Is The Penguin One of The Best TV Shows Ever? - The Penguin Review

The Penguin Has Arrived and People Are Demanding More - But Just How Good Is It?

2022 was a standout year for blockbuster films, with hits like Aftersun, Everything Everywhere All at Once, and Avatar: The Way of Water becoming instant fan favorites and cementing their status as unforgettable cinematic experiences. It was also the year director Matt Reeves brought the iconic caped crusader, Batman, back to the big screen in a dark, detective-driven narrative. The Batman starred the remarkable Robert Pattinson as the titular vigilante, following him on a tense mission to track down the masked villain, The Riddler, who is plotting a radical upheaval in Gotham City. Praised for its gripping story, gritty visuals, and an ensemble cast delivering stellar performances, one actor stood out among the rest: Colin Farrell, who transformed into the scene-stealing Penguin.

Many fans, especially those in the DC community, hailed The Batman as the spark that reignited interest in superhero—or antihero—stories, leaving audiences eager to see more of these characters and their arcs. Their wishes were soon granted when, in 2023, Matt Reeves and HBO announced The Penguin, a spin-off series centered on Oswald Cobblepot’s rise as a crime lord, with Colin Farrell reprising his acclaimed role. Adding to the excitement, it was revealed that the brilliant Cristin Milioti would join the cast as Sofia Falcone, daughter of Carmine Falcone. Buzz for the series reached a fever pitch when the first trailer dropped earlier this year, building anticipation for what promised to be a must-watch show.

Now that The Penguin has been released, fans are hailing it as one of the greatest TV series of recent memory. Each episode has viewers hooked, expanding Gotham's dark and intricate world in ways that are impossible not to devour. So, what makes the series so exceptional? And why are fans already demanding a second season?

Image: Vulture (Left) Decider (Right)

Every great TV show rests on a few key pillars: a compelling story, stunning visuals, and outstanding performances. The Penguin excels in all of these areas, delivering a viewing experience that hits every mark. For me, the standout feature of the series is its three main characters—protagonists or antagonists, depending on your perspective. Colin Farrell’s portrayal of Oswald “Oz” Cobblepot, better known as The Penguin, is nothing short of extraordinary. Fans have even compared his performance to Heath Ledger’s iconic take on the Joker. Farrell brings depth and nuance to Oz, whose journey throughout the series is both emotional and gripping. His vulnerability shines in scenes with his mother, Francis, while his ruthless ambition to etch his name into Gotham’s history—no matter the cost—drives much of the show’s intensity.

Sharing the spotlight with Farrell is Cristin Milioti, who delivers what is arguably the show’s most captivating performance. As Sofia Falcone, Milioti plays a character shaped by her traumatic time in Arkham Asylum, making her one of the most complex figures in the series. Her arc, driven by revenge and a desire to step out of her father Carmine Falcone’s shadow, is executed to perfection. Episode 4, which delves deeply into Sofia’s past and her motivations, stands out as a highlight of the series—second only to the finale. Watching her transition from trusting Oz to realizing his hand in her suffering creates an emotional shift that is both heartbreaking and thrilling, showcasing Milioti’s immense talent.

Rounding out the standout performances is Rhenzy Feliz as Victor. Initially, Victor is an enigmatic wildcard, leaving viewers unsure of his role in the larger story. However, as the series unfolds and the stakes rise, his character adapts to the dangerous world of Gotham, gradually aligning himself with Oz and seeking to make his own mark. By the end of the show, Victor’s arc feels complete, tying up his journey in a way that adds depth to the overall narrative, but with fans in floods of tears.

Image: USA Today

Across its eight episodes, The Penguin delivers a consistently engaging narrative, with each instalment running close to an hour. What sets this series apart is its refusal to rely on "filler episodes," a common pitfall in many TV shows. Filler episodes often add little to the overall story, existing mainly to pad out the runtime or keep audiences engaged. More often than not, these episodes become the least memorable or enjoyable. In contrast, The Penguin ensures that every episode has a purpose. Each one drives the story forward, offering meaningful developments that keep viewers invested. The show masterfully balances its pacing, ensuring that something significant happens in every episode, making the narrative feel tight and purposeful from start to finish. The narrative of The Penguin is masterfully crafted, delivering twists that genuinely catch the audience off guard and leaving an air of suspense lingering at the end of each episode—especially the final two.

While the story itself is straightforward and easy to follow, it skillfully ties back to the groundwork Matt Reeves laid in The Batman. Episode 3, for instance, revisits the aftermath of Gotham’s catastrophic floods, showing how these events impacted key characters like Vic and Oz. Oz’s own struggles, including the flooding of the Iceberg Lounge, offer a prime example of how to blend fan service with a spin-off narrative seamlessly. These pivotal moments set the tone for the rest of the series without revealing too much too soon.

The show strikes a perfect balance between respecting comic book origins and expanding on the pre-existing source material. By honoring these roots while carving out its own unique story, The Penguin stands as both a faithful adaptation and a compelling standalone tale.

Image: Cosmopolitan

One of the series’ standout achievements is its exceptional world-building. The Penguin captures Gotham as it was left at the end of The Batman—a city in ruins, with much of its infrastructure destroyed. This devastation creates fertile ground for rising crime, with little hope of rebuilding. This theme is particularly evident in Episode 6, when Oz pleads with the congressman for power to protect his mother, Francis. Gotham is depicted as gritty, desolate, and steeped in dark undertones, reflecting the despair and tension of its inhabitants.

The series also excels in its cinematography and visuals, which perfectly complement the city’s bleak atmosphere. The soundtrack is equally impressive, with every piece of music heightening the tension in pivotal scenes. Even the diegetic sounds within Gotham’s world feel dark and twisted, providing an immersive experience. These moments are cleverly contrasted by the electrifying music that accompanies scenes between Francis, Oz, and Vic, adding an extra layer of depth to the storytelling.

In every sense, The Penguin is a triumph, building seamlessly on the foundations Matt Reeves laid in 2022. The stellar cast delivers performances that will undoubtedly stand the test of time, supported by a captivating narrative that embodies the essence of this universe. It’s a series destined to earn critical acclaim and, no doubt, collect numerous awards in the near future.

Rating: ★★★★★/5