Review of The Penguin Episode 1: Colin Farrell’s Outstanding Performance in The Batman Spinoff

After much anticipation, The Penguin premiered its first episode on September 19, 2024, on HBO and Max. The debut episode focuses on Colin Farrell’s Oswald Cobblepot grappling with the consequences of Carmine Falcone‘s demise. Serving as a sequel to The Batman, the show draws viewers back into the compelling universe crafted by director Matt Reeves.

Colin Farrell’s performance is nothing short of remarkable, as the series not only remains faithful to The Batman but also enriches Gotham by introducing captivating new characters like Sofia Falcone and Victor Aguilar. Additionally, the episode concludes with a powerful ending that will leave fans eager for the second episode, set to air next week.

Colin Farrell Shines in The Penguin Episode 1

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Although viewers saw only a glimpse of Colin Farrell’s portrayal of Oswald Cobb in The Batman, HBO’s The Penguin showcases him in full force. Farrell delivers precisely what fans hoped to witness more of in the film—the quirky mobster striving to establish himself in the dark streets of Gotham.

His character is cunning, deceitful, and highly intelligent—and Farrell masterfully embodies these traits. Kudos to the makeup department as well, which effectively transforms him into this iconic version of the Penguin. Farrell disappears into the role, making it almost impossible to recognize him.

The Penguin Episode 1 Introduces Engaging New Characters

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One of the standout performances in The Penguin includes Rhenzy Feliz as Victor Aguilar. Portraying a homeless teen who becomes Oswald’s driver and enforcer, Feliz infuses the character with remarkable drive and ambition. His storyline resonates with Oswald’s, both aspiring to carve out their identities, creating a captivating dynamic between them.

Cristin Milioti‘s Sofia Falcone also makes a striking impression. While her physical appearance may not align entirely with the comic book portrayal of Sofia, her performance is captivating. Milioti brings a certain eccentricity to the character, hinting at the intriguing Hangman persona from the source material, leaving viewers curious about when it will resurface.

Clancy Brown shines in a brief appearance as Salvatore Maroni. As fans know, Maroni was imprisoned by the GCPD thanks to Falcone’s betrayal, and despite limited screen time, Brown makes a significant impact.

The Penguin Episode 1 Sets Up Intriguing Storylines

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In its first episode, the series delivers exciting setups that keep the narrative engaging. Oswald’s primary goal is to make a name for himself, and while the mob storyline is familiar from previous Batman adaptations, it offers a fresh perspective. The show delves deep into the gritty underbelly of Gotham, revitalizing the familiar narrative.

At times, the execution can be brutal, enhancing the already dark atmosphere of this universe while adding layers to its character. The series builds upon the established themes from The Batman, showcasing Lauren Lefranc‘s knack for expanding the storyline effectively.

While the episode generally excels, there are minor flaws, particularly in the music, where some motifs from The Batman are reused, and the main theme doesn’t quite stand out. Additionally, the production quality occasionally feels uneven, which can be expected from a television series compared to a feature film with a larger budget. Nevertheless, it generally maintains the visual aesthetic established by Matt Reeves and Greig Fraser in The Batman.

Final Verdict

The Penguin offers a captivating re-entry into Matt Reeves’ The Batman universe. Showrunner Lauren Lefranc has crafted a stunning first episode that lays the groundwork for future plotlines, with Colin Farrell continuing to captivate audiences in his role as Oswald Cobb.

The first episode of the series is now available for streaming on Max.

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