Review: 'The Penguin' shows an explicit avatar of Colin Farrell you can’t help but root for

The world of Batman has always thrived on its dark, layered, and morally ambiguous characters, and with The Penguin spinning off from The Batman (2022), the spotlight shifts from the Caped Crusader to one of Gotham's most infamous villains, Oswald Cobblepot. But in this new incarnation, The Penguin doesn't feel like just another franchise offshoot—it stands on its own as a rich and complex underworld saga, delivering both political undertones and captivating drama.

At the center of the show is Oz Cobb, a far cry from the cartoonish, umbrella-wielding villain we might remember from past iterations. Played by Colin Farrell, who reprises his role from The Batman, Oz is a grizzled, calculating figure, determined to rise to the top of Gotham’s criminal hierarchy. Farrell's transformation is remarkable, with heavy prosthetics altering his appearance to the point of being unrecognizable. Yet it’s his performance—his shifts in voice, body language, and demeanor—that truly make Oz a captivating character.

Farrell’s portrayal shows a man torn between ruthless ambition and moments of strange, almost reluctant humanity. His moral compass, if he even has one, is as warped as Gotham itself, but Farrell brings enough depth to the role that you can't help but root for him, despite knowing he’s likely a sociopath.

Gotham City itself plays a significant role in the story, almost acting as a character in its own right. Following the devastating floods from the climax of The Batman, the city is in chaos, providing the perfect backdrop for a power struggle in the criminal underworld. Oz sees this chaos as an opportunity, a chance to exploit the fractured landscape and secure his place as Gotham’s next kingpin. The series wastes no time in setting the stage for a gritty turf war, with Oz and his rivals vying for control of the streets.

This is the Gotham we’ve come to expect from DC—a city that molds its residents into monsters, survivors, or something in between.

At the heart of The Penguin is a power struggle between two formidable characters: Oz and Sofia Falcone (Cristin Milioti). Sofia, recently released from Arkham and freshly out of rehab, returns to Gotham to reclaim her family’s empire after the death of her father, Carmine Falcone. While her brother Alberto is the natural heir, his addictions make him a weak leader, leaving a power vacuum that both Sofia and Oz are eager to fill.

In just one episode, The Penguin manages to set up a sprawling, intricate world with plenty of potential for future episodes. The pacing is sharp, packing in enough action, intrigue, and character development to keep viewers hooked. While comparisons to The Sopranos are inevitable given the focus on mob dynamics and personal ambition, The Penguin manages to carve out its own identity. It takes familiar elements from the Batman universe and spins them into something fresh and unexpected. There’s no Batman swooping in to save the day, and the show is better for it—allowing the supporting characters of Gotham to take center stage.

The Verdict

In the end, The Penguin is a gritty, absorbing crime drama that proves there’s still plenty of life left in Gotham’s underworld. With a strong cast, engaging storylines, and a compelling portrayal of Oz Cobb’s rise to power, the series promises to be a dark and thrilling addition to the Batman universe. 

Rating

****(4/5) stars