HBO’s The Penguin Delivers a Dark, Character-Driven Crime Drama

HBO’s The Penguin steps out of the shadows of Matt Reeves’ The Batman, turning a secondary villain into the star of a gritty crime saga. Anchored by a mesmerizing performance from Colin Farrell, who fully embodies Oswald “Oz” Cobb with prosthetics and a dark New York accent, the series pulls viewers into Gotham’s seedy underworld. Farrell’s take on the Penguin feels like a blend of iconic gangster roles, reminiscent of Tony Soprano and Scorsese’s mobsters.

One of the show’s biggest strengths is its atmosphere. From rain-soaked streets to dimly lit interiors, The Penguin is visually striking, drawing from the same shadowy, noir aesthetic as The Batman. The cinematography, though not quite at the level of Greig Fraser’s work in the movie, still effectively captures Gotham’s decay and tension.

The narrative picks up right after the events of The Batman, with Gotham reeling from Carmine Falcone’s death. Oswald sees this as his chance to rise in the ranks, but he’s not the only one vying for power. Cristin Milioti’s portrayal of Sofia Falcone, recently released from Arkham Asylum, adds a formidable adversary to Oz’s plans. The tension between these two is palpable, and Milioti’s performance has been widely praised as a scene-stealing presence.

The show masterfully balances character development with crime drama, focusing heavily on themes of class resentment and personal ambition. Oz’s relationship with his ailing mother, played by Deirdre O’Connell, adds a surprisingly emotional depth to his character, revealing the insecurities beneath his cold, calculated exterior.

While The Penguin shines in its performances and atmosphere, there are moments where the pacing lags. Some episodes feel overly long, and the flashbacks, though insightful, occasionally slow the momentum of the present-day plot.

Overall, The Penguin is a gripping addition to the DC universe, offering a fresh take on the crime genre within Gotham’s infamous city limits. It may not feature Batman himself, but it doesn’t need to—Colin Farrell’s Penguin is more than capable of carrying this dark tale on his own.

Score: 8/10