The Penguin (2024)

[Travesty]

Damn, I really enjoyed the premiere. I'm actually shocked by how fluid it all felt. It really is an extension of the Reeves' universe.

I'll probably come back in a few days after I do a rewatch, but good god, did this deliver! I'm extremely happy by how this is all playing out.

[The Dark Knight]

Same. Very strong start to the series. Focused storytelling. One of the best incarnations of the Penguin in any medium, and Colin is one of the best CBM villains period.

[Silver Nemesis]

[thecolorsblend]

The conspiracy theory I keep hearing is that WBD is apparently holding TB2 hostage (somewhat) based on The Penguin's numbers. I have no idea if that's true or what kind of power struggles are going on behind the scenes.

But I've seen mostly positive reviews so far. The one critical remark has come from an absolute asshat who's wrong about everything else, so why would he be right about this one thing? Either way, I'll make some time for the show probably this weekend.

[Silver Nemesis]

[The Dark Knight]

I have seen points being made about this Penguin's mobster genericism and lack of iconography. He has the exaggerated penguin-like waddle, has used an umbrella, smokes and has the Iceberg Lounge. That's all he really needs. I'm a huge Batman Returns fan and love DeVito's performance. As a one and done it's perfect and iconic. But I have to admit the Farrell style is built for the long term and is thrilling on a different level. Controlling turf, shipments and taking down rivals elevates the character. There's a nice mix of humanity and street smart savagery that's very well done.

[The Joker]

Sofia Falcone, you have never done a thing wrong in your life.

[Silver Nemesis]

[The Dark Knight]

Sofia Falcone, you have never done a thing wrong in your life.

Very much enjoying her performance. You can definitely see things from her perspective. The end of the last episode was one of the most satisfying things I've seen in a while and gets the viewer supporting her vendetta. Which is great from the perspective Oz is a villain who we shouldn't really be liking all that much despite his unique charisma. He'd be the best Survivor player in existence if he went on the show, managing to talk his way out of anything. He's going to have to make some ugly choices to become the kingpin, and Farrell said a lot of people will probably hate him by the end of it all. As Joker said in '89, "you can't make an omelette without breaking some eggs."

[The Joker]

Very much enjoying her performance. You can definitely see things from her perspective. The end of the last episode was one of the most satisfying things I've seen in a while and gets the viewer supporting her vendetta. Which is great from the perspective Oz is a villain who we shouldn't really be liking all that much despite his unique charisma. He'd be the best Survivor player in existence if he went on the show, managing to talk his way out of anything. He's going to have to make some ugly choices to become the kingpin, and Farrell said a lot of people will probably hate him by the end of it all.

Yeah, Cristin Milioti has taken, what I previously considered, a so-so character and made Sofia truly compelling. For me, it's one of those (oftentimes rare) examples where the cinematic adaptation unequivocally improves upon what was depicted from the source material. 

As Joker said in '89, "you can't make an omelette without breaking some eggs."

True! Penguin ascending to the throne as the Kingpin of Gotham is the hook, and what I previously thought would be the most interesting thing about the show by a mile (including Colin Farrell's performance), but again, Cristin Milioti as Sofia made this show more gripping, and it's better for it. We'll have to enjoy the time we get.