SERIES REVIEW – One of Batman’s most iconic foes, The Penguin, first appeared in 1941 and has since been a constant presence in comics, animated series, TV shows, and movies. While this constant presence is worthy of respect, the character himself hasn’t aged particularly well. Thanks to HBO Hungary, we got a chance to watch the first episode at the Etele Plaza, with the remaining four episodes provided via screeners.

Burgess Meredith’s umbrella-twirling Penguin from the 1966 Batman series and Danny DeVito’s bizarre and grotesque performance in Batman Returns now seem relatively tame compared to the brutality of today’s supervillains. While Robin Lord Taylor’s Penguin in Gotham pushed the character’s boundaries, it still seemed like his fate was to remain a supporting role. But that has now changed.

In the 2022 The Batman film, director Matt Reeves and actor Colin Farrell completely reinvented Batman’s old adversary. Depicted as a mid-level crime boss, this version could easily exist in the world of The Sopranos, not just a noir comic book film. Farrell’s unrecognizable performance dominates this dark and compelling eight-episode HBO series, which focuses on a side of Gotham often overlooked in other stories.

Mafia Wars in Gotham

The limited series picks up right where The Batman left off. Carmine Falcone (played by John Turturro in the film and Mark Strong in the series) is dead, Gotham’s poorest districts remain flooded due to the Riddler’s schemes, and the city’s largest crime syndicate is in disarray.

Several players are trying to fill the power vacuum, including Alberto Falcone (Michael Zegen) and Luca Falcone (Scott Cohen), Carmine’s son and brother. Additionally, several capos are looking to strengthen their positions, such as Johnny Vitti (Michael Kelly) and Milos Grapa (James Madio), as well as longtime rival Salvatore Maroni (Clancy Brown), who seeks to reorganize the Falcone empire.

With all the Italian names, organized crime, and settings reminiscent of New York’s East Side, it’s easy to forget we’re not watching a new version of The Sopranos. And the similarities don’t end there. An antihero with a twisted relationship with his mother? Check. The Penguin, aka Oz Cobb (formerly known as Oswald Cobblepot but referred to as Oz Cobb in the series), will do anything for his mother, though their relationship is at times uncomfortably awkward. Is mental health a key motivator? Check. A string of murders, torture, and blackmail to climb the ranks? Checkmate. This show excels at lulling the viewer into complacency before shocking them with a brutal, sudden killing.

Oz’s slow rise through the mafia ranks is also reminiscent of The Sopranos. Carmine was the only one who gave him any responsibility, and as a result, Oz thrived: he made money, drove a flashy car, and had a crew loyal to him. But after Carmine’s death, Oz has to start over, quickly realizing that no one in the Falcone organization respects him. He’s essentially Bobby Baccalieri without Uncle Junior to look after him, leaving everyone to view him as useless. His situation isn’t looking too good…

The Penguin and Sofia

Here’s where the Sopranos comparison ends. Everyone is rightfully suspicious of The Penguin (a nickname he despises), as everyone knows he’s a narcissistic, psychopathic killer who will do anything to rise to the top. Yet, he’s cunning, bold, and surprisingly good at motivating his subordinates. If Oz Cobb were in The Sopranos, he’d be running the Bada Bing within a week, as one character sarcastically notes, he’s “a man of the people.” And Oz genuinely believes that.

The Penguin’s rise is supported by two contrasting characters. Victor Aguilar (Rhenzy Feliz), a street criminal, is taken under Oz’s wing. Raised by hard-working, honest parents, he’s fallen on tough times since the Gotham flood. Through his innocent eyes, we see how desperation can drive people to do things they wouldn’t normally consider.

While Vic serves as The Penguin’s moral compass, Oz’s rival, Sofia Falcone (Cristin Milioti), nearly brings about his downfall and is one of the show’s standout elements. Though Oz’s rise is no walk in the park, it looks like a trip to Disneyland compared to the path of Carmine Falcone’s daughter, Sofia. Convicted of murder and given the nickname “Hangman,” she has just been released from Arkham Asylum after ten years of torment and is trying to reclaim her place in the family business. Sofia and Oz have a long-standing rivalry, and their battle for control of Gotham is brutal, full of twists, and thrilling to watch. Cristin Milioti’s portrayal of Sofia is nothing short of exceptional.

Too Much Family Drama

As impressive as The Penguin is, it’s not without its flaws. The series can feel sluggish at times, and while Oz’s struggles are well depicted, it feels like two fewer episodes would have sufficed. There are also notable flaws in Sofia’s strategy against Oz—she could have easily taken him out several times but doesn’t. Oz’s relationship with his mother, Frances (Deirdre O’Connell), is also inconsistent and doesn’t always make sense. However, these are relatively minor issues.

Though set in a superhero universe, you won’t find any caped crusaders in The Penguin. There are Batman references, but you’ll have to look closely to spot them. The series tells a dark, gripping story without heroes, and that’s perfectly fine. The well-timed twists make it especially enjoyable.

Throughout the series, Oz’s numerous heinous acts reveal his true nature. One character even tells him, “You’ve always been a monster.” Despite this, viewers can’t help but believe Oz’s lies because he’s so damn convincing. Maybe he really is just a guy trying to claw his way up from the bottom, breaking a few rules along the way? But as the season draws to a close, Oz commits an act so brutal and unforgivable that we finally understand who he truly is: a ruthless, stone-cold sociopath. These shocking moments make The Penguin the most intense portrayal of the character that Batman fans have ever seen.

–Gergely Herpai „BadSector”-