First Impressions - The Penguin (2024)

In the week of comic book TV premiers we now have DC's delivery with the first episode of The Penguin. After the success of The Batman, this show was quickly announced to focus on Colin Farrell's Penguin and how he attempts to take over the criminal underworld after the events of the film. I have watched the episode and here are my impressions, obviously there will be spoilers here. 

Colin Farrell owns every scene that he is in. 

Before we start to talk about the actual episode, credit has to go to Colin Farrell who does an amazing job as Oz Cobb and owns every scene. The makeup and prosthetics is a big commitment for an actor and if you didn't know you would struggle to recognise him. He is perfect as this criminal that is trying to build up his empire and I am a big fan of this character.

The show is very soon after The Batman

At the end of The Batman, we saw the death of Carmine Falcone and the destruction of the slums of Gotham city by Riddler and his forces. It shows a city still in disrepair and that the wealthy were unaffected by the disaster at the end of the film. 

Penguin kills Alberto Falcone

Upon the death of his father, Alberto Falcone has taken over the criminal empire of his family, However, at the beginning of the episode he runs into Oz and ends up disrespecting him and Oz ends up killing him. This is obviously going to be the big event that gets the show rolling and puts Oz under pressure. 

Sofia Falcone returns

A big event of the episode sees the return of Sofia Falcone. She has been locked up in Arkham but is now out. She is looking for her brother and she seems pretty twisted, we learn throughout the episode that she is unhinged but also clever as she works out pretty quickly that Oz was involved in her Brothers disappearance. 

Penguin does anything to survive

Throughout the episode, Penguin seems to do a lot in order to survive. He pays off a prostitute to be his alibi, he attempts to run away with his mother and he even tries to offer his services to Maroni. That last one does feel like a part of his grand plan and now he is locked in to taking over the Empire. 

A War between Falone & Maroni has been set up

Sofia captures Oz and tortures him to try and find out where Alberto is. But during the interrogation, the car that has Alberto's body arrives at the manor. This is clearly set out to show Maroni being the one who killed Alberto and thus start a war between the two families. This should see Penguin trying to manipulate both sides and takes his spot as the king. 

Overall

Overall, I enjoyed the first episode of The Penguin. It is slower paced and does take a bit of a time to get going but it is a cool mob show and I think these characters are going to be interesting enough to keep me invested.