The Penguin is a deep exploration of human character and how some events can shape our destiny, set in a dark and gritty Gotham.
Matt Reeves’ The Batman is one of the best DC movies that we have gotten in years, so it came as no surprise when a spin-off was planned. Colin Farrell’s performance as Oz Cobb, also known as The Penguin, was a fan favorite of the film so it naturally made sense to explore his life – and his descent into what can only be described as pure evil. This eight-episode limited series, The Penguin, does exactly that.
Set in the same world as The Batman, Gotham is just about as dark and gritty as they come. This city has always been filled to the brim with crime, and that is no different in The Penguin. It feels as if Batman could swoop in at any moment and question Oz about what he has been up to. When a spin-off connects this seamlessly to the original, it should be applauded.
Of course, Colin Farrel is wonderful in this series. He did a great job portraying Oz in the movie, which has continued into this series. As the episodes continue, he changes and evolves – or should I say devolves – into the hardened and sadistic criminal that many fans know him as. With little to no remorse, it becomes difficult for viewers to continue to connect to him, and excuse his behavior – especially by the end of the final episode.
Fans of DC know that The Penguin has one very strong influence in his life – his mother. We finally get to explore that relationship with this version of the character, and I must say, Deirdre O’Connell is the perfect choice. Her and Farell ooze chemistry on screen. They work very, very well together.
Another standout in the series is a new-to-DC character, Victor, played by Rhenzy Feliz. Victor is unwillingly ushered into this life of crime by Oz’s side. Viewers see him change over the course of the series as well. There is one episode in particular, where we get to learn a lot about his past and how it has shaped him, where Feliz truly is able to shine.
All of that said, Cristin Milioti is the stand out of the series. Yes, the show is named The Penguin. Yes, it explores his character and human nature, and how the way someone is treated in their past can affect their future. But another character who is on an almost similar path is Sofia Falcone.
Milioti is brilliant in this role. She is empowering and badass. She is going to get what she wants no matter what, and is willing to do just about anything to do so. Episode 4 is hers, through and through. From that point on, viewers will be unable to take their eyes off of her whenever she is on the screen.
The Penguin is a deep exploration of human character and how some events can shape our destiny. This series will have fans of The Batman thrilled as it perfectly embodies that very same world. Gotham is dark and gritty, just as it should be. Colin Farrell is incredible, but Cristin Milioti steals the show.
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About The Penguin
Starring Colin Farrell as Oz Cobb (aka “The Penguin”), the eight-episode DC Studios series continues filmmaker Matt Reeves’ “The Batman” epic crime saga that began with Warner Bros. Pictures’ global blockbuster “The Batman.” Developed by showrunner Lauren LeFranc, the series centers on the character played by Farrell in the film.
The HBO Original limited series The Penguin, from Warner Bros. Television and DC Studios, begins with the series premiere on THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and will be available to stream on Max.
New episodes will then debut on Sunday nights at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and Max, continuing with episode two on Sunday, September 29.
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. She is also a Freelance Writer. Tessa has been in the Entertainment writing business for ten years and is a member of several Critics Associations including the Critics Choice Association and the Greater Western New York Film Critics Association.