The Penguin: From the World of Batman

Author and Reviewer: Ben Zhang

Date: Nov 14, 2024

Introduction

The Penguin is a 2024 crime-drama mini-series set in the gritty aftermath of The Batman. Across eight tightly constructed episodes, the show refuses to romanticize Gotham’s underworld; instead it drags you straight into its mud. The tone is cold, brutal, and methodical, powered almost entirely by Colin Farrell’s complete transformation into Oswald “Oz” Cobblepot. It is a crime drama stripped of its comic-book shine: sharp, bruising, and uncomfortably human.

Genre: Crime Drama

Number of Episodes: 8 (About 50-60 min per episode)

First Episode: September 19, 2024

Last Episode: November 10, 2024

Storyline And Background

The story begins in the ruins of Gotham City after the flooding that ended The Batman. Crime families scramble for control, alliances fray, and the vacuum left behind by Falcone becomes an invitation for chaos. In the middle of this restructuring stands Oz Cobb, a mid-level gangster suddenly presented with the best and most dangerous opportunity of his life: to rise from henchman to kingpin.

What follows is a slow-burning power struggle. Oz maneuvers through collapsing loyalties, unstable rivals, and his own lingering desperation to be respected. The series pairs its criminal chess game with a surprisingly emotional family thread: Oz’s complicated history with his mother, his hunger for legitimacy, and the glimpses of vulnerability buried beneath his cruelty.

This is not a superhero story. It is a noir-soaked rise-to-power saga filled with betrayals, street-level violence, old-world mafia codes, and fractured morality. Gotham feels less like a comic universe and more like a decaying American metropolis, one gang war away from implosion.

And through all of it, Oz fights, not just for power, but for a version of himself he believes he deserves.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Colin Farrell is completely unrecognizable, in the best possible way.
His performance carries the entire show. It’s rare to see an actor disappear so fully into a role; every gesture, snarl, and moment of vulnerability feels lived-in.
Gotham feels real, grimy, and grounded.
The production design leans into a street-level crime world rather than superhero fantasy. It’s closer to The Sopranos or Boardwalk Empire than anything in the DC Universe.
Excellent world-building without relying on Batman.
The show proves Gotham can stand on its own as a crime ecosystem. No capes needed — just power, hunger, and corruption.
Sharp, slow-burning writing.
The plot takes its time, letting tension stew. The payoff is worth it, especially in the mid-season escalation and the final two episodes.
Great supporting cast with memorable, flawed characters.
From rival families to unpredictable allies, almost every new character adds a fresh dynamic to the gangster power struggle.

Cons:

The pacing can feel too slow for some audiences.
A few stretches drag, especially early on. If you’re expecting fast action, this isn’t that kind of show.
Limited action sequences.
When violence happens, it’s brutal — but the series relies far more on conversations, threats, and strategy than gunfights.
Some side characters are underused.
A few intriguing personalities don’t get the development they deserve, especially given how rich the world could be.
The tone is relentlessly bleak.
This is not a “fun” watch. If you’re not in the mood for a dark, heavy crime saga, it might feel emotionally exhausting.

Review and Comments

I wouldn’t hesitate to rate this TV show a solid 9.0 out of 10. Honestly, I was about to give it a perfect 10, but since nothing is truly perfect, 9.0 feels right. Nearly every aspect of the show is exceptional—the characters, storyline, aesthetics, and music are all top-notch and beyond question. What amazes me most is how the series managed to achieve so much in just eight episodes. It created unforgettable characters and delivered a complete, compelling story with remarkable efficiency. Moreover, Colin Farrell's portrayal of Oswald Cobb, the protagonist, was phenomenal. Initially, I didn’t even realize it was him in the role! If I had to point out a flaw, it would be that the climax felt slightly rushed, especially with the frequent shifts in the tide of victory. That said, it doesn’t take away from the overall brilliance of the show. To the producers, I only have one recommendation: please make a sequel or, at least, a spin-off. This world and its characters deserve more exploration!

Reviewer Score

9.0

Rotten Tomatoes

95%

IMDb

8.6

Metacritic