Why The Penguin Outshines Every Marvel Show in a Key Aspect

Key Takeaways

The absence of major characters enhances the appeal of The Penguin, setting it apart from typical superhero narratives.
Focused character development in The Penguin eclipses the MCU’s overreliance on significant character cameos.
The MCU could benefit from The Penguin‘s strategy to maintain narrative integrity without heavy cameo influence.

The Penguin has emerged as a standout series in the superhero genre, deftly intertwining compelling storytelling with character depth. As a sequel to The Batman, this show distinguishes itself by adopting a new narrative direction that the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) would do well to emulate.

One of the show’s notable strengths is its gritty, realistic portrayal of its characters, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in the lives of both the protagonist, Oswald Cobblepot, and various antagonists. Unlike typical superhero fare where audiences eagerly anticipate the appearance of well-known heroes, The Penguin invites viewers to focus on its core characters without the distraction of major cameos. Showrunner Lauren LeFranc has prioritized a grounded narrative, steering the series clear of overly fantastical elements while deepening the audience’s connection to its characters since the premiere.

No Major Characters, Just Quality Storytelling

The absence of Batman from the storyline was clear from the outset. The creators have consistently emphasized that this series focuses solely on Oswald Cobblepot’s origins as a formidable mobster, rather than showcasing a direct conflict with Bruce Wayne. While other characters from the DC universe, such as Sofia Falcone, have made appearances, the commitment to a more contained narrative is a refreshing departure from the usual superhero crossover approach.

Showrunner	Lauren LeFranc
Stars	Colin Farrell and Cristin Milioti
Release Date	September 19, 2024
Streaming On	HBO Max

This concentrated focus on Cobblepot and his immediate circle allows for a richer character exploration, far surpassing the character development strategies seen in many MCU shows, which often pivot around the arrival of prominent heroes. By not cluttering the narrative with excessive cameos from recognizable characters like the Joker or Riddler, The Penguin prioritizes depth over spectacle, crafting a more engaging viewing experience.

Lessons for the MCU

In recent years, the MCU has struggled with what seems to be an obsession with character appearances, which diminishes the narrative’s overall impact. By continually teasing cameos—like the much-hyped appearance of Mephisto in earlier series—the expectation surrounding these shows becomes less about the storyline and more about waiting for familiar faces to emerge. For instance, the anticipation surrounding big characters often overshadows the plot and character arcs, leading viewers to tune in for the wrong reasons.

Unlike the MCU’s approach of dropping hints about potential appearances of major characters, The Penguin has established clear boundaries from the beginning, stating that Batman would not figure into the plot. This decision underscores the series’ commitment to narrative integrity, allowing it to thrive independently of superhero conventions. As a result, The Penguin has become one of the most critically acclaimed shows of its kind, and it serves as a model for future superhero narratives.

By refraining from over-reliance on star power and instead emphasizing cohesive storytelling, the MCU could significantly enhance the quality and appeal of its offerings. Moving forward, both the audience’s craving for deeper stories and character development, as showcased by The Penguin, should be at the forefront of their strategies.

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