22/25
The DC Studios logo is set in a rainy Gotham alley
Scenario
Following the events of The Batman (2022), Oz Cobb, aka the Penguin, is set to take over the criminal underworld of Gotham. He got into the character during the production of “The Penguin.” Colin Farrell fought hard to have his version of the Penguin in The Batman (2022), but was unsuccessful. For his own series, however, the character is depicted as a casual tobacco user who prefers cigars. An umbrella falls and the logo changes to the Warner Bros.
Absolutely nailed the tone and atmosphere
logo. Featured in Graham Norton and others: Lady Gaga/Demi Moore/Colin Farrell/Richard Ayoade/Jack Savoretti (2024). Rough, dirty and dark, but Farrell manages to capture that spark of charm that made Gandolfini’s Tony Soprano. The Sopranos are particularly similar in tone.
Where to start with Farrell
There’s a lot of dark stuff in this opening episode, but there are still comedic moments that fit the tone and don’t undermine it. Amazing is the right word. I love seeing talented star actors fully embrace roles like this, and the makeup/CGI or whatever they did to transform him into the Penguin not only physically passes the eye test, but looks incredibly realistic. There’s always a risk that if the makeup isn’t good enough or is just a little off, it can be completely distracting.
It didn’t disappoint, in fact it blew me away
In Penguin, it enhances his performance and the overall quality of the show because he’s a damn good job. And Farrell as an actor is completely immersed in this role. I may be a little biased because he’s one of my favorite actors before this show, but I think this will give him the recognition he deserves. I never tune in to new shows right away because I like to watch episodes all at once, but I wanted to see how this one actually turned out.
Kudos to everyone involved in this project
Check out our review of "Yellowstone" Season 5, Episode 2, “The Squid Game”; Season 2 and other most anticipated new and returning series coming to TV and streaming.