The Penguin: A Dark, Gritty Masterpiece Expands Matt Reeves’ Gotham – Review

The Penguin series is a riveting journey into Gotham’s criminal underworld.

The Penguin series is a masterpiece, premiering September 19 on HBO and Max. It continues to build upon the dark, gritty world of Gotham established in Matt Reeves’ The Batman. This limited series is a thrilling, addictive ride from start to finish. It captures the essence of a city steeped in corruption and power struggles. Reeves’ vision of Gotham might not align with every fan’s imagination, but it’s undeniably compelling. His creation offers a noir take on the iconic setting that feels raw and real.

Led by Colin Farrell as Oz Cobb, aka The Penguin, the series explores his rise to power in Gotham’s criminal underworld. Farrell’s portrayal of the villain is pure brilliance. From his menacing walk to his gruff voice, he fully embodies Oz, creating a character that feels both larger than life and terrifyingly human. Farrell’s performance is so immersive that it’s easy to forget you’re watching an actor beneath layers of prosthetics. His work here deserves every accolade and award.

The supporting cast is equally fantastic, each character, major or minor, contributing to the richness of this world. Cristin Milioti shines as Sofia Falcone, a strong and cunning female lead who surprises at every turn. Milioti’s portrayal brings a fresh, fierce energy to the Batman universe, making Sofia a game-changing character. Rhenzy Feliz, as new character Victor Aguilar, delivers a standout performance, effectively establishing his purpose within the story.

As a Persian viewer, I was thrilled by Shohreh Aghdashloo’s inclusion as Nadia Maroni.

Not only is Aghdashloo’s performance captivating, but the series also highlights Persian culture, with Farsi spoken and traditions subtly woven into the narrative. It’s a rare and welcome moment of representation, further enriched by Clancy Brown’s portrayal of Salvatore Maroni, who is well versed in the culture.

The Penguin is pure TV gold, with production values that rival any high-budget film. The series feels cinematic in every frame, with its moody visuals and impeccable attention to detail. The costume and makeup teams deserve special recognition for their transformative work on Farrell and the rest of the cast, which truly brings these characters to life.

Behind the scenes, showrunner Lauren LeFranc has crafted a psychological deep dive into Oz’s character. In her own words, the series is “less a traditional ‘rise to power’ story and more the origin of a monster.” This approach allows the show to explore themes of trauma, masculinity, identity, and the cost of an unrelenting desire for power. LeFranc masterfully balances the exploration of these themes with the violent, high-stakes world of Gotham, making the series not just a comic book adaptation, but a reflection of real-world issues.

Verdict

I give The Penguin 5 out 5 stars. It is one of the best shows to exist, delivering a dark and complex narrative that leaves a lasting impression. With outstanding performances, especially from Farrell, and a gripping story that delves into the psychology of Gotham’s underworld, this series is a must-watch.

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