The Penguin

The Penguin TV Series – A Gritty, Masterful Crime Drama

HBO’s The Penguin is a triumph of crime storytelling, elevating the world of The Batman (2022) into a compelling, character-driven saga. With its sharp writing, atmospheric cinematography, and a career-defining performance by Colin Farrell, this series earns a well-deserved 9/10 from us at Comic Movie DB.

Set in the aftermath of Gotham’s power vacuum following the events of The Batman, The Penguin follows Oswald Cobblepot’s ruthless ascent through the city’s criminal underworld. Farrell is unrecognizable in both appearance and demeanor, embodying the calculating, ambitious, and often brutal nature of his character. His performance is layered, bringing both menace and vulnerability to the role, making Cobblepot one of the most engaging villains in recent TV history.

The show’s writing is razor-sharp, with complex characters, tense power struggles, and an authentic noir tone that draws inspiration from classic mob dramas like The Sopranos and Boardwalk Empire. The dialogue crackles with intensity, and each episode peels back the layers of Gotham’s underworld, making the city feel alive and dangerously unpredictable.

Visually, The Penguin is stunning, drenched in moody, rain-soaked cinematography that perfectly captures the bleak and lawless nature of Gotham. The show’s production design is impeccable, seamlessly extending the world Matt Reeves established in The Batman. The action sequences are brutal and efficient, never feeling over-the-top but always carrying weight and consequence.

If there’s any minor drawback, it’s that the series is so focused on Cobblepot that some side characters don’t get as much development as they deserve. However, with its gripping storytelling, powerhouse performances, and top-tier production values, The Penguin is an essential watch for both Batman fans and crime drama enthusiasts alike.