TV Review - The Penguin Episode 1
Images courtesy of Binge.
Woke up this morning, got yourself a gun.
It feels like a moot point to once again acknowledge the sheer proliferation of superhero cinematic universes which has enveloped pop culture for nearly twenty years – splicing intellectual properties together like a botched backroom surgery. And by now, we’re aware that any new franchise expansion tends to provoke a collective fatigued groan – this writer included. But if an expansion can justify itself, surely, it’s worth the effort. Thankfully, HBO's latest series, The Penguin, proves its worth by deepening the lore of the recently retitled Batman Epic Crime Saga, offering a grounded portrayal that strips away the standardised genre theatrics of the genre to emphasise a humanised struggle for power and survival in Gotham's underworld.
Two years on from the release of Matt Reeves’ monstrous iteration The Batman, or just one week after the events in-universe (whatever, time isn’t real); Gotham is on its knees. Chaos reigns in a ravaged city amidst a surging crime wave in the aftermath of a catastrophic deluge at the hands of Mark David Chapman Riddler (Paul Dano). It’s safe to say that what little stability Gotham had before is now entirely drowned in bedlam. Further cementing Gotham’s catastrophic descent is the recent assassination of mob boss Carmine Falcone, spurring a distinct power vacuum which has rival factions clawing for control. But it’s the disfigured, calculating gadfly Oz Cobb (Colin Farrell) — the titular Penguin – who emerges hobbling from the shadows to cement dominance over an empire of decay. Once serving as Falcone’s former chief lieutenant, Oz is no longer content to simply play second fiddle. He’s no Paulie Walnuts. He’s ready to stake his claim.
Elevated from a supporting role to his own series, Farrell wastes no time to sink his heavily prosthesis-laden gold-toothed maw into this role, channeling a grounded humanised iteration of one of Batman’s most enduring villains. Emerging as a standout in the cinematic counterpart, Farrell surprises nobody in harnessing the elongated multi-episodic structure to elicit nuance – equal bits cunning, intimidating, and bumbling. There’s a complexity to this character which we initially caught glimpses of previously, but they’re given space to flourish here. However, Farrell’s towering presence (metaphorically of course, Oz Cobb is but a stump of a man) is quickly and fiercely matched by the reemergence of Sofia Falcone (Cristin Milioti) – also known as the Hangman – a psychotic mass-murderer recently released from Arkham, vying for control of her late father’s empire. Milioti’s portrayal is mesmerizing and terrifying, radiating a subdued, unhinged unpredictability. She recognises his capabilities, but she’s no less of a formidable threat in her own right.
As far as pilot episodes go, After Hours effectively sets the stage for the chaos to come while smoothly transitioning Matt Reeves’ cinematic iteration into an episodic format. As such, the world’s expanse plays host to a slew of promising new characters, with Clancy Brown’s portrayal of Sal – an imprisoned rival crime boss imprisoned – standing out as a particularly menacing addition. However, Vic (Rhenzy Feliz), Oz’s newly appointed enforcer and right-hand man, has yet to find his footing. In the shadow of the magnetic presences of Oz and Sofia, Vic feels somewhat underwhelming for now, lacking the same gravitas. Still, it will be interesting to see how his dynamic with Oz shifts as the series unfolds.
Yes, it’s important to acknowledge the Tony Soprano-sized elephant in the room. Whether it be owing to Oz’s character design, or the fact that this series is airing on the same network – undoubtedly the comparisons will continue to abound in its surface-level relation to HBO’s landmark crime-drama titan. However, despite its grounded, humanised portrayal of an iconic Batman villain, it’s still a tale deeply entrenched within the world of the Dark Knight. Drawing out the melancholic chaos of its cinematic counterpart, The Penguin’s premiere episode enables a seamless transition in format – offering a richly textured character study which hooks you from minute aught.
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The Penguin is airing with new episodes released each Monday on Binge. For more info/to watch, click here.