HBO is known for its excellent, high-quality TV shows, especially gripping crime thrillers. However, a recent release has truly stood out and brought something new to the genre.
In 1999, HBO launched The Sopranos, a gripping crime drama that offered a new look at the New York mafia through the eyes of the Soprano family, focusing on Tony’s struggles to balance family life with his dangerous role as a mob boss. HBO continued this trend of innovative television with shows like The Wire, Boardwalk Empire, and True Detective, among others.
These shows continue to prove that HBO is the leading network for gripping crime thrillers. But in 2024, one release stood out by blending genres and turning a comic book supporting character into the hero of his own journey. More importantly, The Penguin is a truly fresh and inventive crime thriller – one of the best HBO has offered in years.
The Penguin Is More Than Just A Batman Spinoff
Most people immediately associate the Penguin with Batman. Since his comic book debut in 1941, shortly after Batman first appeared, the Penguin has been a consistent presence in Gotham City’s criminal underworld, appearing in many different TV shows and movies.
When news came that a series focusing on The Penguin was in development, many wondered how it would connect to the story told in Matt Reeves’ The Batman. While the show does expand the world of Gotham City, it intentionally left Batman out of the picture, choosing instead to center the narrative around Colin Farrell’s character, Oz Cobb.
Instead of building towards other Batman stories, The Penguin offered a self-contained tale about a cunning villain who climbs the ranks by manipulating powerful individuals and using his connections to gain wealth and influence.
Colin Farrell And Cristin Milioti Both Won Awards For The Penguin
As with many compelling crime thrillers, strong performances are key to a good story. The Penguin certainly benefited from excellent casting, with Colin Farrell perfectly embodying the main character and Cristin Milioti delivering a captivating performance as the troubled Sofia Falcone.
With Carmine Falcone gone, Oz saw an opportunity to lead the Falcone crime family. But Carmine’s children stood in his way. He easily dealt with his impulsive son, but Sofia proved to be a much more difficult opponent – she was unpredictable and very perceptive.
It wasn’t easy to develop these characters, but Colin Farrell and Alison Milioti both gave incredible performances. They transformed a promising idea into a truly captivating show. Their interactions – the way they build and break trust, and constantly try to outsmart each other – are beautifully acted by two performers at their best.
I’m so glad to see that critics are loving the show as much as I am! Both Colin Farrell and Alison Milioti have been getting a lot of recognition for their amazing performances. They both won Saturn Awards, and Critics’ Choice Awards too! While Colin didn’t win an Emmy, Alison absolutely crushed it and took home the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series – she was incredible!
How The Penguin Ties Into The Batman Part 2
While The Penguin successfully carves out its own identity separate from the first Batman film, it still ties into the broader DC Elseworlds universe. Following Colin Farrell’s introduction of the character in The Batman, it made sense to expand Oz’s story after the events and turmoil caused by the Riddler’s capture in Gotham.
Throughout eight episodes, Oz steadily takes over Gotham’s criminal underworld. He does this by starting conflicts between rival groups and then exploiting the resulting chaos. Ultimately, he becomes the city’s new crime boss. But with this newfound power, he’s more likely to attract the attention of Gotham’s protector.
In The Batman Part II, Bruce Wayne will keep fighting crime as the Batman, striking fear into criminals and sending the most dangerous ones to Arkham Asylum.
Since the ending of The Batman hinted at the Joker’s return with Batman visiting Arkham, it’s logical that the events surrounding The Penguin will drive the story forward. This likely means we’ll see Oz and Sofia again in the next movie as the consequences of The Penguin’s actions are revealed.
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2026-02-27 19:21