Colin Farrell delivers a tour-de-force performance in the highly anticipated series “The Penguin.” Stepping into the shoes of Oswald “Oz” Cobb, Farrell captivates audiences with his ability to seamlessly oscillate between moments of calm and explosive intensity. His portrayal is bolstered not only by impressive make-up and prosthetics but also by his immersive voice modulation, distinctive gait, and nuanced demeanor, making this interpretation of the character an investment worthy of viewers’ time. Farrell’s Oz Cobb can be likened to an agile, unpredictable Fredo Corleone, entrancing audiences with his multifaceted personality.
The series, set a mere week after the events of “The Batman” (2022), begins with Gotham City reeling from the assassination of mob boss Carmine Falcone and the destructive bombing of the seawall. These events create a power vacuum that Oz Cobb is more than ready to exploit. The role of Carmine Falcone transitions from John Turturro to Mark Strong, bringing new dimensions to the character’s ominous legacy.
Throughout the first episode, titled “After Hours,” viewers are drawn into Cobb’s strategic maneuvers as he contemplates the volatile dynamics within the Falcone family. The erratic Falcone siblings, Al (Michael Zegen) and Sofia (Cristin Milioti), offer new challenges for Cobb. Al’s drug addiction and Sofia’s psychotic tendencies—heightened by her recent release from Arkham Asylum—add layers of complexity to Cobb’s quest for dominance. Farrell had previously mentioned that the spin-off would delve into the darker aspects of Cobb’s personality and his underlying vulnerabilities, a promise that is masterfully evidenced in this explosive first installment.
One particularly memorable line from Cobb encapsulates his character perfectly: “I am an acquired taste.” It’s a sentiment echoed by many viewers who quickly appreciate the intricacies of Cobb’s intriguing personality, symbolized by his “plum, not purple” car. The series introduces a new drug entering the Gotham scene, one that Al and Sofia plan to exploit for expanding their business. Meanwhile, Johnny Vitti (played by Michael Kelly), the cautious Falcone underboss, prefers to wait until the city’s chaos dies down.
. However, these power players underestimate Cobb at their peril. Despite being a middle lieutenant, Cobb has grander ambitions backed by a steely resolve and cunning strategic mind.
A visually striking part of the series introduces Cobb’s new protégé, Vic, portrayed by Rhenzy Feliz. Vic’s initiation into Cobb’s world begins when he and a group of juvenile delinquents attempt to steal the rims off Cobb’s car. Proving his mettle, Vic evolves into a reliable second-in-command, showing both initiative and fluency in the underworld’s tacit rules. A visit to his mother, Francis (Deirdre O’Connell), who suffers from early onset dementia, reveals the human side of Cobb. Francis provides the emotional anchor that propels Cobb to aggressively pursue his plans.
Against this backdrop, another formidable force—the Maroni crime family—led by Salvatore Maroni (Clancy Brown), emerges as both a potential ally and an impediment. The tension mounts as Cobb navigates Gotham’s treacherous criminal landscape, muraled by constant rain, slick roads, and tiredly bright neon signboards. Fans of noir genre will note that Gotham City itself becomes a character, contributing to the series’ atmospheric blend of danger and allure.
The dynamic interplay of power, ambition, and survival is present in every scene, underscored by Farrell’s exceptional performance. The series’ editing keeps audiences on the edge of their seats—whether it’s Cobb narrowly evading head-on collisions or escaping the lethal grasp of a piano wire by a hairsbreadth. Sofia’s chilling proclamation over a relentless lunch meeting with Cobb, “Daddy is dead, and we are untamed,” perfectly encapsulates the anarchic undercurrent running through the plot.
“The Penguin” is currently available for streaming on JioCinema, with new episodes releasing weekly until November 10. This dark, enthralling dive into Gotham’s crime-ridden shadows is a must-watch for fans craving both complex character studies and fast-paced thrillers.
Published – September 20, 2024 06:26 pm IST
English cinema
World cinema
Television
Reviews
