In an era saturated with comic book adaptations, HBO Max’s The Penguin stands out as a refreshingly bold and gritty take on Gotham’s criminal underworld. The series has been praised for its dark tone, character-driven storytelling, and exceptional performances, particularly by Colin Farrell and Cristin Milioti. The show is set in the aftermath of The Batman (2022), and it delves deep into the rise of Oswald Cobblepot, aka the Penguin, as he manipulates, deceives, and claws his way to the top of Gotham’s criminal food chain. With stellar side characters like Victor, played by Rhenzy Feliz, The Penguin manages to break the mold of conventional comic book TV shows by giving a deep, nuanced portrayal of Gotham’s underworld.
Colin Farrell’s Transformative Performance as The Penguin
Colin Farrell’s portrayal of the Penguin is nothing short of transformative. With the help of extensive prosthetics and makeup, Farrell disappears into the role, fully embodying the disfigured, ruthless crime lord. His performance is a masterclass in subtlety, offering a blend of menace, charisma, and vulnerability that makes Penguin one of the most intriguing characters on television.
Farrell’s Penguin is not your traditional comic book villain. He is not flamboyant or overly theatrical like other versions of the character; instead, he is grounded, dangerous, and deeply human. His ambition drives the narrative forward as he cunningly manipulates the Falcone and Maroni crime families, playing both sides to solidify his position in Gotham’s criminal underworld. His lies and deceit are at the core of the series, making for a compelling exploration of power dynamics in a corrupt city.
Throughout the series, Farrell portrays Penguin as a man deeply shaped by his insecurities, always seeking validation and respect from those who underestimate him. The depth of his portrayal allows viewers to understand Penguin not just as a villain, but as a complex, layered individual whose motivations are grounded in survival and ambition. Farrell’s performance elevates The Penguin from a typical comic book adaptation to a character-driven drama that explores the darkest corners of Gotham.
Cristin Milioti Shines as Sofia Falcone
Cristin Milioti delivers a stellar performance as Sofia Falcone, the daughter of Carmine Falcone and a key player in Gotham’s mafia wars. Milioti brings a sharp intelligence and quiet strength to the role, standing toe-to-toe with Farrell’s Penguin in every scene. Sofia is calculating and determined, a woman who knows her power and is unafraid to wield it.
Milioti’s chemistry with Farrell creates a dynamic power struggle between their characters. Their interactions are charged with tension, as both Sofia and Penguin attempt to outmaneuver each other in the game of Gotham’s underworld. Milioti’s performance adds layers to Sofia’s character, making her more than just a typical mob boss’s daughter—she is a formidable player in her own right.
Sofia’s complex relationship with Penguin adds another dimension to the series. While she is an ally to him at times, she is also a threat, always looking for ways to protect her family’s legacy. Milioti’s portrayal gives the audience a character who is as ruthless and cunning as any of Gotham’s most notorious criminals.
Rhenzy Feliz’s Victor: A Standout Side Character
One of the most unexpected highlights of The Penguin is the character development of Victor, played by Rhenzy Feliz. Victor starts as Penguin’s driver, but as the series progresses, his role becomes much more significant. Victor’s loyalty to Penguin is tested as he gets deeper into the crime world, and Feliz’s performance brings a quiet intensity to the character.
Victor serves as a moral compass of sorts, offering a contrast to the ruthlessness of Penguin. His journey from a simple driver to someone caught up in the violence and deception of Gotham’s underworld is one of the most compelling subplots of the series. Feliz captures the internal conflict of a man torn between loyalty and survival, making Victor a key emotional anchor in the series.
As Penguin’s right-hand man, Victor is often a witness to the lies and manipulation that define Penguin’s rise to power. His relationship with Penguin is complex—built on loyalty but constantly tested by the increasingly dangerous world they inhabit. Victor’s arc gives viewers a more grounded perspective on the criminal dealings in Gotham, and Rhenzy Feliz’s nuanced portrayal makes him one of the show’s breakout stars.
Deception and Power: Penguin’s Manipulation of the Falcones and Maronis
The core of The Penguin is the intricate web of lies and deception spun by Oswald Cobblepot. Throughout the series, Penguin plays both the Falcone and Maroni crime families against each other, all while furthering his own ambitions. His mastery of deception is what sets him apart as a truly dangerous figure in Gotham.
Penguin’s manipulation of the Falcones and Maronis creates a tense power struggle, with Gotham’s entire criminal underworld hanging in the balance. He uses his cunning to exploit their weaknesses, ensuring that neither family can gain the upper hand without him. This constant power shift keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, as Penguin’s next move is always unpredictable.
The way The Penguin handles these crime families goes beyond simple villainy. It’s a detailed look at the politics of power in Gotham, where alliances are fragile, and betrayal is inevitable. Penguin’s ability to navigate these dangerous waters—lying, backstabbing, and scheming—makes him a fascinating character to watch, and his rise to power feels earned through his sheer cunning.
Breaking the Mold of Comic Book Television
What sets The Penguin apart from other comic book adaptations is its dedication to character development and its refusal to rely on typical superhero tropes. The show is not about flashy battles or world-ending threats; instead, it is a grounded, intense exploration of Gotham’s criminal underworld, focusing on power, deception, and survival.
With standout performances from Colin Farrell, Cristin Milioti, and Rhenzy Feliz, The Penguin breaks new ground for comic book television. It offers a gritty, character-driven story that elevates the genre, making it a must-watch for fans of Gotham’s darkest characters.