HBO’s The Penguin delves deep into Gotham’s seedy underworld, following Oswald Cobblepot’s (aka the Penguin’s) rise to power after the events of The Batman (2022). Starring an almost unrecognizable Colin Farrell in the titular role, this dark crime drama brings a fresh, realistic approach to one of Gotham’s most iconic villains.
Set in the grimy, corrupt backdrop of Gotham City, The Penguin is more than just another superhero spin-off. Instead, it delivers a slow-burn exploration of ambition, power, and criminality. With its unrelenting darkness and grounded tone, the series confirms once again that Gotham is no place for light-heartedness or fun.
Colin Farrell’s Transformative Performance
The standout feature of The Penguin is undoubtedly Colin Farrell’s transformative performance as Oswald Cobblepot. From the moment Farrell appears on-screen, it’s hard to recognize him beneath the layers of prosthetics that alter his appearance. But it’s not just the makeup — Farrell fully inhabits the character, adopting a thick accent and swagger that make this Penguin both menacing and charismatic.
Farrell’s portrayal of the Penguin is much more grounded and subtle than previous iterations of the character. Gone are the exaggerated quirks and cartoonish qualities often associated with the villain. Instead, The Penguin presents Oswald as a ruthless, street-smart mobster with a burning ambition to climb the ranks of Gotham’s criminal world. His rise to power is not glamorous or over-the-top — it’s gritty, dangerous, and built on violence and manipulation.
Throughout the series, Farrell’s Penguin oscillates between vulnerability and cruelty, making him a fascinating and complex figure. This is not the bombastic Penguin of earlier Batman films, but a raw, realistic interpretation that fits perfectly within the dark world established in The Batman.
Gotham’s Underworld Takes Center Stage
The Penguin shines a spotlight on the criminal underworld of Gotham, a city as much a character in the series as the Penguin himself. The show’s setting is grim, filled with shadowy corners, abandoned buildings, and corrupt officials. Every frame seems to ooze despair, creating an atmosphere of hopelessness that weighs on both the characters and the audience.
Unlike other DC shows that lean into fantastical elements, The Penguin strips away the superhero trappings to focus on grounded, real-world criminality. This is a world where mob bosses and gangsters hold all the power, and the Penguin is determined to claim his share.
Much of the tension in the series comes from Oswald’s attempts to consolidate power and outmaneuver rivals. The stakes feel real, and the violence is gritty and unflinching. Gotham’s criminal world is depicted in all its brutal reality, and there’s no room for campy villainy here.
A Story of Power and Ambition
At its heart, The Penguin is a story about power and ambition. Oswald Cobblepot is a man who refuses to stay in the shadows, and the series meticulously tracks his rise through the ranks of Gotham’s crime scene. From dealing with rival gangs to manipulating those around him, every step the Penguin takes brings him closer to the top — but at a high cost.
Far from being a tale of triumph, Oswald’s journey is filled with betrayal, violence, and moral decay. As he becomes more entrenched in Gotham’s criminal world, he begins to lose pieces of himself, becoming the cold and ruthless villain fans are familiar with.
Director Matt Reeves and the showrunners expertly weave together moments of suspense, tension, and character development, creating a rich narrative that feels much more like a mob drama than a traditional superhero show. The focus on realism and character-driven storytelling sets The Penguin apart from other entries in the Batman universe, giving audiences a fresh perspective on Gotham’s criminal elite.
The Absence of Fun: Gotham’s Darkness Continues
One of the defining characteristics of The Penguin — and of recent Batman adaptations — is the sheer lack of levity. From start to finish, the show maintains a relentlessly grim tone. Every scene is shrouded in darkness, every conversation tinged with tension, and there’s virtually no room for humor or light-hearted moments.
While this dark tone will appeal to fans of serious crime dramas, it may alienate those looking for a bit of escapism or fun. The series makes it clear that Gotham is not a place for joy, and any fleeting moments of triumph are quickly undercut by the brutal reality of life in the city’s underworld.
That said, the absence of fun does contribute to the immersive atmosphere of The Penguin. Gotham feels like a city on the brink of collapse, and the show doesn’t shy away from exploring the psychological toll that this environment takes on its inhabitants.
Is There Room for Hope in Gotham?
Despite the heavy focus on crime, corruption, and moral decay, The Penguin leaves room for a glimmer of hope. As Oswald Cobblepot rises in power, there’s an underlying question of whether Gotham can ever be saved. Is the city destined to be ruled by criminals, or is there a path to redemption?
While the show doesn’t provide easy answers, it does pose interesting questions about power and morality. Oswald’s journey is one of self-destruction, but it’s also a reflection of Gotham’s broader struggles with corruption and decay.
Whether audiences view Oswald as a tragic figure or a villain depends largely on how they interpret his actions and motivations. The Penguin masterfully blurs the lines between heroism and villainy, making it one of the most compelling entries in the Batman universe to date.
Conclusion: A Gritty, Realistic Take on the Penguin
HBO’s The Penguin is a dark, moody exploration of one of Gotham’s most iconic villains, brought to life by Colin Farrell’s transformative performance. The show excels in its grounded, gritty portrayal of the Gotham underworld, delivering a slow-burn crime drama that feels more like The Sopranos than a superhero series.
For fans of realistic, character-driven storytelling, The Penguin offers a fresh and exciting perspective on the Batman universe. While its unrelenting darkness may not be for everyone, the series is a must-watch for those who appreciate complex characters and high-stakes power struggles. Gotham has never felt so grim — or so compelling.
FAQs
Who plays the Penguin in HBO’s The Penguin?
Colin Farrell stars as Oswald Cobblepot, aka the Penguin, in a transformative role that presents the villain as a gritty, realistic crime boss.
Is The Penguin a sequel to The Batman?
Yes, the series takes place after the events of The Batman (2022) and follows the Penguin’s rise to power in Gotham’s criminal underworld.
What is the tone of The Penguin?
The show is dark, gritty, and serious, with little to no humor. It focuses heavily on crime, corruption, and the struggles for power in Gotham.
Is The Penguin suitable for all audiences?
The series is best suited for mature audiences due to its violent content, dark themes, and intense storytelling.
Does Batman appear in The Penguin?
No, the focus is entirely on Oswald Cobblepot and Gotham’s criminal world. Batman is not a central character in this series.
