by Jameson Butler
Feature Editor
“The Penguin”, released on 09/19/2024, is an eight episode crime drama written and produced by television writer Lauren LeFranc. It holds a 94% on Rotten Tomatoes as of its conclusion, and has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics, indicating its success for both fans and professionals alike.
In the aftermath of “The Batman” (2022) Oswald Cobblepot tries to rise through the ranks of gotham’s criminal elite, with a power vacuum left to be filled in the city’s underbelly, the Penguin seeks to consolidate power, navigating a complex world of betrayal, manipulation, and ruthless ambition. It captures a darker, more grounded side to the city in comparison to the franchise’s flashier antagonists.
The leading actor Colin Farrell makes the character of Oswald Cobblepot his own, adding a newfound sense of depth to their roles while not diminishing the source materials. Colin Farrell’s portrayal of Cobblepot is undoubtedly the highlight of The Penguin. His performance under heavy makeup and prosthetics is nothing short of remarkable. Farrell embodies Cobblepot with a mix of menace, vulnerability, and even humor at times.
Visually, “The Penguin” is as atmospheric as it is grimy. The city of Gotham is comparable to a character in its own right, reacting positively and negatively to the things that happen within it. The miniseries benefits from the same cinematic sensibility showcased in Matt Reeves’ The Batman. During the production of this movie, production designer James Chinlund asked the question “If Gotham was a real place in America right now, how could we start to unpack that?” and with the expansion of this in “The Penguin”, it is safe to say it has been answered.
The series does occasionally lean into predictable mob drama tropes, taking clear inspiration from some of its successors in the genre such as The Sopranos, but this is both outweighed and even serves to compliment the series’ sharp humor and fascinating characters.
“The Penguin” is a gripping addition to the expanding saga of Matt Reeves’ universe, offering a deeper look into one of its more popular villains. Colin Farrel’s performance and the series’ focus on moral ambiguity and the mechanics of power in the city of Gotham make it a compelling watch for long time viewers and new fans alike.