Is ‘The Penguin’ the Bloody Crime Saga We Need?

Episode seven of The Penguin on HBO Max packs a punch that perfectly encapsulates the series as a whole. In this scene, Oswald “Oz” Cobb, portrayed by Colin Farrell, receives a delivery to his underground base, which serves as a hub for processing narcotics. Much to his horror, the delivery turns out to be a bomb with a ticking timer. Instead of alerting the people around him, Oz makes a split-second decision to save himself by descending down a ladder into a lower tunnel as the bomb explodes, likely taking out most of his associates in the process.

The Penguin takes a fresh approach to the DC comics source material, steering clear of superheroes and heroism commonly associated with the genre. Set in Gotham, the show introduces viewers to a gritty crime drama without the presence of Batman, Commissioner Gordon, or other familiar characters from the Bat-mythos. While this may disappoint fans expecting trick umbrellas and bird-themed heists, The Penguin offers a compelling narrative for crime drama enthusiasts uninterested in traditional superhero elements.

Even if you’re new to the character and his universe, or haven’t seen Matt Reeves’ film The Batman featuring Farrell’s portrayal of the villain, you can easily follow the series. By deviating from the comic book depiction of Penguin, as well as the versions seen in previous Batman adaptations, the show draws inspiration from classic crime films like The Long Good Friday and Goodfellas, delivering a cinematic experience without the typical superhero tropes.

The pilot episode introduces us to Oswald Cobb, a cunning criminal navigating the power struggle between Gotham’s crime families, the Moronis and the Falcones. After the death of crime lord Carmine Falcone, his daughter Sofia and her hotheaded brother, Alberto, vie for control. However, a fateful encounter between Oz and Alberto leads to a deadly confrontation, setting the stage for a series of impulsive and ruthless acts by Oz as he maneuvers his way through the criminal underworld.

The character of Sofia Falcone, portrayed by Cristin Milioti, adds another layer of complexity to the narrative, bringing a mix of vulnerability and pent-up rage to the screen. As the series unfolds, Sofia’s tragic backstory and quest for vengeance against her family shed light on the darker side of Gotham’s underworld. Meanwhile, Oz seizes the opportunity presented by Alberto’s demise to trigger a war between rival families and solidify his own position within the criminal hierarchy.

Amidst the backdrop of the drug trade and power struggles, the characters in The Penguin grapple with their own demons and motivations, showcasing a blend of cunning tactics and personal vendettas. Sofia’s traumatic past and desire for retribution contrast with Oz’s calculated schemes and relentless pursuit of power. As the series progresses, viewers are compelled to reevaluate their perceptions of these morally ambiguous characters and their shifting allegiances within the competitive world of organized crime.