The Penguin Season 1 4K UHD Review
“The Penguin” is one of the best series of 2024.
Set after the events of “The Batman,” the 8 episode debut season of “The Penguin” finds Oswald Cobblepot (AKA Oz) plotting to take over the Falcone crime family after the death of Carmine Falcone. In order to do so, he has to get several people out of the picture including the recently released from Arkham Asylum Sofia Falcone as well as other members of the Falcone family. With the aid of a desperate orphaned teenager (Victor) whom he takes under his wing as a henchman/driver, the disabled and scheming Oz plays Maroni and Falcone against each other. Other subplots include a Bliss drug trade operation, Oz’s ailing mother Francis, Sofia’s tragic past, Oz’s childhood, and other crime bosses.
Even though “The Batman” was one of the best comic book films to date, there was a fair amount of skepticism about “The Penguin.” Truth be told, Colin Farrell’s take on the character in “The Batman” didn’t really make a big splash as his role was fairly minimal. Luckily, Matt Reeves and showrunner/creator Lauren LeFranc had a big plan for the character with “The Penguin” series and it sure paid off.
“The Penguin” is a DC TV series, but it’s not a superhero series at all. It’s very much a gritty gangster series that explores the criminal underworld of Gotham City. Batman is nowhere to be seen here as the series explores how Oz worked his way up the ladder to become a powerful crime boss. The series never pulls any punches as we see the lengths Oz will go to get what he wants. His past and present is filled with truly demented, violent, and cruel acts. You really get to explore the psychology of this character and what makes him tic. The creative team really presents a fascinating and fresh new look at the longtime fan-favorite Batman villain. It will leave you wanting more (let’s hope we get a second season someday).
Of course, “The Penguin” wouldn’t be the show it is without the versatile Colin Farrell. The actor completely disappears into the role and gives one of the finest performances of his career. He’s so good that it’s difficult to even find traces of Farrell within this character. To say proves why he is one of the best modern actors around is an understatement. Equally impressive here is Cristin Milioti (best known for “Palm Springs,” “Black Mirror” and the “Fargo” series). Milioti easily gives the best performance of her career thus far as the damaged, unhinged, and traumatized Sofia Falcone whose character arc is as compelling as Oz’s. Milioti’s career is sure to take off after this. Newcomer Rhenzy Feliz holds his own opposite Farrell as Victor while Deirdre O’Connell impresses as Oz’s mother Francis. Really, the entire ensemble is great across the board.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 2.00:1 2160p. How does it look? Viewers can expect a pristine transfer of the episodes.
Audio Track: Dolby Atmos. How does it sound? From the dialogue driven scene to the shootouts, this is an effective Atmos track.
Extras:
* “Inside Gotham”- Featurettes on each episode with interviews, episode clips, and character and story discussion.
* “Introducing The Penguin” examines the titular character in this series.
* “The Origin Of Oz” covers Penguin’s backstory.
* “Welcome To Gotham”- A short featurette on the further exploration of Gotham City.
* “Gotham Re-Envisioned”- Another featurette on Gotham.
* “Becoming The Penguin”- A behind-the-scenes look at the make-up/prosthetics.
* “Who Is The Hangman: Portrait Of Sofia Falcone”- Character featurette.
* “Hearts Of The Penguin” revolves around the women in Penguin’s life.
* “A Tale Of Two Gothams” depicts the two worlds of Gotham (the rich and the poor).
* “Victor Aguilar: The Making Of A Henchman”- A featurette on the character.
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