The Penguin: You Don’t Really Understand the Series Until You Watch It Twice

The Penguin: You Don’t Really Understand the Series Until You Watch It Twice

As a seasoned gamer and avid DC fan with countless hours spent exploring the dark corners of Gotham City, I must say that “The Penguin” has undoubtedly left a lasting impression on me. This series was a masterclass in storytelling, and its finale was nothing short of spectacular.


The TV show “The Penguin” has concluded, leaving fans of DC’s “The Batman” Universe in a state of excitement over how exceptional the series turned out to be, particularly its highly-acclaimed final episode. The finale provided a satisfying conclusion for “The Penguin,” as it unveiled some crucial late-game revelations that significantly changed our understanding of Oswald Cobblepot (portrayed by Colin Farrell) and his perspective on the world. Yet, for the audience, the true journey of getting acquainted with this portrayal of “The Penguin” truly starts when you rewatch the series from the beginning.

In my opinion, what struck me most upon rewatching “The Penguin” is that Lauren LeFranc masterfully crafted Oz Cobb as a character who appears to have depth but is actually devoid of soul and sociopathic tendencies. What’s fascinating about this show is how it expertly led viewers like myself to believe that there was a ‘good side’ or ‘heart’ within Oz, but in reality, the true essence of the series only becomes apparent upon closer examination during the finale – where we truly understand just how cunningly we were deceived.

The Shark That Swims Crooked

The Penguin: You Don’t Really Understand the Series Until You Watch It Twice

The initial scene of “The Penguin” left viewers stunned, as Oz abruptly slays Alberto Falcone, the newly appointed mob boss, barely minutes into the series. Yet, the dialogue between Oz and Alberto, revolving around Oz’s recollection of gangster Rex Calabrese’s reputation, assumes a fresh perspective once it is revealed that Rex was not at all like the legendary figure Oz portrays (he was more a small-time crook and psychopath), and surprisingly, he had plotted to eliminate Oz when he was still a young boy.

Oz immerses Gotham into a citywide gang conflict due to Alberto challenging his inflated belief that he equals the legendary figure he admires excessively. From the beginning, LeFranc emphasizes that The Penguin will revolve around a morally corrupt sea creature, relentlessly devouring anything in its path – and this theme remains constant throughout the story.

The Actors Are Working Levels on Levels

The Penguin: You Don’t Really Understand the Series Until You Watch It Twice

Colin Farrell’s portrayal of Oz Cobb has garnered much acclaim, placing him at the forefront as a strong contender for the 2025 Emmys. Although Farrell’s skill in embodying Oz Cobb convincingly is widely recognized, it’s only upon multiple viewings that one can truly grasp the depth and complexity of his performance.

We now know Oz Cobb’s history with his family – killing his brothers Jack and Benny, the toxic mother-son relationship based on a lie. Rewatching the show, it’s even more impressive to notice and realize that Farrell is conveying all that twisted history in his performance, the entire time. Oz’s mannerisms and micro-reactions to mentions of family, or the stories he tells about his mother and brothers, Rex, and his neighborhood – they’re all weapons of manipulation, and watching Oz spin those fabrications becomes the real fascination: the portrait of a total sociopath, masterfully executed by the writers, directors, and Farrell.

Just as with Cristin Milioti’s character, Sofia Falcone, rewatching The Penguin doesn’t necessarily alter your view of her storyline. However, upon second thought, the perspective in which we perceive her character shifts. Sofia was immersed in a world dominated by sociopathic men, including her father, who callously exploited and discarded her. Essentially, she was trapped in a life that left deep scars, making her remarkable resilience and ability to seize power all the more impressive.

Upon revisiting “The Penguin,” I find myself seeing Victor Aguilar (Rhenzy Feliz) and Francis Cobb (Deirdre O’Connell) in a new light as tragic figures from the get-go, knowing they were all fodder for Oz to thrive on.

A True Villain Origin

The Penguin: You Don’t Really Understand the Series Until You Watch It Twice

Primarily, viewing The Penguin once more is an entirely fresh encounter of witnessing one of Batman’s most dangerous adversaries seize power – with the understanding that he’s the type of ruthless and deranged villain who only a hero like Batman can ultimately bring to trial.

The Penguin is now streaming on Max.

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2024-11-14 03:40