A television series centered on Oswald “Oz” Cobb, the gangster in Matt Reeves’ “The Batman”, isn’t the most exciting idea.
The character (skillfully played by Colin Farrell) wasn’t even the best-supporting part of that movie, and not strong enough to warrant an eight-hour narrative. However, the world built by Reeves is promising enough to lure us for another visit to Gotham City.
“The Penguin” is currently running on NEON as a limited series. I had some reservations prior, but the first few episodes surprised me. Described as “the next chapter in the Batman saga”, the series is set immediately after the film's events where crime lord Carmine Falcone was assassinated, and Gotham’s seawall was broken.
Crime in the city may have lost one of its foundations, but the Falcone family has nominated a new heir. The Penguin/ Oz Cobb sees this as an opportunity to do things on his terms and find his way to rise to power.
While the series’ promotion has been explicit of its connections to Gotham, “The Penguin” seeks to stand on its own. Bruce Wayne or Batman may arrive in the next few episodes, but what it covers is completely new territory. The Falcone family is restless and could be scarier than the hellish nature of their deceased father. Oz Cobb, on the other hand, will never say no to an answer – even if things go sideways.
What I appreciate about “The Penguin” is how it drifts away from the tone and atmosphere of Batman’s world. For a while, it felt comedic at best with undertones of “The Sopranos”, another HBO series. It’s the kind of series that isn’t shy about getting its characters dirty and making a fool out of themselves. Oz Cobb isn’t the sleek villain you expect for this series. He’s manipulative and cunning, but soft-hearted and fearful at most parts.
The good news is that “The Penguin” shows promise, and if it continues to be as strong and entertaining as its first few episodes, we are in for a treat!
The Penguin is now streaming on NEON.
Featured images courtesy of HBO.
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