Why The Penguin Deserves His Own TV Series

As a long-time comic book enthusiast who has been following Gotham’s dark and twisted underworld for decades, I couldn’t be more thrilled about The Penguin getting his own series! While some might argue that a Batman character without the Dark Knight himself isn’t worth the screen time, I wholeheartedly disagree.


In “The Batman,” a fresh universe for “The Dark Knight” was created, teeming with cunning and fascinating characters all vying for power in Gotham City. One standout among these is Colin Farrell’s portrayal of The Penguin, who captivated audiences throughout “The Batman.” Interestingly, he now stars in his own series on HBO. Some early reviews have questioned the necessity of a Penguin series or any show centered around a Batman character without Batman himself. However, there are several compelling arguments as to why this shouldn’t deter us from appreciating The Penguin’s solo outing. Let’s delve into some of these reasons and understand why The Penguin deserves his own TV series.

An Icon for a Reason

Among the legendary rogues that adorn Batman’s universe, The Penguin stands out as a timeless character who has managed to survive among heavyweights such as The Joker, Catwoman, Two-Face, Mr. Freeze, Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn, Killer Croc, the Court of Owls, Clayface, and many others. Despite this fierce competition in Gotham’s underworld, The Penguin has consistently remained a significant player, earning him a well-deserved solo spotlight. As fans, we get to delve deeper into his strategies for maintaining his influence in such a cutthroat environment.

Time to Appreciate the Evolution

Characters like Penguin are best developed when given ample space to grow, unlike those who fit comfortably within a standard 2-hour movie timeframe. Penguin’s intricate journey through the criminal underworld, particularly his rise and maneuverings, requires a more expansive narrative.

Truly Transformative Performance

In discussing the reasons for The Penguin’s success in “The Batman,” we could sum it up as ‘Colin Farrell’s portrayal is exceptional.’ It’s hard to argue otherwise because Farrell has so convincingly transformed into The Penguin that some viewers didn’t recognize him. While the impressive prosthetics and makeup play a significant role, Farrell’s commitment to embodying the character rather than just playing him sets him apart.

A Perfect Prologue

In this new series, which unfolds a week after the events of The Batman, viewers will dive not only into the current state of Gotham but also how the turbulence following these events paves the way for Oz’s rise in power. Key characters from Gotham’s criminal underworld play significant roles in the series, and as Penguin navigates through treacherous waters filled with ruthless predators, audiences will witness their strategic moves.

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2024-09-15 07:09