After watching The Penguin finale, it’s clear that the series lives up to its hype. I spent half a day just trying to process everything that happened—there’s so much to unpack. It’s one of those shows where you could almost do a review for every episode, but that would be overkill. Instead, I’ve decided to round up my thoughts in one review, capturing the essence of the season as a whole.
The Mastery of Matt Reeves’ Gotham
Let’s start by saying this: I am in love with Matt Reeves’ Gotham. The way he treats this world is just phenomenal—he gets it. Reeves understands the DNA of Gotham, the essence of each character. Unlike many previous incarnations, which often depicted superheroes and villains in costume, Reeves delves deeper. His Batman universe isn’t about masks and roles; it’s about real people, their motivations, and their struggles. If you haven’t seen The Batman (starring Robert Pattinson), I highly recommend starting from The Penguin as it seamlessly picks up where The Batman left off. While it’s a continuation, it stands alone—it doesn’t rely on the broader narrative to carry its weight.
A Standalone Mob Story
Unlike many other cinematic universes that rely on interconnected films and series, The Penguin doesn’t need the crutches of a superhero universe. It’s a crime Mafia mob story at its core, and it works beautifully on its own. The show follows Oswald Cobblepot (Colin Ferrell) as he rises from lowly beginnings to become a Gotham crime lord. Ferrell’s portrayal of the Penguin is nothing short of brilliant. You can barely recognize him behind the makeup, and he brings depth to the character that is both disturbing and beautiful. The world created here, from the writing to the art direction, makes it feel real—it’s Gotham through and through.
The Power of Suspended Belief
The art direction in The Penguin is a standout. Every detail, every moment, is meticulously crafted to immerse you in this dark, gritty Gotham. The writing is equally powerful, balancing pace, mood, and unexpected twists that keep you guessing. The characters, particularly Colin Ferrell as the Penguin, are brought to life through impeccable dialogue and nuanced performances. Each scene, whether it’s a close-up of Cobblepot scheming or a powerful speech to the smaller gangsters, is a testament to the depth of this show’s storytelling.
The Performances: Colin Ferrell and Beyond
Colin Ferrell and Christine MTI (Sophia Falcone) deliver performances that are elevated by the show’s writing. Ferrell brings the Penguin alive in ways we’ve never seen before—layered, cunning, and wholly believable. The supporting cast also shines, particularly MTI who adds complexity to Sophia Falcone, bringing an eccentric, magnetic presence to the series. The direction and camera work capture the intensity of the performances, with close-ups that convey the raw emotion and tension between characters.
A Must-Watch Series
The Penguin is more than just a DC show; it’s a standalone crime drama with the quality of a top-tier mob series. The writing, the direction, and the performances combine to create a world that feels real, a Gotham that is both terrifying and mesmerizing. Whether you’re a fan of Batman or not, this series is a must-watch. It’s a reminder that not every story needs to be part of a larger universe to be compelling. The Penguin stands alone in its brilliance.
If you haven’t watched it yet, I highly recommend it—just be prepared for an emotional, intense ride through the heart of Gotham.