won’t feature Batman, but critics are expressing enthusiasm without him, as the DC crime series is receiving high praise. Having watched the eight-episode run myself, I concur with the general opinion that showrunner Lauren LeFranc has crafted a Gotham city filled with intriguing characters and an in-depth examination of our title villain.
To begin with, it’s worth noting that HBO’s “The Penguin” has garnered more favorable reviews on Rotten Tomatoes than this year’s film, earning a Certified Fresh rating of 93% from critics. On the other hand, “The Batman” currently holds an impressive 85%. These scores mirror Nick Venable’s thoughts, who praises Colin Farrell’s Penguin as DC’s most fully developed live-action villain to date, even suggesting he might prefer Farrell’s Penguin over Robert Pattinson’s portrayal of Batman. Jordan Bassett of NME shares a similar sentiment, describing Farrell as “astonishing.” Bassett awards the show 4 out of 5 stars.
The strength of The Penguin lies in its intricate characters and engaging storyline. While Cobb could easily be a stereotype – a mafia man with a deep affection for his mom – the source of his ambition and simmering anger towards the world is skillfully revealed, creating an irresistible plot. It also becomes clear that Deirdre O’Connell’s character, Cobb’s ailing mother, has hidden depths.
According to Fay Watson from GamesRadar, this new series offers a unique perspective on the main antagonist. However, it’s the side characters in The Penguin’s crew that truly stand out for her critique. Rhenzy Feliz delivers an impressive portrayal as Victor Aguilar, Oz’s driver and protege, but it’s Cristin Milioti’s powerful performance as Sofia Falcone that leaves the deepest impression. Watson awards the series 3.5 stars out of 5.
This show stands out particularly well due to Sofia’s narrative. By making a female crime boss the focus, showrunner Lauren LeFranc manages to steer clear of typical imitations of genre staples like Scarface and The Godfather, instead offering an original, captivating spin. Milioti excels in both her flashback and present-day storylines as her character’s backstory unfolds, providing one of the most impressive performances in Batman’s screen adaptations to date.
Aramide Tinubu from Variety suggests that characters like Oz and Sofia aren’t naturally born, but rather, they are carefully crafted. The series, “The Penguin,” offers a gripping portrayal of the kind of world that shaped these criminal figures into who they ultimately became. Tinubu further explains:
Despite being frequently underestimated due to his physical appearance, low social standing, and limp, Farrell’s character is depicted as a man whose thoughts race at an incredible speed. Ambitious to gain control of the city no matter the price, Oz skillfully manipulates those around him, including Vic, whose longing for family strengthens his allegiance to his boss. The series, rather than focusing solely on Oz’s mindset and his fixations on status, plush-colored vehicles, and Eve (played by Carmen Ejogo), a sex worker and his confidant, delves into the consequences of unaddressed societal issues.
In her review at The Mary Sue, Rachel Leishman awards “The Penguin” a perfect score of 5 out of 5 crime families, praising Colin Farrell’s portrayal as meeting her expectations from The Sopranos. According to Leishman, the core of the upcoming Batman series revolves around the bond between Oz and Victor, where Oz assumes a paternal role towards the orphaned teenager. With Oz suffering from a clubfoot and Vic having a stutter, they find common ground that enriches the series in her opinion. Leishman’s assessment is one I share as well.
Discovering a gentler aspect of Oz significantly humanizes The Penguin’s character compared to previous Gotham narratives, making it feel less like a typical story involving a man in a top hat with an umbrella and a monocle obsession. However, the ambition to control and ruin Gotham remains within this new version of Oswald, just as it did previously. The unexpected moment when he shows compassion towards Vic, nurturing his growth in Gotham, adds depth to the series, making it more compelling.
According to Amon Warmman from Empire, this new Gotham series receives 4 out of 5 stars. He notes that it’s a worthy comeback, deserving its place due to one of The Batman’s captivating portrayals. Colin Farrell and Cristin Milioti deliver exceptional performances that justify the creation of an entire series, while showrunner Lauren LeFranc skillfully explores the various facets of the classic villain, as stated by Warmann himself.
In every scene, LeFranc skillfully maintains a delicate balance between making Oz seem compassionate and relatable, yet never losing sight of his ruthless nature. From one episode to the next, you find yourself both admiring Oz’s wit and nerve – he often manages to talk his way out of dangerous situations by thinking swiftly – and shuddering at the horrific acts he commits. The ongoing intrigue of his plots keeps the story moving briskly with an element of surprise, as it doesn’t hesitate to deliver major twists when needed. Jason Farrell delivers a captivating performance in this role, adding layers of subtle vulnerability to the larger, more robust qualities we’ve come to anticipate.
Additionally, I too grappled with my feelings towards the characters in “The Penguin,” as I found myself appreciating them despite their heinous actions and unforgivable treacheries. Thus, I find myself aligning with those who view this production as a valuable interim, keeping us entertained until Matt Reeves’ “The Batman: Part II” graces the big screen in 2026. Given its extended delay, it’s reassuring to know there are numerous other DC series on the horizon for us to enjoy.
The limited series starring “The Penguin” will debut at 9 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, September 19, on HBO, and it’s available for streaming if you have a Max subscription. If you’d like to rewatch “The Batman” to build anticipation for Colin Farrell’s spinoff series, you can find it on Max as well – an excellent choice among the top streaming services!
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2024-09-16 22:37