What a virtuoso performance by Colin Farrell in “The Penguin!” As Oswald Oz Cobb, Farrell devours every frame he is in, switching effortlessly from placid to explosive in the blink of an eye. Apart from the marvellous make-up and prosthetics, it is his voice, gait, and demeanour that captivate audiences in this quicksilver version of Fredo Corleone.
Set a week after the events of “The Batman” (2022), which saw the assassination of mob boss Carmine Falcone (played by Mark Strong, taking over from John Turturro) and the catastrophic blowing up of Gotham City’s seawall, “The Penguin” zeroes in on Oz Cobb’s attempts to fill the power vacuum.
The opening episode titled ‘After Hours’ dives deep into Cobb’s motivations as he navigates through the complexities of dealing with the chaotic Falcone siblings: the drug-addled Al (Michael Zegen) and the psychotic serial killer Sofia (Cristin Milioti), freshly released from Arkham Asylum. In interviews, Farrell has said the spin-off would explore the character’s villainy and strength as well as the “heart-broken man underneath.” True to his word, the audience is treated to a complex character study of Cobb in this fiery first episode.
“I am an acquired taste,” says Cobb, and viewers are coaxed to acquire it swiftly, “plum, not purple” car and all. There’s a new drug on the Gotham market, which Al and Sofia are eager to utilize to elevate their criminal enterprise. Meanwhile, the more cautious Johnny Vitti (Michael Kelly), the Falcone family’s underboss, prefers to lay low until the climate of fear and uncertainty cools down. Those who underestimate Cobb do so at their peril. Though he serves as a middle lieutenant for the Falcone family, Cobb harbours grand ambitions and possesses the iron will needed to realize them.
The narrative introduces a new character, Vic (Rhenzy Feliz), a teenager who initially tries to rob the rims off Cobb’s car. Despite this rocky start, Vic proves himself a worthy second-in-command by demonstrating initiative and knowing when to stay silent and acknowledge his fear. Vic’s respectful demeanor is highlighted when Cobb meets his mother, Francis (Deirdre O’Connell). Francis, despite her early onset dementia, becomes the catalyst Cobb needs to advance his plans.
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Complicating matters further is the involvement of another crime family, headed by Salvatore Maroni (Clancy Brown). Maroni’s incarceration is thanks to the late Carmine Falcone, creating an intricate web of vendettas and power plays that make for riveting television.
Gotham City itself is as much a character as the mob bosses and their henchmen, featuring its signature constant rain, tiredly bright neon signboards, and slick roads. The palpable tension pulsates through every scene as we follow Cobb, who swerves skillfully to avoid all the metaphorical and literal head-on collisions and red lights in his path. One scene sees Cobb narrowly escape the deadly grip of a piano wire, a suspenseful moment that leaves viewers on edge. Over a menacing, ravenous lunch, Sofia ominously reminds Cobb, “Daddy is dead, and we are untamed.”
“The Penguin” is currently streaming on JioCinema, with new episodes releasing weekly until November 10. For viewers who crave deep, character-driven narratives intertwined with electrifying action, this series is a must-watch.
Farrell’s spectacular portrayal of Oswald “Oz” Cobb is bound to leave an indelible mark on the legacy of comic-to-screen adaptations. As Gotham’s underworld navigates its turbulent waters, it is Cobb—hungry, heartbreaking, and voracious—who stands out as an unforgettable captain charting a course through this dark, intricate tale.
Fans and newcomers alike will find much to relish in this dark adventure. The stakes are high, the characters are compelling, and the performances are nothing short of award-worthy. “The Penguin” shows promising signs of becoming a benchmark in the noir genre, setting a high bar for subsequent episodes. Keep your eyes peeled and your minds open for what promises to be an explosive ride through Gotham’s treacherous shadows.
