HBO’s The Penguin (2024) expands on the dark, gritty world established in Matt Reeves’ The Batman (2022), shifting the focus away from the Caped Crusader and toward one of Gotham City’s most notorious crime figures—Oswald “Oz” Cobblepot, aka the Penguin. Starring Colin Farrell in a stunning transformation, this limited series explores power, ambition, and survival within Gotham’s criminal underworld. With its noir-inspired storytelling, The Penguin presents a unique and compelling take on one of Batman’s most iconic foes.
A Spin-off That Stands on Its Own
When The Batman introduced audiences to Farrell’s Penguin, he was a secondary antagonist, a mid-level criminal operating under crime boss Carmine Falcone. Despite his limited screen time, Farrell’s performance left a lasting impression, leading HBO to greenlight a standalone series chronicling his rise in the Gotham underworld.
Unlike other Batman spin-offs that focus on the hero’s rogues’ gallery in the context of his vigilantism, The Penguin is a grounded, character-driven crime drama. It owes more to The Sopranos or Boardwalk Empire than to traditional superhero storytelling. By stripping away the fantastical elements, the show leans into the gritty realism that made The Batman so distinctive.
Plot Overview: The Rise of Oz Cobblepot
The series picks up in the immediate aftermath of The Batman, with Gotham City in disarray following the death of Carmine Falcone and the flooding caused by the Riddler’s attack. This power vacuum creates a battleground for control of Gotham’s criminal empire, and Oz sees an opportunity to climb the ranks.
However, Oz’s path to power isn’t easy. Sofia Falcone (Cristin Milioti), Carmine’s daughter, emerges as a key rival, determined to reclaim her family’s empire. Meanwhile, corrupt officials, rival gangsters, and even former allies threaten to thwart his ambitions. The show explores Oz’s cunning, brutality, and manipulative charm as he navigates Gotham’s treacherous criminal underworld.
Colin Farrell’s Performance: A Career-Defining Role
Farrell’s portrayal of the Penguin is the undeniable highlight of the series. Under heavy prosthetics and makeup, he disappears into the role, delivering a performance that is both grotesque and charismatic. Unlike previous iterations of the character, which often leaned into camp (such as Danny DeVito’s monstrous take in Batman Returns), Farrell’s Penguin is a grounded, streetwise gangster with an unrelenting drive to prove himself.
His physicality is crucial to the performance—his waddle-like gait, exaggerated gestures, and menacing presence make Oz a fascinating character to watch. Farrell balances brutality with surprising vulnerability, portraying Oz as a man desperate for respect in a world that has long underestimated him. His ability to oscillate between humor, menace, and pathos makes him one of the most compelling crime figures in modern television.
Cristin Milioti’s Sofia Falcone: A Formidable Opponent
One of the most exciting additions to Gotham’s underworld is Sofia Falcone, played by Cristin Milioti. Best known for her work in Palm Springs and Made for Love, Milioti brings a ruthless intensity to the role. As Carmine Falcone’s daughter, Sofia has grown up in a world of crime and betrayal. Her battle with Oz for control of Gotham is one of the most gripping aspects of the series.
Sofia is not a one-dimensional antagonist. While she is brutal and cunning, her motivations are deeply personal—she is not only fighting for her family’s legacy but also struggling to carve out her own identity in a world that has historically sidelined women in power. Her dynamic with Oz is electric, filled with tension, uneasy alliances, and inevitable betrayals.
The Atmosphere: Gotham at Its Grimiest
One of the show’s biggest strengths is its atmospheric storytelling. Gotham is a character in its own right, and The Penguin brings its decaying, crime-infested streets to life with stunning cinematography. Director Craig Zobel (Mare of Easttown) ensures that Gotham feels like a living, breathing city—one teetering on the edge of complete collapse.
The lighting, drenched in shadows and neon, captures the noir aesthetic that made The Batman visually stunning. The rain-soaked streets, dimly lit nightclubs, and smoky backrooms create an immersive setting that enhances the show’s crime thriller tone.
The Writing: Sharp, Gritty, and Brutal
The show’s writing is razor-sharp, capturing the cutthroat world of organized crime with authenticity. Unlike traditional superhero fare, The Penguin isn’t about costumed vigilantes—it’s about power plays, betrayals, and the corrupt systems that enable criminals like Oz to thrive.
Dialogue is a standout element. The exchanges between Oz and his rivals are loaded with subtext, threats disguised as pleasantries, and moments of dark humor that make even the most brutal scenes entertaining. The script does an excellent job of making Oz both repulsive and oddly sympathetic—he is, after all, a survivor in a world that devours the weak.
Action and Violence: Brutal and Unflinching
While The Penguin is primarily a crime drama, it doesn’t shy away from violence. The show’s action sequences are raw and intense, more in line with mob executions and brutal street fights than the stylized action of typical superhero series.
Every act of violence carries weight—when Oz takes out a rival or survives an assassination attempt, it feels earned. The series doesn’t glorify violence but presents it as a necessary evil in the world Oz inhabits. This approach adds to the show’s realism and keeps the stakes high.
Themes: Power, Legacy, and Identity
At its core, The Penguin is about the pursuit of power and the cost of ambition. Oz is a man who has spent his life being mocked and dismissed, but now he sees his chance to claim respect and control. The series examines what he is willing to sacrifice for that power—his morals, his allies, even his own humanity.
Sofia Falcone’s arc also explores legacy—can she truly escape her father’s shadow, or is she doomed to repeat his mistakes? Meanwhile, Gotham itself serves as a reflection of these themes, a city constantly rebuilding itself on the ruins of the past.
Potential Weaknesses: Does It Justify Its Existence?
While The Penguin is a strong entry into the Batman mythos, some may question whether a spin-off centered on a secondary villain was necessary. Without Batman as a looming presence, does the story carry enough weight on its own?
For the most part, the answer is yes. However, there are moments where the show feels like it is stretching its narrative—some subplots could be trimmed to maintain a tighter pace. Additionally, while Farrell is magnetic, the supporting cast doesn’t always get the same depth of development.
Final Verdict: A Must-Watch for Crime Drama Fans
The Penguin is an excellent expansion of The Batman’s universe, offering a compelling character study of one of Gotham’s most underrated villains. Farrell’s performance is mesmerizing, the writing is sharp, and the atmosphere is immersive. While the show may not be for everyone—especially those expecting traditional superhero action—it is a gripping crime drama that stands alongside some of the best in the genre.
For fans of The Batman, The Sopranos, and Boardwalk Empire, The Penguin is a must-watch. It solidifies Oz Cobblepot as more than just a secondary villain—he is now a leading figure in Gotham’s criminal underworld, and his rise is one worth watching.
