In the fog-drenched alleyways of Gotham, the sound of rain pelts down on grimy cobblestones as a figure shuffles through the darkness. A crooked silhouette, adorned in a heavy coat with a collar turned high, trudges past flickering street lamps. The air is thick with tension, punctuated by the low hum of distant traffic and the occasional bark of a stray dog. And then, beneath a dim light, the figure pauses—his gaze cold, calculating, and fierce. He adjusts his collar, a faint smirk tugging at his lips, and continues into the shadows.
Colin Farrell returns to the role with a performance that is as darkly magnetic as it is brutal
In HBO’s gritty new series, we dive into the dark underbelly of Gotham through the eyes of one of its most notorious figures, Oswald Cobblepot. Known by the city’s most ruthless as “The Penguin,” Oswald’s character is explored with a depth and rawness that brings a haunting intensity to his rise through Gotham’s criminal ranks. The show trades the typical glitz of crime dramas for something far more visceral—a grim, rain-soaked cityscape where every interaction is a power play, and survival demands ruthlessness.
Penguin’s Return
Colin Farrell returns to the role with a performance that is as darkly magnetic as it is brutal. His portrayal of Oswald Cobblepot goes beyond caricature, delving into the psyche of a man who thrives in chaos. Moreover, Farrell captures Penguin’s unrelenting ambition, balancing menace with moments of vulnerability that make him feel disturbingly relatable. His performance anchors the series, drawing viewers into a world where trust is a rarity, and betrayal is a constant threat. Farrell’s Penguin is ruthless but intelligent, transforming from a side character into a crime lord who commands every scene with an icy charm that hints at an iron will.
Photograph by Macall Polay/HBO
Supporting Cast
The supporting cast adds layers of complexity to the narrative. Cristin Milioti shines as Sofia Falcone, her portrayal a compelling mix of strength and cunning, while Clancy Brown brings a brooding intensity to his role as Salvatore Maroni. As a result, together, they create a web of alliances and rivalries that enrich Gotham’s criminal underworld. Each performance adds tension, making every interaction feel like a careful balancing act between loyalty and treachery.
Visually, The Penguin embraces a noir aesthetic, immersing viewers in Gotham’s dark alleys, dilapidated warehouses, and smoky backrooms. Ergo, the cinematography is meticulous, framing each scene with shadows that feel as much a part of the landscape as the buildings themselves. It’s a city that feels alive with corruption, where each alleyway and corner tells a story of struggle, survival, and secrets best kept in the dark. The bleak color palette mirrors Penguin’s journey, a slow descent into a world where morality is a weakness and ambition is the only currency.
Rhenzy Feliz infuses his role with a raw vulnerability, portraying a character caught between loyalty and survival, his expressive performance adding tension and nuance to every scene he shares with Penguin. Michael Kelly stands out with a brooding authority, his steely presence and calculated demeanor painting him as a figure both fearsome and intriguing. Together, these actors create a layered ensemble that enhances the dark narrative, capturing the complexities and stakes of a world where trust is a rare currency, and power shifts with every move.
Photograph by Macall Polay/HBO
A Mother’s Work
Diedre O’Connell brings haunting depth to her role as Penguin’s mother, a woman marked by loss and a lifetime of hardship in Gotham’s shadows. Her portrayal is a blend of stoicism and sorrow, capturing a mother who has endured immense grief, yet remains quietly resilient. The pain of her past losses resonates in her every glance and movement, adding a subtle ache to her scenes with her son. In her gaze, we sense both pride and a silent worry, knowing Penguin’s path is fraught with dangers she can neither protect him from nor fully comprehend.
O’Connell’s performance reveals a character who, despite her brokenness, serves as Penguin’s moral anchor—a connection to memories of love and sacrifice that linger even as he descends into Gotham’s criminal underworld. Her grief is timeless, a testament to the life she’s led and the losses she has borne.
The Antithesis
Cristin Milioti shines as Sofia Falcone, bringing fierce complexity and a steely determination to the role of a woman navigating Gotham’s treacherous power struggles. From her first scene, Milioti’s Sofia is calculated and ambitious, exuding a quiet but unbreakable resolve as she fights to reclaim her family’s criminal empire. Her portrayal balances ferocity with vulnerability, showing a woman who is as strategic as she is haunted by her family’s legacy. As the series unfolds, Sofia’s journey becomes one of survival and self-assertion, as she maneuvers through alliances and betrayals with unwavering grit, all while confronting the harsh truths about loyalty, family, and ambition.
Milioti captures Sofia’s descent into the brutal world of Gotham’s crime lords, a journey filled with moments of both triumph and heartbreak. Moreover, she is often at odds with her emotions—conflicted between familial duty and her own hunger for power, making her one of the most intriguing figures in the show. With a performance that feels both ruthless and empathetic, Milioti’s Sofia Falcone is a standout, her journey one of resilience, ambition, and the relentless drive to shape her own destiny in Gotham’s darkest shadows.
Photograph by Macall Polay/HBO
Penguin’s Patience
The pacing is deliberate, allowing the tension to build slowly as Penguin maneuvers his way through Gotham’s criminal hierarchy. Additionally, the writing doesn’t rush, instead letting the story unfold with a patience that mirrors Penguin’s own calculated approach to power. Vis a vis, it’s a methodical, suspenseful progression, one that keeps viewers on edge as they watch Penguin’s transformation from an underdog into a figure of dark authority.
The Verdict
HBO’s The Penguin is a deep dive into the mind of one of Gotham’s most iconic characters, providing a fresh perspective on his rise to power. Evidently, with its atmospheric visuals, standout performances, and tightly woven plotlines, the series is a compelling addition to the Batman universe. It’s a story where every glance, every silence, and every step carries weight, drawing viewers into a world of ambition and survival. For fans of Gotham’s darker tales, The Penguin is a masterfully crafted saga that explores what it truly means to thrive in a city where chaos reigns.
Rating: 4.5/5
