The Penguin

While it was Paul Dano’s Riddler who was the main antagonist in Mat Reeves’s The Batman, Colin Farrell’s performance as mobster Oz Cobb was undeniably another of that film’s many highlights. After only appearing in a handful of scenes, though, this version of the comic book villain now has a chance to shine in The Penguin. By capturing the tone of its predecessor alongside boasting a tremendous cast, showrunner Lauren LeFranc makes this spin-off a worthy follow-up, even if there’s no Batman to be seen this time around.

Taking place some weeks after the end of the 2022 movie, the show opens with Gotham in disarray. The mass flooding has devastated communities, and the death of mob boss Carmine Falcone has resulted in his son filling the role. However, after Cobb impulsively kills his new boss only minutes into the first episode, he decides to make a play to grab power for himself. But with Falcone’s daughter Sofia (Cristin Milioti) freshly released from Arkham Asylum growing suspicious, he finds himself in a precarious situation.

Farrell is nothing short of outstanding. Wearing layers of make-up and speaking with a thick New York accent, the actor is virtually unrecognisable as he effortlessly melts into the role. Far from Danny DeVito’s more cartoonish portrayal of the character, this Penguin is the quintessential gangster archetype. If his large build and scarred face isn’t enough to let viewers know that he’s someone who’s not to be messed with, then the ease at which he commits violence surely will.

As ferocious as Cobb is, the show also takes the opportunity to examine the character’s softer side. This comes predominately with the mentor bond he forms with Victor (Rhenzy Feliz), a youth who Cobb entrusts after catching him trying to steal his car. There’s also an impactful scene early on between Cobb and his mother (Deirdre O’Connell), which hints at what kind of upbringing he had. Milioti is likewise fantastic, with her menacing eyes conveying how unstable her character is.

Driving it all forward is the same gritty tone which coloured Gotham in Reeves’s film, complete with similar ominous pulsating strings (this time composed by Giacchino’s son Mike). If the slick execution of the first episode is anything to go by, The Penguin is set to be a thrilling piece of television.

Andrew Murray

The Penguin is released on Sky on 20^th September 2024.

Watch the trailer for The Penguin here: