The Penguin Season 1 Review

Nov 12

REVIEW

✦

REVIEW ✦

After coming to an explosive conclusion — the first season of HBO’s series The Penguin has officially cemented itself as a stunning example of prime television. But what exactly makes this one a true heavy hitter? Let’s get into it!

The Penguin, (2024) | HBO, Warner Bros., and DC Comics

Cristin Milioti Becomes An IRREPLACEABLE Addition to the Batman Universe

Sofia Falcone (or Sophia Gigante), daughter of the late Carmine Falcone, has quickly become one of the strongest characters in the Batman universe — with her character arc serving as a blueprint for modern genre-focused storytelling. This is largely due to the fact that Cristin Milioti’s compelling performance can elevate even the strongest examples of screenwriting.

Her interactions with Colin Farrell's Oswald Cobblepot (Penguin) regularly add layers of tension and intrigue to the thought-provoking storyline, taking them on a journey that embodies the complexities of underutilized DC characters. Throughout the season, Sofia organically evolves from an uncertain, misunderstood survivor into a confident key player, showcasing her cunning and strategic mind, which often rivals that of Oswald himself. This ongoing and inspiring transformation makes her one of the most memorable additions to the Batman lore, and we can only hope that she’ll be utilized in future stories. Both Sofia and Milioti are indisputable icons.

The Penguin: A Fascinating and Complex Character

Farrell's award-worthy performance as Oswald Cobblepot is also nothing short of immersive. As longtime Batman fans would hope, The Penguin is portrayed as a multifaceted character with a blend of unexpected charm and ruthless ambition. This, ultimately, is what makes him a powerhouse villain by the time the season wraps. His trajectory from a somewhat sympathetic figure to a man losing his grip on reality creates unforgettable moments that range from captivating and heartbreaking — preventing the character from leaning too heavily into classic villain tropes.

While adding to the present-day storylines from The Batman, the series masterfully delves into Oswald's dark past, revealing harsh truths about his actions, including the killing of his brothers, and by the end, the one person he’s closest to. These revelations add to the range of his character, making him one of the most intriguing villains to come out of DC’s recent projects. Farrell's ability to portray Oswald's internal struggles and his descent into madness is a massive highlight of the show, keeping viewers engaged and invested in his story. We simply need more Penguin, even if he’s a terrible person.

Enhancing the Batman Universe with Gritty Textures

The Penguin also forges its own path by expanding upon the strikingly gritty portrayal of Gotham City's criminal underworld. The show introduces new characters and street-level warfare, quickly adding depth to the groundwork laid by The Batman. And these crime stories are both intense and grounded, providing a stark contrast to the more fantastical elements of superhero tales. This gritty texture helps the series feel cognizant and believable, drawing viewers into the dark and dangerous world of Gotham.

Furthermore, the introduction of new characters, (like Sofia) and a host of other potential crime lords, enriches the narrative and provides new dynamics and conflicts to unpack in future tales. The street-level warfare depicted in the series is brutal and unflinching, showcasing the harsh realities of life in Gotham outside of Batman’s feared reach. So, when it comes to world-building, this focus on the gritty, everyday struggles of the city's inhabitants enhances the overall narrative, making the Batman universe feel more lived-in and authentic.

More importantly, the series also explores the corruption and moral decay of Gotham, presenting a city where crime and violence are rampant. That realistic emphasis adds a layer of realism to the show, as it unveils the socio-political issues that have always plagued Gotham. Villains might not be as awful as they’re projected to be, and government officials aren’t necessarily upholding laws; you never really know what you’ll get from Gotham, which The Penguin captures perfectly.

The Best Example of Superhero Television in Recent Years

Since the feel-good, yet oddly somber Marvel series WandaVision, superhero television has struggled to find its footing. However, The Penguin sets a promising new standard with its creativity and ambition. By seamlessly blending gritty crime drama with superhero-themed elements, the series offers viewers a unique and worthwhile narrative that keeps its audience engaged from start to finish. The characters are fully fleshed out, the world is tangible, and its distinctive noir influence is executed with precision. There’s a sense of completeness in this high-stakes series, leaving no stone unturned.

Still, the show’s ultimate success lies in its ability to balance classic character-driven storytelling with high-stakes noir drama, setting a new benchmark for future titles within the superhero genre.

Score: 9/10

The Penguin, HBO’s latest addition to The Batman universe, is a gripping, gritty crime drama that stands out as one of the best series of 2024.