The Penguin review: Batman spin-off is unapologetically gratifying

Gotham without Batman? Well, the new HBO show The Penguin – a spin-off of The Batman [directed by Matt Reeves], makes for a compelling case. The series, despite being a franchise offshoot, doesn’t feel like one. Created by Lauren LeFranc, The Penguin stands on its own, deep diving into the criminal world of Batverse with dwindling politics at the core.
Just like in The Batman, loyalty and morality are at the mercy of those in power and Oz Cobb, played by the fantastic Colin Farrell, is not going to let anyone underestimate him any more. Clawing his way up to Gotham’s crime syndicates, The Penguin chronicles his story from being a crime boss’ henchman to a kingpin.
Fast-forward a week into the events at the end of The Batman [2022], Carmine Falcone’s (John Turturro) death, has left a power vacuum in the city of Gotham. While the family decides on the successor, Oz sees an opportunity that would be a shame to pass on. However, he must deal with Carmine’s daughter Sophia (Critin Milioti), a psychopath who was released from Arkham State Hospital. Beyond her, Cob also must consider the rival mob family, led by Salvatore Maroni (Clancy Brown).
While no one sees him as a potential threat, beyond his scarred face with a limp on a disfigured foot, Cob is threading ahead with a half-righteous heart. He is equal parts terrifying and impulsive, but also scared and panicky. This is exactly what makes Oz Cob the perfect villain. What truly elevates Oz’s presence is the enigmatic presence of actor Colin Farrell.
Here’s the trailer:

Colin lends so much of his performance genius to Oz. The make-up transformation is a huge yay that allows you to forget Farrell completely. The mighty excellence of the actor, however, is in the nuances he brings to Oz, be it his nonchalant grace, or his impulsive character almost coming across as a sociopath. Unlike The Batman, the tonal shift in Colin’s accent for the spin-off adds so much weight to the entire series. There is a certain underbelly charm in his almost remorseful-looking, innocent act.
His brilliance can be seen in scenes where he goes after kids like a roughed-up thug and instead takes one of them (Victor, played by Rhenzy Feliz) under his wings in another scene. It is this unpredictability that makes The Penguin an intriguing and gratifying watch. Allowing an insight into his other side, we see his dynamics with Mother Francis (Deirdre O’Connell), who encourages Cob in a feisty masculine way, reminding him that he is a man not to be taken lightly.
Cristin (of How I Met Your Mother fame) as Sophia – also called Hangman – has truly given a glimpse of what one can expect in this series, with The Penguin and Hangman going head-to-head to control Gotham. Episode one of the series tells you why DC made the best decision to make this spin-off, because it is probably one of the best TV shows you will watch in recent times.
The show wonderfully balances violence with drama and dry humour. However, it is also trying to tell too much, all at once. There is a parallel track of Colin with almost every character but not fully establishing or exploring them. But this is just the first episode. In the coming episodes, the dynamics will hopefully be fully explored.
However, the fact that DC isn’t undermining its audience and continues with its dark, gritty approach in the series emboldens the fandom to know that they are not going the Marvel way. The Penguin only affirms that this is going to get darker and grittier, and you are not prepared for it!
The Penguin is streaming on Jio Cinema in India. It has a total of 8 episodes. The first episode is now available, which will be followed by the release of one episode every week.
4 out of 5 stars for The Penguin.