Starring: Colin Farrell, Cristin Milioti, Rhenzy Feliz, Deirdre O’Connell, Clancy Brown, Carmen Ejogo, Michael Zegen, Michael Kelly, Mark Strong, and Theo Rossi
Creator: Lauren LeFranc
Picking up where Matt Reeves’ The Batman leaves off, The Penguin is everything one could hope for. Essentially a “comic book adaptation” in name only, this miniseries plays much closer to gritty crime dramas like The Sopranos and Breaking Bad. There are no capes or superpowers to be found here, just tormented, surprisingly sympathetic, and well-developed characters brought to life through superb performances, particularly from an Emmy-worthy Colin Farrell and a scene-stealing Cristin Milioti. With recent reports of a Joker miniseries starring Barry Keoghan in the works, this is the most exciting shared cinematic universe in the game right now. Even my superhero-hating roommate enjoyed it.
I’ve never been one for shows like The Sopranos, but if The Penguin is even a fraction like that show as people say, I need to go back and watch. The grittiness and treachery fit perfectly within the realm of Gotham, but it’s the show’s intimate nature that makes it brilliant. Led by Emmy-worthy performances from Colin Farrell, Cristin Milioti, and Rhenzy Feliz, there’s an unexpected vulnerability exhibited through humor, desire, and acceptance that makes you root for their characters despite horrifically despicable actions. The Penguin is truly a representation of superb writing, in-depth characterization, and pitch-perfect tone mined from rich comic lore.
The Penguin was sold to me as "The Batman meets The Sopranos", a.k.a., my favourite comic book movie meets my favourite show. So yeah, I thought this was perfect. Colin Farrell continues to blow me away as the title character, and Cristin Milioti is a very welcome presence. This show is simply stunning to look at, fascinating to watch unfold, yet also stomach-turning at times. What makes it so incredible is that it doesn't hide what a scumbag the Penguin character is, and it's all the more captivating for it.
The Penguin is not only one of the best DC projects to date, but it also is one of the best shows of the year. Thanks to showrunner Lauren LeFranc’s direction, the series’ exploration of power and betrayal gives us a deeper and more nuanced look at Gotham City’s underworld. And while its layered writing is top-tier in this dark and twisted series, it’s the performances that bring it to the next level. Colin Farrell (Oz), who is covered in prosthetics, doesn’t let his talent go unmasked, while the standout of the show, Cristin Milioti (Sofia Falcone), is a force to be reckoned with.
The Penguin is simply incredible television. It doesn’t feel like a spin-off, but builds a richly layered world that is dark, gritty, thrilling, and compelling in its own right. I love that it isn't afraid to give us ruthless, often irredeemable characters that are somehow also empathetic and complex. Colin Farrell is unrecognisable and transforms into Oswald in an unforgettable performance, and Cristin Milioti is a more than worthy opponent who is electrifying each time she’s on screen. With outstanding performances, phenomenal writing, gripping drama, and a breathtaking finale, The Penguin is one of the best series of the year.