HBO Max’s The Penguin takes us back to Gotham City after the cataclysmic events of The Batman (2022). Flooding in the city creates chaos, and no one seizes the opportunity faster than Colin Farrell’s Oswald Copot. As the criminal landscape changes, Oswald is determined to reach the top and make a name for himself in the power vacuum left behind. Standing in his way, however, are Gotham City’s two major crime families – the Falcos, led by Alberto Falcone (Michael Zegen), and the formidable Salvador The Maloney family is led by Maroney (Clancy Brown) and his equally dangerous wife Nadia (Shori Agdaslo).
However, his unexpected guidance of Victor (Renzi Feliz), a young man who lost everything in the disaster, adds a poignant layer to the story. Victor initially joins Oswalt out of sheer necessity, in order to survive being mired in Gotham’s criminal underworld. Rather than a typical partnership in a crime drama, Oswald’s dynamic with Victor evolves into something akin to a twisted father figure. Despite Victor’s reluctance and obvious discomfort with the criminal lifestyle, Oswald takes him under his wing and guides him through the complexities of Gotham’s underworld.
Penguins Season 1 Episode 1 by Colin Farrell and Rhenzy Feliz Photography by Macall Polay HBO network ©2024 Network. all rights reserved
However, this guidance is far from traditional. Oswald’s motives are murky – his guidance is intertwined with manipulation, and he grooms Victor to achieve his own ambitious goals. This creates a fraught relationship filled with tension and unpredictability, as Victor struggles to overcome his dependence on Oswald while exploring his own moral compass. The dynamic between them adds a rich emotional depth to the show, highlighting the complexity of their characters and their intertwined destinies in the dark alleys of Gotham.
The stakes are raised with the return of Sofia Falcone (played by the ferocious Cristin Milioti). Sofia, who has spent the past decade in Arkham Asylum for a series of horrific murders, returns with a vengeance that threatens to upend Oswald’s plans. Cristin Milioti brings a believable unpredictability and ruthlessness to the character, giving Sofia an edge that makes her a formidable force in Gotham’s power dynamics.
Penguins Season 1, photo by Colin Farrell and Cristina Milioti Photography: Macall Polay HBO network ©2024 Network. all rights reserved
Colin Farrow’s performance as Oswald Cobblepot is nothing short of transformative. The layers of makeup and prosthetics are stunning, but it’s his ability to dive into his character’s raw, chaotic emotions that really shines. Oswald is ruthless, but beneath his ambition lies a vulnerability – a man who wants power but can’t shake his insecurities. Farrell’s Oswald is both tragic and dangerous, balancing moments of rage and vulnerability that make Oswald feel like a true product of Gotham’s harsh environment. What’s distinctive about Farrell’s performance is not just the visual transformation, but also the way he moves and speaks. His depictions of penguins have an air of spontaneity but are also full of menace. His thick accent and deliberate movements, especially the way he walks, give the character a palpable presence. It adds to the gritty, mob-like vibe of the show, which feels like a crime drama with a distinct Gotham feel. Farrell’s interpretation of Oswald may feel a bit over the top, as his penguin is larger-than-life, full of bold gestures and immense emotion. Yet it’s this dramatic energy that makes the character so gripping. This level of intensity may not be for everyone, but there’s no denying Farrell’s commitment to the character. I would be very surprised if he doesn’t get an Emmy nomination.
One of the most compelling relationships in the show is Oswald’s complicated relationship with his mother, played by Deirdre O’Connell. Their scenes together pack an emotional punch that strips away the violence and crime, giving the show a personal, more intimate level. The family dynamics contrast sharply with the cold, calculating world Oswald inhabits.
Penguin Season 1, pictured with Colin Farrell Photography: Macall Polay. HBO network ©2024 Network. all rights reserved
While Farrell’s performance may divide some viewers, there’s no doubt that Penguin is a must-see for those who want an inside look at Gotham’s criminal underworld. The show succeeds because of its blend of intense character development, high-stakes power struggles, and a constant sense of danger lurking around every corner. With stellar performances across the board — especially those from Farrell and Milioti — the show stands out as a fresh, character-driven look at Gotham’s darker side. Her balance of ambition and vulnerability makes her a compelling character, and she definitely deserves recognition as a supporting actress. Both characters have rich backstories that allow the audience to temporarily sympathize with them but be reminded of their evil natures.
The eight-episode limited series will begin airing on September 19, 2024. Definitely one of the best series of the year, its blend of drama and crime will keep viewers hooked every week.
